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How will I raise the money I need to go to WYD 2008?
There are a number of ways to raise money for the pilgrimage to Australia! Firstly, why not commit to setting aside some money each month into a savings account that you will specifically use towards your trip? Secondly, get your parish involved! Many parishes in the past have offered some support to pilgrims from their own community and most would be willing, at least, to allow you to run a fund raising evening or event at the church. It may be that your parish may dedicate a collection one Sunday towards WYD. A good starting point would be to approach your parish priest. If he has questions about World Youth Day, direct him to look at this website. He should be very supportive, but don't be afraid to share the benefits of WYD with him! Finally, there are many traditional fund-raising ideas you could do in your school, club or workplace - from sponsored silence to guessing the sweets in a jar! Don't limit yourself. You may surprised by people's generosity. Finally, there will be some general fundraising going on in the diocese, so do contact the WYD office (click here), as they may be able to advise you if your are worried about funds.
What is World Youth Day?
World Youth Day (WYD) is a celebration of faith for young Catholics all over the world. Traditionally, WYD is marked every year, on Palm Sunday, at the beginning of Holy Week. However, every two to three years, the Pope invites young people to gather in a city to have a larger international gathering to mark WYD. This day, which involves a huge open air Mass with millions of young Catholics and the Pope, is preceded by a week of festivities and activities in the chosen city to allow young people to explore and rediscover or refresh their faith in the company of others. For more, see the WYD section (click here).
Can my Parish support me financially?
Your first port of call to answer this question should be your Parish Priest. He will be able to advise you on how your Parish can help. Hopefully your parish will be able to help in some way– so do make sure you ask! Also, remember to check back to this website regularly, as we will endeavour to post any suggestions we have!
What will we do during the pilgrimage?
The pilgrimage will include a wide variety of events and activities. In brief, we will spend a few days with families in an area local to Sydney and do some community work in this area. During the week leading up to the main WYD itself, there will be a choice of a number of activities, including meetings with the Pope, prayer events, talks by renowned speakers, Catechesis sessions, Stations of the Cross and opportunities for reconciliation, amongst other things. Please see the section on WYD (click here) for more detailed information. Specific information will be posted on this website as we hear it!
Is there a chance of staying on in Australia after the official event?
Yes, certainly. As it is so far away, we anticipate that many people will wish to remain for a longer period to visit this part of the world. We ourselves are offering a “basic” and “extended” package for pilgrims (see the “our itinerary” section (click here) for more details). However, if you intend to stay longer than that, we would advise you to make your own travel plans.
I’m interested in going, but don’t know anyone else. Will I feel lonely?
We certainly hope not! In the past young people have come with us on their own, but we have found that, on the whole, people make friends very quickly and find that they have lots in common. Certainly, our intention would be that everyone - whether they are coming for the first time, on their own or simply not sure what to expect - would find it to be a friendly group to travel with and a worthwhile experience. As part of the group, there will be group leaders who will take you under their wing!
Where will we be staying?
For the first few days, we will be staying with local Sydney families - to experience true Australian life! Following that we will be staying in simple bedded accommodation within travelling distance from the main events in Sydney (see “our itinerary” section (click here) or the news section (click here) for more info).
I am under 18 – can I still go?
Yes! Under 18’s are welcome. Our lower age limit is 16, although you would need permission from a parent or guardian in order to go. During the pilgrimage, you would be allocated a group leader who would be there to support you during your stay.
I am still at school/college on the dates of the pilgrimage - can I still go?
We would certainly hope so! The Director of the pilgrimage is meeting with Heads, in order to encourage them to allow students to attend, as the dates of WYD 2008 fall during term time. Your school should be able to provide you with exact information about their involvement in WYD, so check with your Headteacher, School Chaplain or R.E. Teacher or come back to this site for updates!
I do not go to Church regularly. Will it all be praying?
WYD involves a wide variety of events. Specific prayer times will be included in the programme, but there will be plenty of other things to do as well. It is hoped that the prayer times would suit all sorts of tastes, and that anyone who feels they haven’t prayed in a long time or don’t know how would still feel comfortable enough to enter in as much as they feel able. There will be people in the group who you can talk to about prayer, but you will certainly not be forced into anything. We will all be on a journey!
What is the upper age limit for WYD?
There is no specific upper age limit for our pilgrimage, although to help you decide, you might like to note that the age range that is encouraged to participate is 16-30years and maybe be given priority if necessary. Of course, this is not set in stone. Please feel free to apply anyway. Alternately, if you would like to come, but feel you may need something more for your age group, you might like to consider coming with our group as a group leader and take some responsibility for others. Equally, the WYD team in Sydney itself will be looking to recruit volunteers who will join a service team for the events themselves. You should go direct to the Sydney WYD website to enquire about this. Also, check our news posting for more information as we get it!
What is a Day in the Diocese?
This is a day or days spent with local communities around Sydney to get to know some local people and also to get involved in local social action projects to support the community there. There will also be some time to socialise and get to know your group or have some time to sightsee and take in the local sights.
Who is leading the group?
Fr. Chris Vipers, Parish Priest of Corpus Christi in Covent Garden and Vocations Director is heading up the pilgrimage. Two Bishops from the Diocese will also be joining us, as well as a team of leaders, made up of lay people from the Diocese, who will be supporting pilgrims during the trip.
How long will I have to find the money I need?
The first deposit for those who sign up for the trip will be due in September 2007 (click here), but the final total will not be needed until early 2008.
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