EXCITEMENT was palpable at the final training experience last weekend for Brisbane pilgrims and leaders on their way to World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney from July 15-20.
More than 400 people attended the training day at Upper Mt Gravatt on June 14.
Participants enjoyed presentations from a variety of speakers including WYD08 Brisbane project co-ordinator Michael Hart who described July 10 to 20, from the commencement of Days in the Diocese in Brisbane to the Papal Mass in Sydney as “ten days you won’t forget”.
Chair of the archdiocesan commission for ministry with young people Greg Sunter reiterated Mr Hart’s comments, encouraging leaders to prepare pilgrims for the “mindset” of the faith experience ahead.
Mr Sunter advised leaders to “give thought to what you are going to do when you get back”.
“There is a window of opportunity of two to three weeks when they (the pilgrims) will still have the energy and fire. Grab it,” Mr Sunter said.
Malcolm Hart, of Brisbane archdiocese’s Youth and Children’s Ministry team, supported that advice.
“Don’t just celebrate the week in Sydney but (also) the pilgrimage taken.
“Invite young people to speak at Masses … don’t cut off contact (with your group) when back in Brisbane … capture the excitement within the two to three weeks following … have the next event already organised.”
Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane presided at the afternoon commissioning Mass for pilgrimage group leaders and BrizStay co-ordinators.
Auxiliary Bishop Brian Finnigan of Brisbane also was present along with Deacon Jason Middleton and other clergy.
Archbishop Bathersby said he had realised the value of shared faith and that World Youth Day will propel others to do the same.
Calling forward pilgrim leaders to receive a staff, symbolic of the journey and their leadership role, Archbishop Bathersby also presented BrizStay co-ordinators with a specially marked candle, to recognise the contribution of those parishes ready to receive up to 6000 overseas visitors heading for WYD08 in Sydney.
