World Youth Day USA Guides International Pilgrimage Leaders Guide | Page 76

APPENDIX: Sample Post-WYD Group Sharing Sessions
Group sharing sessions and activities allow

World Youth Day. Have them put these notes

pilgrims to share their faith with others and

in the shape of a mountain (triangle) on the

to grow together in community. They are

wall, placing the most memorable, mountaintop

extremely helpful in assisting pilgrims integrate

moments at the peak.

their personal and communal World Youth Day
experiences into their daily lives. Prayer, shared

Explain: “Upward then downward, upward

experiences, and continual explorations of faith

then downward.” One can describe their lives

are also helpful when the WYD pilgrims face

as an up-and-down experience, often feeling

future challenges and even possible loneliness,

like a rollercoaster ride. Although there are

frustration, or stagnation in their faith lives

tough moments and valleys of darkness, God

and among their peers.

always points the way back up the mountain.
Just as Jesus accompanied the disciples through

SAMPLE GATHERING #1

the valleys of Galilee, he also journeyed with

Downward Then Upward:

them to the mountains to deliver the Sermon

Continuing the Mission

on the Mount, to reveal his Transfiguration,

NOTE TO LEADER: You will need sticky notes,

and to Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives.

pens, and a Bible for the activities of this gathering.

To map out these mountains in our own lives,
we will remember the moments that have
shaped us along the way.

Opening Activity
Sticky Note Transfiguration Mountain

Opening Prayer
Action: Hand each participant multiple sticky

God our Father, we gather today

notes. Ask them to write, on the sticky notes

as we are on this lifelong journey

memories from the start of their personal faith

that you have called us to through our Baptism.

and life journey. This may be their earliest
memory of First Communion or Confirmation,

Help us to hear your word,

their first overnight retreat, or a childhood

be docile to the Holy Spirit,

memory of their family or parish community.

and realize in ourselves

Then have them also write on each sticky note

why you have called us by name

a different memory from the most recent

and have been with us throughout our lives.
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