"Ever since I joined Embrace in 2006, I feel that our activities have helped to improve my spiritual life particularly in my prayer life, the importance of experiencing the Mass, and the knowledge about my own Catholic faith.

I also enjoy being in this group because the members are very international and even though we came from all over the world, we feel as though we are part of the same family. There has never been a place where I was more welcomed, and glad to be a part of, than at Embrace."

Alex - Sydney, Australia.

"The invitation came by way of Father Liem Duong (then Deacon Liem) to come to an Embrace gathering.  He asked me, 'Are you coming?' one Sunday morning in July 2006. After nearly one and half years of being an Embrace member and after departing Sydney, I cherish the friendship, companionship, and fellowship with the core members, the regulars, the monthlies, and even those who came only few times.

For me, Embrace is a place to share experiences.  These experiences, as diverse as our members, are the lives of our faith, our happiness and struggles, and our search for God's will collectively and personally.  Through Embrace, I experienced the richness of faith sharing that has strengthened my own."

Andy - Melbourne, Australia.

"Meeting Embrace in Sydney was a true blessing for me. It was an answer to my prayers for fellowship and nourishment of my faith life.

Through Embrace I met many good friends and became very involved with activities at St Mary's Cathedral. I especially enjoyed our Youth Mass, sports days, volunteering for service projects, and going out for dinner with Fr Liem and friends. Together we inspired and encouraged each other to go deeper in our faith and for that I am grateful."

Aiden - Canada.

"Embrace has been like a family for me. Despite our different cultural backgrounds we are unified by our common spiritual nature."

Miriana - Brazil.

"When I arrived in Australia, among the first people I met were Embrace members. They were really open-minded and I soon got to know and appreciate them. Since then, every Sunday night is an Embrace night!

When you leave home and travel to the ends of the earth, it's good to meet some people who are united by the most important thing in their life: their faith in Jesus. I really appreciate Embrace, especially when we simply share our personal experience of our faith journey. No matter whether you're new to Australia or you're a seasoned Sydneysider, come and join every Sunday night!"

Paul - France.

"Embrace is a wonderful group of young adults who share a common commitment to their Catholic faith. Since joining Embrace in 2006, I have had the opportunity to form new friendships and share my faith journey with other like-minded young adults.

Embrace is a community of faith and friendship where young adults can develop their spiritual life as well as put their faith in action through good works."

Linda - Sydney, Australia.

"Every young person needs the right direction in life. Embrace has helped me to actively fulfill my love of Christ and to be conscious about my social responsibility.

Every Sunday I have the opportunity to meet different people from different parts of the world. We have the chance to bring our faith together, make it stronger and together we follow the light of Jesus Christ."

Simon - Bangladesh.

"At first I hesitated to join Embrace because I came to Sydney to study English and I wasn't good at English. I've never forgotten the friendly and kind welcome when I first joined. After that time, I've really enjoyed many interesting and very meaningful activities with Embrace members. Of course, I still have problems speaking and listening to English until now, but that's not important to become active at Embrace. Many members are from overseas, that's why we have the same sympathy.

Embrace provides me with active energetic life in Sydney, but more importantly is the faith I share and gain with others in addition to attending the mass. Soon I will go back to Korea, but I'm sure I'm going to remember the best group I've ever joined forever."

Sophie - Korea.

"Being a part of Embrace is such a wonderful blessing. I have met young people from different nations through this group who share the same longing for Christ.

I arrived here in Sydney last year as an international PhD scholar from the Philippines. For me, everything then was new. New culture. New environment. New ways of doing things. But there was one thing which was not new which I brought with me: my Catholic faith.

My involvement in Embrace has allowed me to nurture this Catholic faith that I have. Through the many activities of the group, I have not only nurtured it within me but I have been given the chance to share it with other young people from all over the world who are also yearning to grow in their faith and their love for Christ."

Alfred - Philippines.

"When I first came to Sydney I didn't know anyone. In my first week I started looking for a suitable parish to go to. I went to St Mary's and heard that the youth group would meet after Mass. There I met another girl who was new as well which was comforting for both of us. We were warmly welcomed by a chatty crowd of people.

Within the next weeks and months I became more and more involved with Embrace. It gave me a lot of spiritual support and I learnt a lot from the other members. It was a very good experience and a lot of fun to plan sessions and outings for the group. I went through a couple of difficult periods in Sydney but I could always count on my friends to support me. It made me feel like I had found a new family."

Johanna - Germany.

"Since I joined the Embrace group in 2006, I have made some wonderful friends from all parts of the world. It is through the support of these friends, and my participation in group discussions and community events, that my faith and love in God has been enriched."

Christine - Sydney, Australia.

"I have joined a number of Catholic youth societies in the past and I must admit Embrace is one of the best, if not the best. The members are friendly and courteous, but most importantly the activities are varied and they range from Bible study, Bible quizzes, research papers presented by priests and even social events which keep all of us very enthusiastic, motivated and always eager to attend the next session. Thanks to all members for making Embrace a great success."

Frank - Iraq.

"I have never been away from home for such a long time and at Embrace I discovered that God is the same everywhere. It's something that seems so obvious but I had to see for myself.

It doesn't matter how far I came from, Embrace makes me feel at home. It is the people, the movement, the strength and the values which we share that makes me feel at home. There is something that I can't explain that makes me participate every Sunday and I have this special feeling at the end of a stressful week."

Consuelo - Chile.