What to Wear: Part Two

The Three Rules of Packing: Part One

Packing List

I shared this with everyone during our time at the Cross in the Woods. However, I wanted to put this up for those in our group that were not able to join us.

This list has been compiled from a few different sources. Here are a few rules to follow as you are preparing to pack.

1. Only one bag
2. Only pack for one week
3. If you thnk you may only use an item once, then don't bring it
4. Talk to others going on the pilgrimage, what can you consolidate among you?
5. Don't bring anything that is too valuable to lose or give away

What to Bring

4-5 shirts, make sure one is a loose fitting long sleeve
3-4 pants/jeans (Remember, no shorts will be allowed in the churches)
socks and undergarments
good walking shoes
light jacket
sleeping clothes
bathing suit
shower towel
something to wear on your feet in the shower
toiletries (use the TSA approved bottles)
sleeping amt
sleeping bag
rain poncho
space blanket
small umbrella
sun screen
camera
small flashlight
tradable items
hat to keep the sun off your face

What I Will Provide

WYD prayer book with journaling pages
WYD/Diocesan shirt
Water bottle
small hand sanitizer (people with big hands can use it too)
bandana
string back pack
over the neck travel wallet

What Not to Bring

more than one bag
anything illegal
anything you think you may only use once

JPII - THE patron of WYD

I encourage all of you to follow along in some way the Beautification of John Paul II. He began WYD. If you do not know his story, please find it. It will change your life.

Exciting!

Pilgrim vs. Tourist

Here is a talk Fr. Will Prospero gave to his pilgrims. He includes the five rules of pilgrimage and the story of St. Ignatius of Loyola. St. Ignatius is one of the patrons saints for this WYD.

On a Journey

When we first began to meet we talked about the story of Exodus (going out). We know the story is about God freeing his people from slavery in Egypt and leading them into the desert towards the Promised Land. We read about the spectacular miracles God performs, the Nile River turned into blood, locusts, flies, frogs, Passover and the parting of the Red Sea. God will care for His people and perform miracles throughout the whole journey! How powerful and great is Our God!

However, that is not the real struggle in the story. It almost seems easy for God to free His people from the slavery of the Egyptians. What seems to be the real issue at hand is how to free the hearts of the people. The hearts of the Hebrews were filled with things from Egypt. They had begun worshipping the Egyptian gods. Even though they were slaves, they knew they could count on the Egyptians providing them food, shelter and protection. To a degree, they had become comfortable in their slavery. They believed that that Egypt did more to keep them alive then what God did. They lived in a lie.

So Exodus is not just about how God freed His people from slavery in Egypt, it is also how God freed the hearts of His people from Egypt. How did He do this? He took them on a pilgrimage, a spiritual journey. As you read, you will notice that the journey was not easy! There were many obstacles and hardships, each one having a purpose. God used each hardship to show the people what was in their heart that kept them from fully letting Him in to it.

John Paul II said to us many times, “BE NOT AFRAID! THROW OPEN THE DOORS TO YOUR HEARTS!” I am sure if we have the courage to do this we will see many things there that don’t leave room for God. During the time you prepare for WYD and the time you are there, God we reach into your heart and pull something out. He will show it to you clearly. Then he will ask you, “Do you love this more than me?” He will then wait for your response. He will keep doing this over and over. When this happens He will not leave an empty space there. He will fill it with Himself! How powerful and great is Our God! Let us pray with the psalmist, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.” Psalm 51

"Men and women were created for something great, for infinity."

As we begin the journey, I thought the words from our Holy Father would be an appropriate place to begin.

www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/youth/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20100806_youth_en.html

Some Shared Thoughts

The following are some reflection thoughts given by some of our pilgrims about their experience of World Youth Day and the Church.

"Being around so many other young Catholics reinforced my faith. In today's society especially on college campuses it can be difficult to stay connected with your beliefs and with God."

"It would take a book to fully describe my experience at World Youth Day. It was an opportunity to open my heart to what God had for me and to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Through my experience I realized how universal the Catholic Church is. Seeing all different countries coming together in faith regardless of whether the countries were at peace or not was an awesome thing to experience."

"After all the World Youth Day events concluded, we sat in the Botanical Gardens in Sydney alone. I was positioned on a bench in front of a path. On one side of the path was a small shrub and on the other end was a huge tree and as I went down that path my faith just exploded inside on me and I had a new beginning."

"There was an amazing experience of the TRUE universal Catholic Church at WYD. The Holy Spirit was truly present and working in all those participating. I brought home a sense of security and a greater trust in the Lord. I feel renewed in my faith and filled with the knowledge that the Lord of all wants me to be a witness to His people."

"There are really no words to describe our experience of WYD. I think the easiest way to describe it is through our actions. Hopefully, we can pass along our excitement to be a Catholic and happiness to have a strengthened relationship with Jesus."

"Words can not describe the many AMAZING experiences of World Youth Day 2008. I have received courage and a whole new appreciation for my faith. God has truly filled my heart with His love and friendship. I now know there are so many more people out there that I can share my faith with. I am no longer afraid!"

"WYD 2008 was a joyous, inspiring and very heart warming experience. It brought moments and memories that made my faith grow. Seeing the pope, sharing Mass with people from around the world and living in Kiama and Sydney were all totally worth it! Sharing faith, loving God, praising the Lord, the people, the places, the beautiful times shared, all helped me grow in my faith! Thank You!"

"World Youth Day reminded me that our faith is novel, new, young and energizing. The global expression of our faith is especially invigorating because we know and see that it is full of life in many places. I also know that having made the pilgrimage, God has blessed me with a gift if His Spirit."

"WYD was the most amazing experience of my life. Not only did we get to learn the culture of Australia, but we also got to spend time with awesome host families and see beautiful sights. Most importantly, we got to share our faith with people from all over. Constantly learning and growing with the help of the Holy Spirit"