World Youth Day USA Guides Stateside Pilgrimage Leaders Guide | Page 75

about what their lives would look like if they

At the conclusion of the session, bring the

were doing what makes them happiest all the

conversation back to the large group and ask

time. Ask them if they could envision a life

whether the pilgrims have gained any

like their World Youth Day experience for

additional insights for themselves.

years to come. As pilgrims respond, take note

Ask the group how these religious men and

of the different responses to the question,

women, priests, and married couples have

“What makes you the happiest?” These might

become agents of mercy and compassion

be answers that you or the panel can come

through their calling. Ask the young men and

back to later on in the discussion.

women present if they are now considering
new possibilities (and if they are open to

Then have the panel share their own

sharing those thoughts with the group). It is

experiences (of World Youth Day, on how

important to keep all these conversations in

they found joy and happiness in events like

confidence and to encourage all pilgrims to

these, and in their respective vocations) and

hold those in discernment in prayer.

how they discovered what God was calling

PLANNING TIP:

them to do with their lives. This would be a
great way to expose pilgrims to a variety of

If you cannot find people from these
groups to come out to your meeting,
consider using online resources like video
testimonials and websites; be sure to
share these links with the pilgrims.

vocational callings. Leave some time for
questions and answers to allow the pilgrims to
ask whatever they want to know about a
particular vocation or ministry.

USCCB (Religious Women):
www.usccb.org/beliefs-andteachings/vocations/discerning-women/

If time allows, invite the pilgrims to take time

USCCB (Videos on Vocations):
www.usccb.org/beliefs-andteachings/vocations/videos.cfm

for reflection (e.g., take 15 to 20 minutes for
silent reflection), and if you feel it is
appropriate, have them use this time to

USCCB (For Your Marriage):
www.foryourmarriage.org

complete an online discernment test. There
are a variety of online resources for

VISION Vocation Network:
www.vocationnetwork.org

discernment, as well as videos that highlight
the journeys of religious men and women,

Vocation Placement:
wwwvocationsplacement.org

priests, and married couples.

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