Catechesis is a vital component of the experience for pilgrims of the World Youth Day to be held from 15 -20 July 2008.

Catechesis consists in gathering in groups, teaching from the Bishop, discussion and the celebration of Mass in the course of a morning.

Over 300 Catechesis sessions will be held in different locations throughout Sydney in the mornings for three days - Wednesday 16, Thursday 17 and Friday 18 July.

Animating teams

To have successful Catechesis sessions, WYD08 needs Animation of Catechesis teams from a variety of language groups. Each team will run the overall organisation and coordination of the session allocated to them.

WYD08 is looking for English speaking animating teams from Australia, New Zealand and from the other English speaking countries of Oceania comprised of people with a passion for sharing our Catholic faith with young people.

Animating Teams coming from other countries whether nominated by national Bishops Conferences or international movements and communities will be arranged by the Pontifical Council for the Laity.

You don't need to be an expert in catechesis; rather if your group has skills in music, public speaking, and running events then we'd like to hear from you. The training materials and workshops WYD08 will be providing can help build on your skills to prepare well and provide the best catechesis we can for all pilgrims.

What Animating Teams Do

Animating teams help pilgrims make the most of the experience of catechesis - making them welcome, helping them to focus on the teaching, as well as engaging in the discussion, prayer, the Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Catechesis is a core element of World Youth Day, occurring for three hours on the mornings of the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The generic program will include:

• Preparations
• Meeting with the sacristan and site manager prior to the commencement of Catechesis
• Welcoming pilgrims as they arrive at the venue
• A short introduction to the Catechesis (approx 20-30 minutes) which might include music, drama, testimony, etc.
• Reconciliation - before and after the bishop's talk
• Introduction of the Catechist Bishop and his topic
• Catechesis from the bishop
• A coordinated discussion / question time
• A time of silence for reflection which may include guided adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• A short break
• Mass
• Vote of thanks to Catechist Bishop
• Movement of pilgrims to lunch area

HOW ANIMATING TEAMS WORK

HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN ANIMATION OF CATECHESIS

FAQs