Vocations Expo during World Youth Day 2008.

The Vocations Expo is a celebration of the fruit of the Holy Spirit and explores our call to holiness in the states of marriage, priesthood, religious and consecrated life and various lay vocations through the exhibition and witness of Vocations Expo participants.

This exciting element of WYD08 is a key feature of the Youth Festival program which is a vibrant aspect of WYDs that provides opportunities for pilgrims and the general public to participate in events that bring about a sharing of culture and faith in Christ.

The Vocations Expo will operate daily from Tuesday 15 July until Friday 18 July 2008.

Click here for a full list of the exhibitors.

The expo is situated in Darling Harbour at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. With its popular waterfront setting, the venue is close to many WYD08 venues including the Adoration and Reconciliation Centre and within walking distance of major WYD08 events (including the Opening Mass, Papal Arrival and Welcome, Stations of the Cross and outdoor Youth Festival concerts).

With up to 500,000 people expected to attend WYD08 events, the Vocations Expo presents an unparalleled opportunity for congregations and communities to be witnesses to young people from every corner of the globe.

"If Jesus calls you, do not be afraid to respond to him with generosity - Do not be afraid; trust in him and you will not be disappointed."
Pope Benedict XVI
WYD 2006 message to youth

The WYD08 Vocations Expo is an exciting opportunity for young people to explore their vocation.
The Expo aims to broaden the pilgrims' experience of the Church in terms of priestly, religious and lay vocations and to open their hearts and minds to the wide range of possible ministries available to them.

Vocations Expo and the Youth Festival

The WYD08 Vocations Expo is an element of the WYD08 Youth Festival program of events. The WYD08 Youth Festival (YF) complements the principal activities of catechesis and liturgy by offering activities during the pilgrims' 'spare time' on some afternoons and evenings of the WYD08 week. It provides a program of activities celebrating faith and culture from which pilgrim groups and individuals may choose. It adds to the vibrancy and joy of the WYD week and draws pilgrims and non-pilgrims alike into its sphere. It also allows the pilgrims themselves to contribute their talents to the WYD celebrations and to participate actively.

Vocations Expo Opening Times

The anticipated operating times of the WYD08 Vocations Expo are listed below. Final confirmation will be made closer to the event. Please note that the WYD08 Vocations Expo will be closed during major WYD08 event times:

Mon 14 July Exhibitor set-up times TBA
Tue 15 July 10:00am - 3:30pm (followed by Opening Mass)
Wed 16 July 1:00pm - 10:00pm
Thu 17 July 5:30pm - 10:00pm (following Papal Arrival)
Fri 18 July 6:30pm - 10:00pm (following Stations of the Cross) Exhibitor bump-out immediately follows