World Youth Day Pilgrimage Donation
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World Youth Day (WYD) is a gathering of young people from all over the world with the Pope. It is at the same time a pilgrimage, a celebration of youth, an expression of the Universal Church, and a powerful moment of evangelization for the world of youth. It is an invitation to a generation determined to build a more just and united world. With a clearly Catholic identity, it is open to all, whether they are close to the Church or far from it. It is held every two, three, or four years as an international meeting, in a city chosen by the Pope, always in his presence. It brings together hundreds of thousands of young people to celebrate faith and belonging to the Church. Since the first event, held in Rome in 1986, World Youth Day has proven to be a laboratory of faith, a place of birth of vocations to marriage and consecrated life, as well as an instrument of evangelization and transformation of the Church. It's a experience you'll never forget.
COMMON QUESTIONS:
When and Where is World Youth Day? World Youth Day (WYD) is August 1-6, 2023 in Lisbon Portugal. Departing NE on July 30, 2023, and leaving Lisbon on August 9, 2023.
Who can participate in this trip? High school participants who are 16 years old by August 1, 2023, through age 18 from any parish within the diocese. Participant leaders are considered anyone 19+ years old. This is a small group trip with limited space available.
How much do I have to pay? The cost of this pilgrimage is $3500 which includes airfare, lodging, transportation for the week, WYD registration fees, daily breakfast, WYD lunch & dinners. This fee also includes a Lisbon walking tour, an extra day to visit Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, and an extra day to enjoy the beach. There is a required $500 deposit at the time of registration. We will be glad to set up a payment plan with final payments due by June 1, 2023.
Cancellation policy: Upon registration half of your initial registration fee is refundable through January 31, 2023. After February 1, 2023, all payments will be non-refundable due to our contractual agreement with our travel agency. We highly encourage you to purchase the optional trip insurance through JMJ Pilgrimage which will allow you to recuperate the majority of your funds if the need to cancel your trip arises.
What if I need financial assistance? We believe the cost should not keep anyone from participating. Please contact your parish about possible fundraising opportunities and financial support. In addition to your parish, the Diocesan Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry also provides support through scholarships.
How do I register my youth for the GI Diocese trip? Because this is a small group trip, you are asked to apply for the opportunity through an application and interview process. To apply, click on the button at the bottom of the page. Registration closes on January 1, 2023.
Will I need a passport to enter Portugal? Yes. Every person entering Portugal needs to have an up-to-date passport. In general, it is a good rule to have at least 6 months left on your passport from the dates of your travel.
How will we get there? JMJ Youth Pilgrimages is the pilgrimage provider that we are using for this event. We will travel as a group by air and transported by motorcoach once we arrive in Portugal. A lot of walking and public transportation will also be used throughout the week.
Who will be leading this trip? The diocesan trip is being coordinated and led by Eric Heckman, the Diocesan Director for the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Eric has experience in leading these trips and is familiar with overseas travel.
Will there be adult leaders? Yes, we will have the appropriate number of adult leaders. We have a ratio of 1:6 as our standard policy.
What does the WYD week consist of? For one week, young people from all over the world are hosted for daily events, mostly in public facilities (gyms, schools, halls…). In addition to moments of prayer, socializing, and recreation, the registered youth participate in various initiatives organized by the WYD team in different parts of the host city. The highlights of World Youth Day are the celebrations (central events) attended by the Pope, such as the welcoming and opening ceremony, the Way of the Cross, the vigil, and, on the last day, the Mass of Sending.
Travel Insurance? JMJ Pilgrimage will purchase the "Student Protection" plan from Travel Insured on behalf of all trip participants, which takes effect upon departure. A copy of the policy will be provided prior to departure. If you would like to purchase optional trip cancellation/ trip interruption/ or cancel for any reason coverage, you may upgrade the coverage by contacting the youth office. Please note there will be an additional cost.
Who do I contact if I need more information? Contact Eric Heckman in the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry at the Chancery yya@gidiocese.org or 308-382-6565
ABOUT LISBON PORTUGAL
Lisbon Portugal is the capital of Portugal with a population of approximately 550,000 extending to over 2.9 million when including the surrounding urban areas. Lisbon is a major urban center that offers the same amenities as any urban center in the United States.
Is it safe? According to the “Quality of Life 2019” study by the consulting firm Mercer, Lisbon is the 31st safest city in the world, having risen 12 places in this ranking since 2005.
What language is spoken? The language spoken in Lisbon is Portuguese but English & Spanish are widely spoken.
What currency is used? The official currency is the Euro.
Can I drink the water? Yes, you can safely drink tap water in Portugal.