What is World Youth Day?
World Youth Day is an invitation for youth around the world to experience a pilgrimage, where like-minded young people can gather to meet the Pope and celebrate their faith. WYD celebrations show a vibrant side of the Church, igniting a flame within young people’s hearts, encouraging them to go and freely live the Gospel
What happens at WYD?
The host city organises a series of expos, concerts, Catechesis talks, special large gatherings which involve the Pope. There are opportunities for Daily Mass, reconciliation and Adoration. WYD has a truly positive, vibrant and festive atmosphere.
What is the WYD retreat?
Following the WYD week, our group will engage in a spiritual retreat program to unpack the experiences of the overall pilgrimage. This retreat takes place in Fatima, where pilgrims will visit the very location where Our Lady of the Rosary, who over 100 years ago, appeared to three small shepherd children with a message of prayer, hope and peace for the world.
SCS WYD Theme song
John Burland has produced a theme song for the Sydney pilgrims to chant and sing along the way to Portugal. Launched at the Journey of Hope event, It is a vibrant and upbeat song that was . John has certainly captured the positive spirit of our group going forward to Lisbon.
As we journey together, this song will be used at formation events and by the time we are pilgrimaging to the final Mass, they will know the Aussies are coming!! Also provided is the Interview with john Burland and his insights into the development of the SCS WYD song.
Pilgrimage Options
Sydney Catholic Schools will be offering three Pre-WYD pilgrimage options that schools will choose. These pilgrimages offer an opportunity for pilgrims to experience many important and sacred Christian sites that bring the history and traditions of the Catholic Church alive.
Find the itineraries of the pilgrimages that are on offer for students and teachers:
Portugal, via Italy
Embark on this journey of a lifetime as we unearth the spiritual treasures of Italy, while befriending St Anthony, St Catherine, St Francis and his mission to ‘Go rebuild my Church’. Be inspired by these holy men and women as we follow their paths etched into our faith heritage. Be prepared then for a week of faith, friendship and celebration as we open our lives to amazing possibilities flowing from the WYD encounter in Lisbon.
Portugal Direct
Journey directly to the heart of Spain and onto the medieval walled city of Avila in honour of St Teresa.
Then join the youth of the world in Lisbon for the 16th International World Youth Day – for a week of prayer, worship and celebration, in the company of Pope Francis. Following the excitement of the WYD Week, we depart for the tranquility and relaxation of our Post WYD Retreat in the Fatima area.
Footsteps of Jesus – Holy Land
Watch the Gospels come alive on this most authentic faith journey live on location in the Holy Land of Israel. Take the chronological road of Jesus’ life from Bethlehem to Nazareth and Lake Galilee to Jerusalem as we prepare for a powerful encounter into the spirit of His passion. Continue on into the heart and soul of Portugal to join Pope Francis for the 16th International World Youth Day in Lisbon as young pilgrims from across the globe gather for an unforgettable week of prayer, worship and celebration.
Year 12 Students
The Catholic Archdiocese and Sydney Catholic Youth will be organising young adult pilgrims. Year 12 students who may be interested can click the following images to access a QR code that points to the Sydney Archdiocese expression of interest.
Upcoming Events
Christ the King – Annual diocesan WORLD YOUTH DAY celebration
Sydney Catholic Schools and the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney invite all registered pilgrims and potential pilgrims to the Christ the King – World Youth Day Celebration. This special event has been scheduled on the Feast of Christ the King, and is a formative event for pilgrims to journey towards World Youth Day.
When: Sunday, 20 November 2022.
Time: 6:00pm
Where: St Mary’s Cathedral, and later St Mary’s Cathedral College Hall.
The evening will commence with Mass in St Mary’s Cathedral with His Grace, Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, followed by food, cultural stalls, music, and catechesis in the College Hall.
Students see your Youth Ministry Coordinator to register your interest!
Parent Information Evenings
Provided and guided by SCS staff, the Parent Information Evening gives families an opportunity to gain a greater insight into the WYD experience and planning, allowing them to make an informed decision regarding participation for their child.
The care and well-being and safety of the young people is of the utmost importance and SCS wants to reassure communities that the best planning and attention to detail for such a large-scale experience is taken into consideration. Schools are booking throughout November and December.
Summary of content:
- World Youth Day Experience
- Pilgrimage format
- Event specific information about the WYD festival week.
- An overview of the three different pilgrimage options
- Harvest Journeys – Tour provider general overview
- Pilgrimage Package Inclusions and Non-Inclusions.
- COVID 19 Management
- RE Online parent portal for up to date information
- A breakdown of SCS Governance and management structures
- Accommodation sites – Hotels for WYD week and Retreat
- Registrations and Deposits
- Pre and Post WYD formation events
- WYD Fundraising
Please contact the Youth Ministry Coordinator at your child’s school for further information