It was a big wet in the northern ranges of the Kimberley and much water flowed through the Barnett River. The Bishop's 4WD Toyota travels over the Barnett Crossing after the floods have passed.
Photo : CAS.

Should you pass through the sea, I will be with you; or through rivers, they will not swallow you up....
For I am Yahweh your God, the Holy One of Israel, your saviour.
Isaiah 43: 2 - 3.

2008 Issue 2 (April)

Highlights:

Editorial

Viewpoint

Priestly Service

KCP Magazine

Viewpoint

WYD is for us all

I have recently attended a meeting in Sydneyof the Indigenous Reference Committee for World Youth Day. There we received a briefing on the progress of planning for this event which will see the largest gathering of youth ever in Australia. Our task as a committee was to advise the WYD management team on the contribution of Indigenous Australians to this significant moment in the history of our nation and the Church in Australia.

We discussed the opening Mass on the Tuesday (15 July), the Pope’s arrival on the Thursday, the boatacade of the Holy Father across Sydney Harbour, the welcoming of the Holy Father at Barangaroo and the concerts to be held for youth in the evenings. There are workshops to be held, art exhibitions, information events, various keynote addresses, forums on vital issues, shows by young well known Australian performers, and a host of other activities including trips to Sydney’s major attractions. It is going to be a full week of events that will also allow time and space for the spiritual growth of the young people attending.

The vigil gathering at Randwick Racecourse on Saturday will be truly something for the hundreds of thousands involved. The sleep-out there under Sydney skies will be an extraordinary experience for all the participants. The Sunday morning Mass with Pope Benedict presiding will be memorable and inspiring.

After the Mass we return to the Parish of Clovelly in the eastern suburbs, two hours walk from the racecourse. That evening we catch a bus to Canberra for sightseeing and a de-briefing. We will be staying at a hostel and the next day will have the opportunity to see the highlights the city has to offer.

It is important for every Parish to realize that their youth who go to WYD represent the Parish they come from. The youth are going to Sydney as pilgrims and as ambassadors. I am hopeful that each Parish will benefit from the graces that arise from a pilgrimage. As young people meet young people in an environment of faith their understanding of God and appreciation of His love will hopefully grow. Such growth in the love of God can benefit both the individuals and the parishes they come from.

Each Parish will be responsible for the preparation and formation of their pilgrims for the WYD event. This preparation should include sharing prayer times and social events with the participants – encouraging them to put themselves into the frame of mind of a pilgrim. It will also mean hands-on help such as making sure each pilgrim has enough warm clothing to endure the Sydney July climate.

In return the pilgrims will be praying for their families and for their parishes. It is my belief that they will return with the determination to be better people. Their realization that they also belong to a family of faith will prepare them to some degree for the challenges of life.

I urge you all to become identified with your pilgrims in your parishes, assist them to prepare for the WYD event, support them in every way possible and pray with them for a successful pilgrimage.