World Youth Day 2019 USA Leader Guides Stateside Leader Guide | Page 17

witness the unity of the Church in the midst in advance of the stateside celebration is an
of its diversity. important element of preparation.
When a youth or young adult attending a An Encounter with Others
stateside event has an encounter with Christ The time of pilgrimage is also a time of
through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, encounter with others along the way. Some of
adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, while these people (including friends, families, and
listening to a witness or presentation, or active members of the Church community)
during a particularly moving song during will be open to encounter with the leader and
Mass, it can be a truly transformative with pilgrims, while others (including distant
experience for both pilgrims and leaders. friends and acquaintances, vendors and
Leaders need to be prepared and help prepare secular partners, news media, and the general
pilgrims and themselves for these encounters public) may be indifferent at best or hostile at
with Christ and the Church. worst. The important thing for a leader is to
be constantly welcoming, loving, and
An Encounter with Fellow Pilgrims hospitable – truly witnessing “the joy of the
The stateside pilgrimage leader may not meet Gospel.”
many of their pilgrims until the day of the
celebration. However, this does not mean that Encounters – with Christ, the Church, other
a leader cannot prepare stateside pilgrims pilgrims, and the many others along way – will
prior to the event. Opportunities for learning often lead to new friendships. On a practical
and reflection can be a regular part of pre- level, social media, email, and reunions
event communications. Catechesis could be provide a means to continue relationships. On
integrated into social media and on websites a deeper level, those encounters and a more
in the parish, diocese, eparchy, or other mature understanding of encountering Christ
settings connected to the local celebrations. and the Church help to support the growth of
The pilgrim leader should also have a team of a person’s faith.
youth or young adults who are assisting them;
the ministry coordinator can deepen the ACCOMPANIMENT
encounter with these young leaders, better Pope Francis says: “ The Church will have to
enabling them to accompany their peers initiate everyone – priests, religious and laity –
during the event. Forming these relationships into this ‘art of accompaniment’ which
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