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WORLD YOUTH DAY 2011
Madrid, Spain
“Rooted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith.”
Based on Colossians 2:7
It may seem like August 17, 2011 is a ways off, but in World Youth Day terms its close! The reason is that an undertaking like this with young people from around the entire world takes much planning and effort. We actually need to send in initial paper work by October 1, 2009 to the Archdiocese Youth Ministry Office. So the time to start thinking about going is now!
Some questions that always come up are:
- What is World Youth Day?
- Every three years the Pope convenes an international gathering of young people from around the world to gather in one place for a week of prayer, worship, catechesis, bridge building and fellowship (and fun, too). World Youth Day is not an opportunity to “explore abroad,” or “enjoy vacation time” (though opportunities are usually scheduled for a couple days ahead, or afterwards). World Youth Day is a pilgrimage.
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What is this WYD’s theme?
- The theme of WYD 2011 is “Rooted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith.” It is based upon Colossians 2:7.All of the catechesis, prayer and events will be centered upon this theme.
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What’s it like?
- World Youth Day permeates throughout an entire city. There is no place one can go throughout an entire metropolitan area without being within the WYD sphere. Most people will never experience crowds such as these. It is a massive effort by Church, city and state all working together.
- Each pilgrim (this is a pilgrimage, not a vacation) has an itinerary for the day which runs from early morning through the evening. The beginning starts with an opening mass, during the week there will be an opening Papal appearance and the week concludes with a Saturday Evening Vigil (led by the Pope) and Sunday mass with the Pope. Catechesis occurs each day throughout the city at multiple sites led by a bishop of your language. Sites may be in groups of a few hundred to a few thousand. Special events are occurring simultaneously each day, all day all throughout the city.
- On Friday there is a dramatic representation of the Stations which will wind for miles throughout the city. You are assigned a given site where one Station will take place and you can view the rest on giant screens placed throughout the crowds at your assigned location.
- Pilgrims usually spend Saturday day hiking to the prescribed Vigil site where they “take up residence” (a sleeping bag in the outdoors in a very congested setting) awaiting the Saturday Evening Vigil Service and the next morning’s mass (which is a very long, yet dramatic and profound experience).
- There is no denying the exhaustion that can occur amid the energy of hundreds of thousands of young people coming together in one common faith endlessly singing, dancing, praying and praising in the name of our Lord, Jesus (and swapping souvenir pins, hats, shirts, flags & more). The words “the Church Universal” takes on a whole new meaning as you weave through the sea of flags of almost 200 nations waving in every conceived color and pattern.
- Like all great faith experiences what one puts into the week one takes out of it. “Rookies” always say they understand going in and then just shake their head in awe when they are in the midst of the week. It can be life inspiring and it can be a task. It is not for everyone as it is very physically, mentally and emotionally demanding, but most will do just fine. It is, most certainly, a window the Holy Spirit leads us to in order for us to see what we, sitting in our parish at home, are connected to.
- The cost?
- We are currently looking at three different packages being offered (as of June 1, 2009). They cover the basics of air faire, lodging and World Youth Day Registration Fees.One package is Hotel Accommodations, one is Dormitory Accommodations and one is Simple Accommodations. Meals are not included (though a continental breakfast comes with the hotel package). Package prices roughly range from $2,000.00 to $3,500.00. After reviewing all of the packages we choose one for our entire group. Fund raising opportunities may exist, but they take assistance from the participants and their families.
- Who can go?
- You must be at least 16 years of age at the time of departure, have a clear understanding of the rigors of WYD, willing to participate in the pre-WYD activities and demonstrate a level of maturity satisfactory to the Parish Youth Minister.
- What are the dates?
- The actual WYD Events start on August 17, 2011 and conclude on August 21, 2011. We are currently looking at a departure date of August 13, 2011 returning on August 22, 2011, or August 23, 2011.
- What do I do to say I’d like to go?
- We need to send in an initial list by October 1, 2009 so we need to hear from you prior to that. There are a fair number of pages in the “Enrollment Application,” some of which may require a notary. Don’t plan until the last moment to fill these out. Contact Deacon Ric at the Parish Office (734) 464-1222 for forms. A $200.00 deposit is required with each application we send in (make checks payable to St. Edith). Travel Guard Insurance is available, but must be purchased at the time of deposit.
- What happens after that?
- Leading up to WYD will be various meetings with those just going from our parish as well as meetings and gatherings of young people from around the entire Archdiocese. We will try to answer your questions as completely as possible.We will, also, have previous WYD participants tell their story and pictures and video clips will be shown.
- What if I’ll be in college, or older, at that time?
- For those who would be 21, or older, there is the option of traveling with the Vicariate Young Adult Group, Ignite. Please check their web site at www.ignite-ministry.org.
Hope you can join in! Hasta pronto.
Deacon Ric & Colleen Misiak |
