Matthew Shields (left) and Erica Bernard met in Broome recently to discuss World Youth Day - a week of festivities in Sydney in July 2008. Matthew works with NATSICC (National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council) and Erica runs the WYD08 desk for the Diocese of Broome.
Photo: CAS

Issue 6, September 2007,

Highlights:

Editorial

Viewpoint

World Youth Day

That's what they do... An Artist - for Pride, Peace and Country

Office of Justice, Ecology and Peace - Aboriginal issues must not become political football again

The Good Samaritan Ministry celebrates sesquicentenary

Rosemary awarded for outstanding work in community

Tall Ship Sailing

KCP Magazine

Viewpoint

Sydney WYD08 - Time to Gather the Pilgrims

It is well and truly less than a year to go before World Youth Day (WYD08) in Sydney. The week of festivities will be shared by some 600,000 youth from around the world. They will gather in the harbour-side city to participate in what will be a magnificent time.

Youth from around the Kimberley will travel together, leaving Broome on Saturday 12 July, direct to Sydney. They will remain in Sydney until Wednesday 23 July having three days there to de-brief and wind down after the event.

Each Parish in the Diocese has been allotted a number of places to fill. Because of the necessity to book aircraft out of Broome and then out of Sydney we have to have a final list of names soon, together with a $500 deposit for each pilgrim. Those who want to go need to register with their Parish Priest or Pastoral Associate by October 31 this year. By now, those who have an idea that they will want to go should be fundraising and saving for the event. Schools and parishes are encouraged to continue to assist pilgrims and prepare them for the event.

Because we need to form pilgrims for the journey it is necessary that pilgrims gather in Broome two days before departure. That is, on Wednesday 9 July. We will be in a camp situation in Broome and there will be a full briefing at that time of the details of the ten days that we will be away.

Accommodation for us has been arranged in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. It will consist of mattresses on school floors. The great thing about this location is that it is within easy walking distance of the Randwick Racecourse, the site of the vigil and closing Mass presided over by Pope Benedict.

We need to be aware that the time away will not be easy. This is not a holiday, it is rather a unique experience and above all it is a pilgrimage.

The night before the final Mass we will be at Randwick Racecourse for an all-night vigil. It means sleeping out in the open with 600,000 others. Our experience of Germany of that same evening is firmly implanted in the minds of those who attended that pilgrimage. It was special and memorable and spiritual.

What do we hope to focus on during this pilgrimage? Above all, a deepening of our relationship with Christ and with each other. The intensity of the ten days away will heighten our regard for humanity and God’s love for us. Hopefully it will help all of us to focus on some direction in life for ourselves and to reflect on what purpose God has in store for us. It promises to be a good time for all. However, there is no time to waste in registering and preparing for the WYD event. Below are some details for you to take note of by way of preparation for the opportunity of a lifetime.

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