Endorsements
Bishops
“Jason Evert shares the Church’s teaching on sexuality and chastity with joy, zeal, and expertise. Also, and this is key, he knows his audience of post-sexual revolution young people, who need the fullness of the truth in the language of their own experience. St. John Paul II wrote: “Only the chaste man and the chaste woman are capable of true love.” In order to value and grow in this capability, we must know what chastity is and see its supreme value. That is why, especially today, we must have a teacher. I know of no one who has prepared more thoughtfully for this task. I highly recommend Jason’s speaking and the work of the Chastity Project.”
– Bishop Thomas Olmsted (Diocese of Phoenix)
“Jason Evert has a remarkable ability to present the beauty of human sexuality and the truth of God’s teaching on the virtue of chastity. I have heard this young man speak and witness to his Catholic faith, and I have seen first hand how positively our young people react to him.”
– Cardinal Sean O’Malley (Archdiocese of Boston)
“Jason has given all-school assemblies at 25 Catholic highs schools in the Archdiocese. From Cristo Rey Jesuit to Seton Academy to St. Joseph to Marist, Jason has received a heartening response from students, faculty, and parents at every high school at which he has spoken. I would like every Catholic high school in the Archdiocese to host Jason Evert for an all-school presentation.”
– Cardinal Francis George (Archdiocese of Chicago)
Leaders
“I’ve listened to him [Evert] a ton, and I still enjoy it today. I’m not a teen, but it speaks directly to me as well. You just hear how people’s hearts can be pure . . . and the whole way to go about it. He’s dead on to exactly what these kids are going through every day.”
– Philip Rivers (NFL Quarterback)
“I am not aware of anyone who has helped more young people discover the truth, power, and joy of chastity than Jason Evert. FOCUS is proud to be partnering with Jason to let young men and women realize that they were made for more.”
– Curtis Martin (Founder, Fellowship of Catholic University Students)
“He’s truly the best chastity education presenter I’ve ever seen. He shares with the students a vision of a better kind of love, the kind of love that God calls us to live in chastity.”
– Mary Louise Kurey, Director of the Respect Life office, Archdiocese of Chicago
“As the youngest canon lawyer in North America, and someone who has spent the last three years ministering within marriage tribunals, I see everyday how our contemporary culture destroys marriage and the family. From my experience, contraception and pre-marital sex play a major role in the breakdown of most marriages that I am asked to investigate. If only these couples had read Jason’s book before they attempted marriage, and taken its content to heart. Unfortunately, by the time they end up in my office it is too late. Jason’ book is truly the antidote to the annulment crisis infecting the Church in North America.”
– Pete Vere
“The lines for confession at the Love and Life Centre were continuous. At the height of the day over seventy priests found a spot up the stairs, around the corner or anywhere along the wall to celebrate the Sacrament of Confession for the repentant hearts that came seeking forgiveness. Priest after priest spoke of the return of penitents who hadn´t been to confession in six years, ten years, or longer. There were even some who had received baptism but had never been to confession. One penitent said that he had the best confession experience in the eleven years since his first encounter with the Lord and perhaps it was just for those few moments in the confessional that the Lord brought him all the way to Spain for World Youth Day. There was a particularly strong surge of penitents after Jason Evert’s testament to the power of confession. Jason Evert and his wife Crystalina gave a joint conference on chastity and the Theology of the Body. During his talk, Jason encouraged the young people to go to confession at least once a month. He explained that not only does this Sacrament possess the power to set us free from sin, but it also strengthens and fortifies the soul against future sin. Immediately after their talk the first wave of a seemingly unending line of penitents approached the confessionals.”
– Sisters of Life
“I heard Mr. Evert speak twice as a child, once in 6th grade at my uncle’s church and once as a junior in high school. Both times I was greatly impacted and know that I have him to thank for giving me the reasons and the courage to maintain my purity throughout my youth and be able to discover my vocation to religious life.”
–Sister Lisa
Principals & Administrators
“I have been principal of Redemptorist High School for twenty years, and this was the most effective assembly we have had during that time. You could have heard a pin drop during the hour-long program.”
– John C. Fabre, Principal, Redemptorist High School, Baton Rouge, LA.
“Jason captured the attention of the student body and genuinely touched their hearts. His combination of humor, emotion, and fact kept the students attentive and listening. As an educator and principal, I have had the opportunity to listen to many presentations and speakers. I cannot recall any other presentation that was so well prepared, organized, and geared to the level of the students as this one.”
– John A. Wray, Principal, Bishop Joseph V. Sullivan High School (Baton Rouge, LA)
“Have you ever had those moments when you knew a speaker was truly a gift from God? He or she was so dynamic you could almost see the Holy Spirit directly at work. These were my exact feelings as I observed Jason Evert speak to the Notre Dame High School student body in Riverside. The church was packed with energetic high school student clamoring for seats of the “sex talk.” As Associate Superintendent, I must admit I wondered – just for a second, how Jason was going to pull this off…how would the students hear the message…and most importantly would they embrace the message and live pure and chaste lives? All my questions quickly vanished as Jason took complete control of over 500 students with is humor, hard facts, and personal stories of people who have lived through and struggled with living a pure and chaste life. There was no need for Jason run down the list of don’ts and shouldn’ts – the students know the lists all too well. Society bombards them with images, ideals, and expectations – all of which contradict the values of our Catholic traditions. Students definitely heard the message. They laughed when it was appropriate…they gasped when it was appropriate…and sighed when it was appropriate. Anyone who has worked with high school students, knows this is a feat in and of itself. The thoughtful quiet upon dismissal was deafening! It was a morning of hope, renewed commitment, and new beginning for the youth present.”
– Annette Zaleski, Associate Superintendent of Catholic Schools, CA
“Your presentation really turned many of the students around completely. We have confession available for them this week, due to the great request after your presentation. Also, I’ve had many students through writing and verbally tell me how this seminar changed their lives. So much, that there were a few break – ups that week, due to pressure about sex and other sexual activity.”
– Principal
“St. Catherine of Alexandria School also had Jason speak to our Junior High classes, and the response was phenomenal. Educators and catechists can sometimes slow down bad behavior and poor choices with the classic negative, “thou shalt not”. But for truly changed behavior, our adults-in-training need to visualize and embrace the positive vision of their future lives as chaste men and women of God. Jason went a long way in doing that for our Junior High aged kids.”
– Rick Howick, Principal, St. Catherine of Alexandria School, Riverside
“Our 8th grade students went on a field trip to Notre Dame High School to listen to Jason Evert speak. He was phenomenal. I was a little leery at first as to how this would be received, however, our students were totally engaged and rivited to his every word. Sometimes you see kids, especially middle and high school students that are doing other things instead of listening. This was not the case with Jason. He spoke fast and furious, no time for the kids to get bored or have their minds wonder or you might miss something. This speaker opened up much needed conversation between adults and students, so that they can really make informed choices, not just follow what everyone else is doing.”
– Trenna Meins, Principal, Sacred Heart Rancho Cucamonga, CA
“Jason spoke for an hour and a quarter and had a line stretching out the gym door to speak with him afterward. There wasn’t any finger wagging, but a calling on the natural desire to true love.”
– Michael Dougherty, president of Josephinum Academ, Chicago, IL
“The presentation you gave at Gross Catholic in Omaha NE was the best presentation I have heard in 20 years of education. I can tell you as an administrator I was a little nervous having a speaker talk to our kids for over an hour on chastity. I heard you were a good speaker, but that didn’t help much the night before your talk. (ha) It was the most sincere and heartwarming talks I ever heard. You kept our students on the edge of their seats. As a matter of fact, a number of our students went to hear you at St. Gerald’s that same night. They brought their friends and family to hear you. Wow!”
– Assistant Principal, NE
“It really did make a difference. We had several sexually active girls in the senior class that said they were going to be resolved to be chaste from now on. All of the kids responded well. I am still hearing kids talk about the program and their new resolve to be chaste over a week later. Thanks for the program, It was excellent, just what we needed!”
– Principal
Teachers
“In 26 years of being at this school, I don’t think I’ve ever seen the kids give a standing ovation.”
– Teacher, AK
“My teacher said that you were the first speaker that every teacher in the school agreed upon. There’s usually at least one teacher who doesn’t like the speakers, but every single teacher agreed that you were an incredible speaker and you knew your information well! Knowing the teachers at my school, and knowing how critical some are, that’s a huge accomplishment!
– Student
“The seniors are actively planning their Baccalaureate Liturgy and Graduation and one thing that will make this year’s stand out from the rest is that they are including your Pure Love Booklet and one of the Pure Love Pledge cards as part of the Offertory at the Mass. They are trying to include different aspects that represent important parts of their 4 years at PMA and they truly consider your talk one of the BEST things we’ve ever done for them at PMA. Thank you again for all you do for our young people. We pray for you every day and for all the young people who have yet to hear your message of hope!”
– Theology Teacher, MA.
“When we got back to school, I asked if anyone would like to write you a thank you letter and to my complete shock they all did. Remain firm in your calling.”
-8th grade English teacher.
“I’ve had a number of phone calls from parents saying how much they appreciate what you said to their kids. This one mom left a voice mail–it was actually kind of funny–and she was just “gushing” with praise. Her daughter made her come and see you at St. Gerald’s that night. Nikki said, “Mom–you just gotta see” — so mom could understand why. Nikki was so affected and excited. Our president and principal received a bunch of phone calls too from parents praising you and your talk. That kind of thing just doesn’t happen very often around here. You got the “3 Chill” rating from a student in my class (Sarah) said that she got “chills” three times during your talk and that’s how she knows it was a good talk. I guess instead of “3 stars”–you got “3 chills.”
– Teacher
“I just wanted to thank you sincerely for your presentation. It touched me personally and is helping me to strive for a higher level of spirituality. Many of the kids said you are the best abstinence speaker they’ve heard.”
– Spanish Teacher, (Los Angeles, CA)
“We received a call from a local OBGYN who said that her office has been literally bombarded with girls going in for examinations and testing. She said, ‘Whoever this speaker was–bring ’em back! It worked!’ We’ve seen a lot, lot of fruit!”
- Teacher
“Your talk had a powerful impact on our students. Whatever supply of chastity cards and booklets that we had were wiped out. We ordered 200 more of each, and most of those have been given out as well. I think that says a lot about how your words affected our students. I would also add the following. Each year I have my students write a final, year-end essay about any one topic that impacted them the most during the entire school year. While your presentation was not formally a part of the theology curriculum, a number of students nonetheless chose to identify it as the one thing that struck them the most. I even had several students saying to me things to the effect of: “When I heard we were going to have a speaker on chastity, I immediately thought it was going to be a boring presentation with no relevance to my life. But after hearing Jason speak, I thought what he had to say was great and it really influenced my thinking.” As you certainly know, the fact that teenagers would think these types of things is itself miraculous. It’s even more miraculous to hear them actually verbalize such thoughts to you! Several faculty members (including myself) felt that your presentation was the best assembly the school has EVER had–bar none. So God bless you, Jason, for having done such a wonderful job. You have a tough subject to address, and I believe you do if effectively, prayerfully, and lovingly.”
-Teacher
“Hi Jason, Thanks for spreading your message with us today. I teach Sophomore Morality and your message was perfect! We talked about it today in class and the students loved you, thought you were down to earth and spoke their language. It’s so important the work you’re doing. I’m sure it’s exhausting and the traveling must be hard, but I’m so glad you’re out there, doing what you’re doing. Please know we prayed for you, your wife, baby and all the students you speak to today, and will continue to do so. All the best to you Jason! Blessings to you.”
– Religion teacher, MN
“Great Presentation. I honestly think this was the best approach to abstinence that I have seen.”
-Teacher
‘I’m the faculty member who approached you recently with the other teacher, telling you about the story of breaking up with my girlfriend from three years ago. I told you about how she was pressuring me so much at that time and then my every so awesome friend and colleague jumped in and told me about your faith & works. I didn’t know who you were at the time (1999), but after hearing you speak yesterday, I was driven right back to that very night when he told me about you and about the fact that I really needed to take care of this situation. My friend told you the story yesterday because I was a bit of a wreck and really couldn’t speak very well. But I wanted you to know that I took your advice that you gave me and told my classes later that day about the whole story of my past situation. It was your idea. But I wasn’t sure if it was a good idea, so I had a free period after the assembly and I went into the Chapel and prayed about it for a while. When I went to my next class, I was ready to go. I have some pretty terrific speaking abilities which help me out in the classroom quite a bit, but I wasn’t sure if they would be “on” at the moment. But the Holy Spirit never fails (something I didn’t really need to be reminded of). Jason, I had their attention for 40 straight minutes. “Pin-dropping” qualities!! I closed out those classes with a bit of a reminder about what was in-store for them in the next few months in this class, as we would be discussing different STD’s and Natural Family Planning. . . . .but for the first time in 5 years, there was a different “feel” in the room. I usually get a sense of dis-interest and non-believers. This year it was different. I have never left a class-session feeling so alive EVER! I woke up this morning and my dreams were still racing around in my head. All I dreamed about last night was me doing different activities, odds and ends, and participating in different events inside my own Parish. Sacramental Life was on my head from the moment I went to sleep until the moment I woke up. Jason, teaching the Catholic Moral-Theology course is probably one of the most difficult things that I do and have ever done. All the kids want to do is argue, get angry and many of them wind up leaving in the spring very bitter about many of the Church’s teachings. I don’t expect to hit golden with everyone, but I really woke up this morning feeling like a new man. After sharing my story with my Juniors yesterday, I can really feel the Holy Spirit and Jesus Himself standing right next to me with His arm around me, saying “hey, it’s gonna be a great semester!! Thank you SO much for what you do. Thank you so much for talking to me afterwards–I really needed it. But most of all—Thank you so much for advising me to share my story with my kids in my Moral Theology Class. It was a huge risk for me, but boy-oh-boy did it ever pay off!! They really really listened. And you know what? It IS gonna be a great semester!!!
– Teacher, NE
“The humor and strightforwardness was perfect and refreshing. I know now how I can talk to my own children someday about abstinence, even though I made some poor choices myself.”
-Teacher
“I was skeptical at first, but now agree with the idea of training yourself in faithfulness and how that can be effective for a successful marriage.”
-Teacher (NY)
“Christ’s light was sure shining through you. I know that your talk really affected many of the students. I overheard students talking in classes about things from your talk that they could relate to. Many of them told me that ‘you were so real’ and that you ‘were able to relate to them well.’ “Miss R., it was cool that he treated us like high school students and not little kids.’ ‘he really made you think.’ so, go you!!! Keep on shining your light and spreading Jesus to others. What an incredible example of Christ’s love you are.”
-Spanish Teacher
“Fantastic! If anyone can get through to high school students, it’s you. I’m sure you made a positive impression on everyone there, and the information you presented was invaluable.”
– Mrs. Rapp, Teacher
“I have never seen the student body so attentive during an assembly!”
– Mrs. Bembas, Teacher
“Thank you so much! You and Crystalina were amazing! Your presentation really turned many of the students around completely. We have confession available for them this week, due to the many requests after your presentation. Also, I’ve had many students through writing and verbally tell me how this seminar changed their lives. So much, that there were a few break-ups that week, due to pressure about sex and other sexual activity.”
– Teacher (Camden, NJ)
“I was thinking about those kids who come up to you, hardly knowing you at all, and just talk to you about their past. I think it’s because they see you as a friendly figure, one who is not going to condemn them, and one who can be trusted. A trustworthy figure is probably the rarest and most important person in a teenager’s life.”
– Teacher (Houston, TX)
“You were awesome! I was there as a teacher and mother, my daughters go to NECHS. They also got to see you at the Don Haskins. They can’t stop talking about your talk. you said everything I ever wanted to say as a parent in a perfect way, Thank you!!!
– Teacher (El Paso, TX)
Priests
“Words cannot express how happy I am with Jason Evert’s presentation today. The students were ‘raving’ to use a word from one of the faculty. The adults seemed thrilled. If I could say ‘Thank you’ a million times, it would not be enough. You have been a blessing to us. The students said you were the best speaker EVER! Anyone who could hold their attention for an hour and twenty minutes without props or electronics must have a phenomenal gift. We are so grateful.”
– Fr. Bernard Ezaki
“I very enthusiastically endorse and wholeheartedly recommend to you Mr. Jason Evert and his presentation on chastity. Jason has a wonderful ability to present his material in a very frank and straightforward way, while also being respectful and reverent about God’s gift of sexuality. He helped the students see just how loving and beautiful and truthful the Church’s teaching on human sexuality really is.”
– Fr. Max Striedl, Asst. Principal, St. Edward Catholic High School (Elgin, IL)
Parents
“The superintendent said that has never had such a response positively by parents and also the school district. They had over 100 calls saying that this had opened up the door of communication. And I believe for every 100 that made that effort that there were many more who did not.”
- Parent, MN
“Sara really loved the Jason Evert talk. She told me all about it. She is wearing the medallion on a chain. For me the St. Joe’s tuition just payed for itself. Thanks for much for getting Jason to the school. He has had such an impact on all of us.”
– Parent, CT
“For a father like me who’s got a daughter turning 18 years old, Jason Evert’s talk on pre-marital sex can only be described as God-send. I couldn’t thank him enough for this. Jason Evert, may your tribe increase!”
– Parent, Philippines
“I want to thank you for speaking to the kids at BHS a couple weeks ago. We have a daughter there – a freshman – and I’m pleased that she was able to hear your presentation. You speak their language; you have credibility, and you simultaneously give them a fresh blast of JPII-style chastity and holiness, on their level, that will energize them and give them great hope.”
– Parent
“What a positive impact Jason had on everyone present! The day was a gift; like that advertisement we have all seen on TV: Priceless. He stayed and talked with kids until the end of the school day. My daughter said his approach and words with the kids in these small group and individual sessions was “gold”. The line to meet with him got longer during the day, not shorter, as kids dropped by and asked to be seen. It has been a week today, and the kids are still alive with his talk. I saw kids wearing the Mary medallions, I saw a freshman with the rosary hanging in his locker, kids are still asking if there will be more promise cards available, but of course, the biggest changes we do not “see.” It is within individual hearts and souls. And yes, Jason changed lives forever. How do we thank you all for helping us to make this day possible? We are a small school, but I feel it was a ripple which will spread. The kids went home and shared their experience last Wednesday with their parents and families. The football coach said he was going to begin practice by saying he stands by every word Jason said and he expects the team to do the same. The theology department is passing out the information for the Pure by Choice conference in Denver where Jason will speak again in March. To close, my daughter said every student came into the assembly with a closed mind, thinking, ‘Man, they’ve been preaching chastity since grade school. What could they possibly say that would impact on my life? This will be a drag!’ Within two seconds, every individual was absorbed into Jason’s talk, with the feeling he was addressing them individually, personally and with so much heart and faith, they would be able to look back on this day and say,’My life was changed on February 18, 2004, at St. Mary’s High School. Thanks, Jason Evert.’
– Parent & Board of Directors Member (Colorado Springs, CO)
“I just wanted to Thank you for the outstanding message you conveyed last week, at my daughter’s high school, in Bakersfield. My daughter came home and talked and talked about saving herself, and the affects of sexually transmitted diseases, etc. I was absolutely delighted to see her interest in your important message. It is just wonderful to know that you presented a message that my daughter has talked about and continues to talk about, in such a positive manner! She has even put the pure love card in her backpack! Thank you, again, from a grateful and thankful parent of a 9th grade girl.”
-Parent
“We heard you speak last night, and my 16-year-old son–though dragged there sighing and rolling his eyes–was blown away by your talk. Thanks.”
-Parent
“We were so blessed to be able to hear Jason’s words! Our teens loved it – especially the boys! I can’t tell you how many moms came to me and said how much their boy loved it! They are reading his book and one of the girls even shared at our Life Night some of the info in the book. Some of the other girls looked at her with a questioning look, and she said, ‘I learned it from Jason’s book!’ The girls were amazed, as she is struggling quite a bit right now! Anyway, keep us in your prayers that we will be able to bring Jason to Bay City! We will work on it until it happens!”
– Mother, (Bay City, MI)
“A little feedback, and this is from a very faithful woman who is strongly opposed to any sex education in our schools. She was at your high school talk. She said she thought won over the entire crowd, including her. She said that she would be in favor of sex ed if it were done they way you did it. You have to know this woman to understand her change of mind. Praise God.”
– Parent
“My husband and I would not be where we are in our journeys today if it were not for the grace of God and for your witness! To be chaste is to be free, it is know love completely, and to be seen through the eyes of the heart where God dwells. So much joy-I never imagined it could be this way!!”
– Married Couple