Celebrating World Youth Day in the United States

30th Sunday of Ordinary Time, October 23, 2011

The 26th Anniversary of World Youth Day

 

The NFCYM is pleased to present these resources for the U.S. celebration of World Youth Day. Some of the resources and links are provided courtesy of the Center for Ministry Development.

Renewing the Vision (USCCB, 1997) challenged those involved in ministry to and with youth to develop a comprehensive approach that integrates young people into the life and mission of the parish community. The National Celebration of World Youth Day, annually celebrated on the 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time in the United States, offers all involved in youth ministry an opportunity to highlight the gifts and joys that young people and youth ministry bring to faith communities across the country.

Overview

[from Celebrating World Youth Day 2011, © Center for Ministry Development. Used by permission.]

The theme for World Youth Day 2011 as set by the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, is “Planted and Built Up in Jesus Christ, Firm in the Faith” —St. Paul (Colossians 2:7).

In honor of young people and the unique gifts they bring to our U.S. Catholic churches, our bishops declared parishes and schools will observe World Youth Day annually on the 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time (October 23, 2011). This particular Sunday is intended to highlight the presence, energy, and diversity of all young people. World Youth Day is a celebration of both young and older youth and also an opportunity for the entire faith community to affirm and welcome the young church of today.

Suggestions for Preparation

Because World Youth Day is intended to celebrate the gifts of youth in your community, the following suggestions feature young people in the weeks leading up to your parish celebration.

  1. Take photographs of your young people and display them in a prominent area where the entire community can see them. List young people’s names and where they go to school. Consider listing special skills and talents they have or ways that they volunteer in the community or at your parish.

  2. Use your parish bulletin to highlight youth who have recently won awards, scholarships, or recognition for their achievements.

  3. Have youth design a special invitation to be mailed out inviting the entire faith community to participate in this celebration of the young church.

  4. Invite parents to write a letter to their teenage son or daughter describing all the gifts they see in them and the dreams they have for their child’s future. These letters could be given to the youth as part of the parish celebration.

  5. Ask the pastor of your community to write an open letter to youth describing why youth are important to the parish community. This letter could be published in your church bulletin and/or given directly to the young people.

  6. Host a “Meet the Youth Night” where the parish invites youth to introduce themselves and share a meal with other parishioners.

  7. Make a video of interviews with several youth from your community. Have youth give witness to the importance of their faith community to helping them grow in their Catholic spirituality.

     

Preparation Steps