stateside event. You may want to consider mirroring the those of the international WYD pilgrimage( see the most updated schedule at: www. panama2019. pa). Consider also how much time certain components will take, and how much additional time you will need to account for transitions, movements, and in case things happen to run over unexpectedly.
When thinking about those components, think about what might motivate the pilgrims in your community to celebrate WYD at home: meeting new people, being a part of a large-scale event, experiencing the universality of the Catholic Church, encountering the Pope, experiencing the same things as international pilgrims, understanding the heritage and culture of Panamá, and so forth.
When developing the schedule, also consider whether you will be incorporating events of the international World Youth Day gathering via technology( such as live or recorded moments during WYD Panama), and how much time to allot for showing them( and setting up the technology).
Catechesis During the international WYD pilgrimage, bishops from around the world offer catechetical sessions related to evangelization, mission, and the theme( Lk 1:38). Consider offering at least one catechetical session as a part of your stateside pilgrimage, or include catechesis through breakouts on different topics. What catechetical topics would be most valuable for the young people in your area to hear about? What inspiring local or regional speakers could you invite to offer catechesis? How can the WYD theme be integrated into the local context and the reality of youth or young adult life in your area? Consider inviting your local bishop( s), if they are not attending the international event, as well as other key Catholic leaders in the area.
PLANNING TIP
Consider how opportunities for evangelization and catechesis can happen informally through conversation. Invite local priests, deacons, religious brothers and sisters, and lay ecclesial ministers to be present at the event to mingle with local pilgrims.
Prayer and Liturgy During WYD, pilgrims are invited to set aside worldly distractions and set out on pilgrimage to encounter Christ, the Church, and other pilgrims. Even though your group may not be traveling far, consider how you can help your pilgrims enter a distinct time and space through prayer. Some of the most powerful prayer experiences at WYD come at the end
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