WHO?
This is a Catholic celebration for the young people of the world. All young people aged 16-35 are invited to attend World Youth Day.


WHAT?
Each WYD, whether local or international, has a biblical theme chosen by the Pope. International WYDs generally follow a programme of events including:

1. Pilgrim welcoming mass - celebrated by the Bishop of the host diocese
2. Catechesis - teachings based on the theme for the WYD, presented by bishops from around the world
3. Papal welcome ceremony
4. Stations of the Cross – a re-enactment of Jesus Christ's passion and death;
5. Pilgrims walk, camp out and vigil with the Pope
6. Closing mass, celebrated by the Pope

The celebration typically includes a range of other activities for pilgrims, including:

1. Journey of the WYD cross around the host country/region (it will travel through New Zealand sometime early 2007)
2. Days in the Diocese before WYD – young people of the world are hosted in local dioceses (throughout Australia & New Zealand) preceding the week in Sydney
3. Youth festivals - a range of exhibitions and presentations involving music, art, theatre, etc. by, for and with young people from all corners of the globe


WHERE?
Sydney, Australia


WHEN?
July 15-20, 2008


REGISTRATION from July 2007

PRE-REGISTRATION begins now! Just let us know or get in contact with the Archdiocesan Youth and Young Adult Office

HOW MUCH?

Estimated Cost per person approx $2,000-$2,500

Travel to Aust $700
Travel contingency $300
Food contingency $200
Accomodation contingency $200
WYD rego $600


NOTE: WYD rego is the set admin cost charged by Australian WYD office and includes, meals, accommodation, Sydney transport and event entry for July 15-20. Contingency for extra items assumes that we will not be able to arrive in Sydney on July 15 and/or get out of Sydney on the 21st so will need to move to other Australian cities to arrive in Sydney in time or depart for home by a suitable time. This assumption is based on advice from transport operators assessing the demands of 200,000 extra foreign visitors to Australia for this event.

* In 1984, Pope John Paul ii announced the first WYD would be celebrated on Palm Sunday and that WYD would be celebrated every year after that with an International celebration every 3 years

* Pope John Paul ii started WYD as a recognition of the growing number of young people in the Church

* Past host countries for WYD have included Argentina, Spain, Poland, America, Phillipines, France, Italy, Canada and Germany

*All young people between the ages of 16 and 35 are invited by Pope Benedict xvi to be WYD pilgrims

* The next WYD will be hosted by Sydney, Australia from July 15 - July 20 in 2008

* The WYD08 theme is "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses." Acts 1:8

* New Zealand will be hosting 2000 young people from other countries in the week before WYD in Sydney