German WYD pilgrims invited to be joyful

Local '04 festivities seen as preparation for world gathering of Catholic youth

By BILL GLEN
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

The theme Papenbrock chose for World Youth Day 2004 is We Wish to See Jesus, with Father Mike Mireau as the keynote speaker. It will be held at Santa Maria Goretti Parish May 23.

"We will be offering workshops in line with the way the archdiocese is going today," Papenbrock said. "We are looking at tying stewardship and vocations together because if we are building a culture of vocations and understanding of what my call is, then I will also understand stewardship."

There will be discussion on cultural acceptance and how we can work within our own community. Papenbrock will be looking at poverty in youth, not just financial poverty but spiritual poverty as well. There will be discussions on prayer and the many different ways to pray.

Development and Peace will be discussed in a workshop about how to get involved and practical ways of doing it.

Papenbrock hopes the activities planned for the May long weekend will go to serve and prepare those who might be attending World Youth Day 2005 in Cologne, Germany, Aug. 16-21.

"World Youth Day isn't just about going from Toronto to Germany," he said. "It's about how we can celebrate this day for young adults, particularly in our archdiocese."

Papenbrock encourages all parishes in the archdiocese to ask the people who plan to go to Germany, to come in May.

"It's a great day to prepare them for 2005. Ask them to bring their banners and their signs for when we walk down the street in the outdoor procession."

As for 2005, Papenbrock says that the archdiocese will not be making travel arrangements. He has assembled a multi-page handout that includes the recommendations of the archdiocese for those who plan to make the pilgrimage to Cologne.

In part, the recommendations state that ideally, at least two young adults from each parish should attend. The recommended ages for the attendees is from 18 to 35. For several reasons - including liability - the dioceses of Western Canada are offering an over-18 policy.

Several host cities in Germany will partake in the Days of Encounter event where visitors are given a tour of the area to show the faith in that community. Papenbrock would like to twin this with historical areas in the Edmonton Archdiocese so there is some sort of exchange of faith culture. As Alberta will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2005, areas such as St. Albert, Lac Ste. Anne and the Ukrainian establishments east of Edmonton are encouraged to provide historical information to take to Germany.

The archdiocese will meet with several travel agencies to provide options for the pilgrims to make their own arrangements.

"It is important that World Youth Day not be seen as a trip or a tour of Europe," Papenbrock said. "It is a pilgrimage from the Edmonton Archdiocese to the dioceses in Germany."

Registration costs are expected to be $200 to $300. The fee includes simple accommodations, event meals, transportation while in Cologne, an event pass and a pilgrim package. Travel expenses such as airfare are extra.

The next meeting for the World Youth Day committee will be mid-March where more speakers and activities will be discussed. For more information, contact Andrew Papenbrock at the office of Young Adult Ministry (780) 469-6213 or at (780) 469-1010.

Visit the WYD 2005 web site at www.wyd2005.org or the YAM web site at www.edmontoncatholic-church.com/yam.

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