Conference of Catholic Bishops ) and the USCCB ’ s World Youth Day USA website ( www . wydusa . org ) have prayers that can be used or adapted . This can be done publicly as part of the community ’ s liturgy or in a special prayer service including the local bishop or pastor . Local media could be invited to cover the event , prepped with the talking point that that these pilgrims are going on behalf of the community and with the community ’ s blessing . At the gathering or separately , community members could write petitions on small pieces of paper and entrust them to the internationally-bound pilgrims to bring with them . Prayer partnerships between international and stateside pilgrims could be organized . There could also be an intergenerational aspect to the exchanges ( between international and stateside pilgrims ), remembering that WYD is for the whole Church , not just youth and young adults . Parents , children , and older members of the community should be included somehow to foster a greater sense of community and eliminate divisions . All of these actions would help to shape the corporate identity of the pilgrims .
During the international WYD events , social media can allow for people to make a virtual pilgrimage in a spirit of solidarity and unity . Pilgrims can produce blogs , posts , and tweets , remembering to pray for the community back home . They can be encouraged to tell their stories in this way , but should be taught how to do this without compromising the fact that they are on a pilgrimage . A press release and contact with reporters of major television stations and papers that will cover the event can help raise visibility . Reporters often want to cover the local angle of an international event and viewers want to see it .
It is also possible to initiate a direct connection using technology to create a meaningful exchange . Stateside pilgrims can experience catechetical sessions , the Pope ’ s speeches , prayer vigils , and the concluding Papal Mass over streaming video . Skype or FaceTime ( through Wi-Fi and wireless hotspots ) is another way for pilgrims to remain connected to the community . Imagine and plan how this can affect stateside gatherings and coordinate efforts to make it happen .
Promoting stateside gatherings is a strategy for decreasing the isolation and “ Facebook envy ” that might be an unintended side-effect of a big event . Gathering with other stateside pilgrims is a great way for those young people who are not able to travel to be a part of something special . When the community gathers in one place , it is easier to experience a corporate identity . There is a camaraderie
11