World Youth Day 2019 USA Leader Guides International Leader Guide | Page 5

Introduction to the Guide Congratulations! You have decided to lead a men and women who guide various pilgrimages pilgrimage to World Youth Day in Panama. to the international WYD may continue to You have embarked on an adventure of witness a transformation in and conversion of visioning, planning, organizing, budgeting, their own hearts and ministry efforts. negotiating, and packing. You have also embarked on a process of helping young The Leader’s Guide seeks to share perspectives, Catholics encounter Christ and walk in information, and resources that can be helpful solidarity with fellow disciples around the to internationally-bound WYD pilgrim leaders. world. The goal of this International Pilgrim Leaders Guide is to assist in making the planning First, the Leaders Guide explores the role you less daunting and the experience more fruitful. play as an international pilgrim leader. In this section, you are encouraged to go beyond being When Pope John Paul II came to Denver, an organizer to being a witness. Colorado, for World Youth Day (WYD) in August 1993, it was a watershed moment for The second section of the guide outlines seven youth, campus, and young adult ministries principles to guide you and suggestions on ways across the United States. As each year passes, to make World Youth Day a tr ue pilgrimage of the international WYD experience continues to faith. This section examines how WYD stands be a significant moment in the life of those who apart from other ministry initiatives for youth participate in the host nation and, in ever- and young adults by its emphasis on solidarity increasing numbers, those who take part and encounter with the Holy Father and the digitally and through at-home, “stateside” Universal Church. It also features ways to WYD experiences in their home country. connect youth and young adults to generations of pilgrim saints and spiritual guides that can The World Youth Day pilgrimage is designed inspire them to live out the call to holiness. to provoke a transformative or conversion experience in the lives of pilgrims, but what is The third section of this Leader’s Guide offers often unexpected is the change that occurs in some practical tools for navigating the size and the hearts and minds of ministry leaders. The 4