World Youth Day USA Guides International Pilgrimage Leaders Guide | Page 4

World Youth Day USA – International Pilgrimage Leaders Guide Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction to the Guide 4 The Pilgrims 6 Encounter, Accompany, Send: The Role of the World Youth Day Pilgrimage Leader 10 Foundations: Pilgrimage and World Youth Day 21 1. World Youth Day is a pilgrimage (not a vacation). 22 2. World Youth Day is an encounter with the Universal Church. 25 3. World Youth Day is a celebration in community and communion. 27 4. United States pilgrims can be proud of their heritage of mercy. 29 5. Strong spiritual preparation is essential to the pilgrim journey. 32 6. Be open to the Holy Spirit, wherever he may be leading you. 36 7. The end of World Youth Day is only the beginning. 39 World Youth Day Resource Logistics: Practical Tips for Pilgrimage Leaders 42 Coming Down From the Mountain: Accompanying Pilgrims on the Return Home 67 APPENDIX: Sample Post-WYD Group Sharing Sessions 74 2