FAQ about World Youth Day 2008

The following are some FAQs to help you with your preparations for WYD08

1. What is World Youth Day (WYD)?
World Youth Day is the Catholic Church's week of events for youth and with youth. It gathers thousands of young people from around the world to celebrate and learn about the Catholic faith and to build bridges of friendship and hope between continents, peoples and cultures.

2. When and where will World Youth Day take place?
World Youth Day will be held in Sydney, Australia from 15 - 20 July 2008. The event will mark the first visit to Australia of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. Days in the Dioceses will take place in the leadup to WYD08, from approximately 10-14 July 2008.

3. How did the World Youth Days begin?
Initiated by Pope John Paul II, World Youth Day has been held every year since 1986 when the first event was held in Rome. Sydney will host the 10th international WYD and XXIII WYD overall.

4. Where has World Youth Day been held previously?
World Youth Day has been held in Buenos Aires (1987), Santiago de Compostela (1989), Czestochowa (1991), Denver (1993), Manila (1995), Paris (1997), Rome (2000 Jubilee), Toronto (2002), and Cologne (2005).

5. Why was World Youth Day started?
Inspired by great gatherings of the world's young people for special youth events in Rome in 1983-84, Pope John Paul II established World Youth Day as an annual event and a way to reach out to the next generation of Catholics and spread the Church's teachings.

World Youth Day is an inclusive, international celebration of faith, friendship and hope between peoples and cultures.

6. What is the World Youth Day program for Sydney?
While the Sydney program is still to be finalised, it will follow the pattern of previous World Youth Days.

It will include the Arrival of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon of Our Lady on 1 July 2007 for a 12-month journey around Australia. The Cross and Icon will have travelled through Africa, south-east Asia and Oceania by this time.

During "Days in the Dioceses', from approximately 10-14 July 2008, pilgrims will visit dioceses outside Sydney for events hosted by local church communities.

World Youth Day week will then commence on Tuesday 15 July and will include:

Tuesday 15 July 08
Opening Mass, celebrated by Sydney Archbishop Cardinal George Pell follwed by concert

Wednesday 16 - Friday 18 July 08
Catechesis (teaching) sessions every morning and Youth Festival events afternoon / evening

Thursday 17 July 08
Arrival and welcome of the Holy Father

Friday 18 July 08 - evening
Stations of the Cross - a re-enactment of Our Lord's Passion and Death

Saturday 19 July 08
Pilgrimage walk to site of Closing Mass, evening Vigil with the Holy Father and sleep out "under the stars"

Sunday 20 July 08
Closing Mass and concluding events

7. How many people will take part in World Youth Day 2008?
An estimated 500,000 participants are expected to attend at least one event during the World Youth Day week.

We expect Sydney to receive 300,000 visitors during this time, including 125,000 from overseas. A media contingent of 3,000-5,000 is anticipated.

At the last international WYD in Cologne in 2005, 1.2 million people attended the Final Mass and 7,000 media personnel covered the event.

8. Can non-Catholics take part?
World Youth Day is an invitation from the Pope to all the youth of the world without discrimination. While World Youth Day celebrates the Catholic faith, its message is relevant to all people and all are welcome. Many non-Catholic Christians and others have taken part in previous WYDs.

9. What is the weather like in Sydney in July?
WYD08 will be held in July, which is during winter in Sydney. However, Sydney's winters are normally mild and dry.
By way of comparison, Sydney in July would generally experience temperatures similar to those of:

• Rome in April
• Paris, Madrid, London, Dublin and Washington in May
• Krakow and Toronto in June

Over the past few years, the average maximum daily temperature has been 17-18 degrees Celsius (approx 62-64 degrees Fahrenheit), while the average minimum has been 8-9 degrees Celsius (approx 46-48 degrees Fahrenheit).

10. How will Sydney cope with the impact World Youth Day is expected to have on the city?
Sydney has successfully hosted a large number of international events, including the Olympic Games in 2000 and the Rugby World Cup in 2003. Those who did not participate in these events were able to carry on with their daily routines, while the participants received excellent hospitality and efficient service.

We expect this will happen again in July 2008, despite expectations of larger crowds for some events than ever experienced before in Sydney.

The key impact events are expected to be the highly celebrated arrival of the Pope on the afternoon of Thursday 17 July, the Stations of the Cross in the evening of Friday 19 July, the Pilgrimage to Randwick Racecourse on Saturday 19 July and of course the Final Mass on Sunday 20 July.

WYD08 is working closely with the NSW State Government and its agencies and the City of Sydney Council to ensure that Sydney will still function effectively despite the high numbers of pilgrims in town.

11. How can I prepare personally for World Youth Day?
The World Youth Day website - www.wyd2008.org - includes a range of pastoral material designed to prepare young people spiritually.

Young people are encouraged to register as a WYD08 member and receive the monthly ePILGRIMAGE, a cyber epistle featuring a changing theme, testimonies from young people, selected readings and interesting snippets about the lives of saints and places of pilgrimage around the world as well as practical information about WYD08 in Sydney.

Activ8 is the name given to the pastoral programme of events, activities and materials developed by WYD08 to prepare our young people across the Dioceses in our parishes, youth groups, schools and homes for World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney.

WYD08 has produced a booklet outlining each of the elements of our Activ8 program. The program includes a DVD 'get with the spirit', school curriculum materials, national tours, Parish support materials, WYD pre-anniversary celebrations, Days in the Dioceses and the Journey of the WYD Cross and Icon. For a copy of the Activ8 booklet, see the Australian Parishes and Schools section of this site.

12. How much will it cost?
Three registration packages have been developed, allowing prospective pilgrims to select the level of accommodation, number of meals, etc they prefer. Packages include health insurance, rail and public transport, pilgrim backpack, preferential access to venues for the key events and program books.

Details of each of the registration packages are available now under the WYD08 Pilgrims section. No package exceeds $AU400 for the WYD08 week.

The cost of transport to Sydney or around Australia is not included in the packages, although many will include a transport pass for use during the WYD08 week in and around Sydney.

13. How do I register?
Group registration has already started: see the link to the registration system provided on the home page of this website. Registration for individuals will open in mid July 2007. Registration will be conducted online, although paper-based registration will be possible for those who do not have access to computers.
Pilgrims are encouraged to join a pilgrim group travelling to Sydney.

14. What will the accommodation be like?
A variety of accommodation styles will be available - groups will be able to select the style that best suits their needs and budget.
Pilgrims will be accommodated in hotels, backpack accommodation, in suburban homes, in schools and in church halls.

15. I would like to stay in a hotel. How do I book one?
If you are part of a group, you should contact Harvest Youth Tours, the official WYD08 tour operator and hotel accommodations manager (see www.wydtours.com ). Individuals will be able to book rooms through the WYD08 website as part of the registration process.

16. How do I organise my travel arrangements to Australia?
Travel arrangements to Australia are the responsibility of pilgrims and their groups. Harvest Youth Tours, as the official WYD08 Tour Operator will be able to assist, as will any registered travel agent in your home country. WYD08 is negotiating with airlines for additional capacity and special fares to help pilgrims. A number of Bishops Conferences, dioceses and ecclesial movements are doing this also.

17. Do I need a visa?
Yes. Australia has a universal visa system and all non-Australian pilgrims need a visa to enter Australia before boarding their plane; they cannot apply for a visa on arrival. The only exception is New Zealand and Norfolk Island passport holders who will be issued with a visa on arrival in Australia and normally do not need to lodge a visa application prior to their departure. We are working with the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship to simplify the visa application process. Pilgrims will receive comprehensive information about the application process when they complete online their registration.

Through support offered by the Australian Government, visa will be free of government charges when applied for through the WYD registration process and there will be no quotas on visas from any country (ie. there will be no limit on the number of visas issued to any country).

18. Will I need travel insurance?
It is always advisable to take out travel insurance when embarking on an overseas trip. It is intended that one of the business partners of WYD08 will be offering travel insurance for international and domestic travel at discount rates. More details will be released in mid 2007.

19. I would like to volunteer for World Youth Day. What do I need to do?
Volunteers will play an important part and will be critical to the success of WYD08.

Applications for Volunteer positions have already started, please have a look at the WYD08 The Team section of this website.

20. How can I help organise World Youth Day?
Currently we are looking for people to join the WYD08 team to assist in the lead-up as well as during the WYD08 events. Most volunteer work will take place in July 2008, however some opportunities may be available prior to this.

By checking 'The WYD08 team' section of this site, you can view employment opportunities and register your interest for volunteer positions.

21. I would like to get involved in the Youth Festival. What do I need to do?
Information about the Youth Festival and how to register are available on this website, check under the Youth Festival section.

22. What is Days in the Dioceses and how do I participate?
For the days leading up to WYD08 the dioceses of Australia and New Zealand will welcome the youth of the world in what is best described as a cultural exchange in the context of faith.

Days in the Dioceses is an excellent opportunity for the youth of the world to join local communities in prayer and celebration, to experience Australia beyond Sydney and New Zealand, to help renew the Church in the places they visit, as well as to receive local hospitality.

Activities of the days, organised by the dioceses, often include:

• Encounters with the local Church community
• Cultural activities and visits to local sites of interest
• Prayer and visits to shrines
• Social service projects

23. I am an Australian - how do I get involved in World Youth Day?
Get involved with your local Church or youth group! You can also have a chat to your local WYD08 Diocesan and Youth Ministry Committee member about plans and activities for your diocese - if you don't know who your local committee member is, see WYD08 Diocesan and Youth Ministry Committee .

24. How do Australians visiting Sydney register and organise accommodation?
Australians will register and arrange accommodation in the same way as international pilgrims - registration will be available online from July 2007. Pilgrims are encouraged to join a group organised by a diocese, community, movement or youth ministry etc.

25. I am from Sydney - do I need to register?
Yes, even if you are from Sydney you will need to register as a pilgrim. One of the packages (Package B) provides you with meals, transport etc (but not accommodation) during the WYD08 week. Registered pilgrims will also be allocated 'line of sight' viewing to the altar at all major events.

26. How are Australian schools getting involved in World Youth Day?
A special WYD08 school curriculum has been developed for use in schools Australia-wide. You can find out more about it at Australian schools . Schools are also getting involved in fundraising to help pilgrims from less advantaged nations come to WYD08.

27. I live in Sydney and would like to host international guests in my home. How do I do this?
The WYD08 office will be organising 'homestay' accommodation with the help of representatives from each parish who will coordinate arrangements with local families. Information will be available in the parishes in May 2007, with individual families able to register to be a 'homestay host' soon.

28. How can I get involved in the Australian journey of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon?
While the WYD08 office is coordinating the Journey of the Cross and Icon (JCI), the celebratory events will be conducted by each diocese of Australia as the JCI passes through the local region.

The best way to get involved is to contact the WYD08 representative in your local Catholic Diocese and offer your assistance.

29. Where will the major events take place?
Many of the sites for major events are close to being finalised. As sites are finalised, they will be announced on the website and in the press where appropriate.

Randwick Racecourse in Sydney's eastern suburbs has been selected as the site of the all-night Vigil and Final Mass to be celebrated by His Holiness. This site has been the location of three Papal Masses previously but is being extended to accommodate the largest ever crowd at a single event in Australian history. The Australian Federal Government is providing valuable support in meeting the costs of establishing the necessary facilities for this incredible event.

30. Why was Randwick Racecourse chosen as the venue for the World Youth Day Final Mass?
The Final Mass at previous World Youth Days has traditionally drawn very large crowds of people.

The WYD08 organisers therefore wanted a site that could accommodate hundreds of thousands of people with uninterrupted views of the altar. The site also had to be capable of accommodating hundreds of thousands more nearby if numbers swelled beyond original expectations (the site allows us to expand into adjoining Centennial Parklands if needed).

It was also important to have a site that could be reached easily by as many people as possible via public transport and on foot.

After examining 18 potential sites, Randwick Racecourse was the venue deemed most likely to give the best possible experience in terms of line of sight to the altar, capacity, comfort, transport and ease of access for attendees.

31. How many people can be accommodated for the Evening Vigil and Final Mass?
Up to 300,000 people can sleep out under the stars after the Evening Vigil at Randwick Racecourse. Up to 400,000 people can be seated for the Final Mass with a direct line of sight to the altar.

Centennial Park allows capacity to be boosted by another 200,000. Several large video screens will be set up to enable them to take part in the Mass.

32. What about security threats during WYD08?
WYD08 has been involved in early planning for various scenarios by State and Federal security forces. The Government security task forces are in place to oversee the provision of appropriate security screening up to and during WYD08

33. What is the currency in Australia?
The currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar. There are 100 cents in 1 Australian dollar. There are notes for $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5. There are coins for $2, $1, $0.50, $0.20, $0.10 and $0.05.

34. If I want to attend WYD08 - do I have to register?
Registration is not compulsory, but allows you to receive all the services provided by WYD08 such as accommodation, meals, transport pass, visa facilitations, health insurance and preferred access to key venues. If you do not register, you will not benefit from these services.

35. What is the age limit for group leaders?
Group leaders must be 21 years of age by the 1st July 2008.

36. What is the age limit for volunteers?
Volunteers must be 18 years of age by 1st July 2008.

37. Can I choose the Diocese I want to be hosted by?
Yes - you must choose the diocese you want to be hosted by. WYD08 will not allocate you to any particular diocese.

38. Will WYD08 assign me a diocese if I do not have any preferences?
No - WYD08 will not assign you to a diocese if you do not have a preference. You have to choose the diocese you want to be hosted by and make your arrangements directly with them.

39. Do I have to pay?
There are no charges for pilgrims hosted for Days in the Dioceses; the diocese will offer you meals and accommodation but you will be responsible for transport to, from and within the diocese.

40. Will I have problems attending WYD08 if the diocese I am staying with is far from Sydney?
Transport network and services are very efficient and will be optimised for the WYD08 period. However, considering the number of pilgrims that will be travelling, we strongly recommend you to book early.

41. Can I contact the diocese directly?
Yes you have to - the links are provided on the WYD08 website.

42. What kind of activities can I organise to raise money to come to WYD08?
You don't need to be a marketing specialist to raise money to come to Sydney. Here are some simple suggestions: organise a ball, a dinner or a fete in your parish/community; sell homemade products (cakes, tablecloths) to a local fair; organise a youth car wash in your suburb; a raffle, a race or a trivia night with WYD08 official merchandise as prizes.

43. Does WYD08 provide free promotional material to help me support my fundraising activities?
WYD08 is more than happy to support any legitimate activity to promote World Youth Day and has made all informative material available for download on this website: posters, flyers, educational tools, pictures? that you can print and use in your publications. If you need to use the WYD08 Logo, make sure you fill the request in this section and wait to hear back from us. If your request is successful, you will receive a high resolution file of the Logo. Please always refer to our guidelines.

44. How can WYD08 official merchandise help me to fundraise?
If you are a Church recognised organisation you can request a Fundraiser code and become an Official WYD08 Fundraiser. This code will give you access to a special section of the WYD08 online shop where you can buy official merchandise at reduced prices. This will allow your organisation to re-sell the products and save the proceeds to raise funds for your travel to Sydney.

45. Why is it better to buy WYD08 official merchandise?
The proceeds from the sale of WYD08 official merchandise are used to finance the event and to support pilgrims coming from disadvantaged countries. Therefore, by buying WYD08 official merchandise, you are helping us prepare your event and other pilgrims like to you to join us for WYD in 2008.

46. Is there a minimum quantity of products that I have to purchase if I want to place an order on the WYD08 online shop?
No, you can buy 1 or more items? though we suggest that you talk to your friends and community members before placing an order, asking them if they would like to receive something too, so that you can then share shipping costs with them.

47. I live in a poor country - can I ask for financial support? To whom?
Our first recommendation is for you to contact your parish and/or diocese and join their group of pilgrims: you will then be involved in all activities to assist you in the preparation of your pilgrimage towards Sydney. Please also read the information about the Solidarity Fund.

48. Will the website content be available in other languages?
Yes, the 4 official languages (English, Italian, Spanish, French) will be used on this website.

49. Will there be on site assistance for non-English speaking pilgrims during WYD08?
Yes, we will make sure that all pilgrims will receive proper language assistance and support. WYD08 volunteers will help us in this task.

50. In which languages will the pilgrim handbook be translated?
The pilgrim handbook will be available in the 4 official languages: English, Italian, Spanish and French.

51. May I translate the website content and other WYD08 material in my language?
We warmly encourage any legitimate translation in other languages for the purposes of spreading the word in those communities where languages other than the 4 official ones are spoken. Please feel free to translate any document published on this website and to distribute it within your community.

52. Will sign-language support be offered during the WYD08 week?
AUSLAN assistance will be provided during the event. If you or your group use another sign-language, please contact your association: we seek your assistance in finding volunteers to provide translations or other sign-languages.

53. I am part of a choir/group/orchestra and would like to perform during WYD08 - what do I have to do?
All performances will be grouped under the category of "Youth Festival". Applications for the Youth Festival are now open.

54. What can I do to be involved in the Liturgy during WYD08?
To submit your expression of interesting in taking part in the Liturgy during WYD08, you have to register as a volunteer and choose Liturgy as your area of interest or expertise. Please always keep an eye on The WYD08 Team" section of the website for updates!

55. Are flight tickets included in the registration packages?
No.

copyright : http://www.wyd2008.org 

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.

Powered by AkoComment 2.0 ( + SecureBot )