Celebrating World Youth Day in the United States

30th Sunday of Ordinary Time, October 25, 2009

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.

Theme

Pope Benedict XVI states: We take as our text for the year 2009 a saying of Saint Paul: “We have set our hope on the living God” (1 Tim 4:10).

Preparation

In preparing for World Youth Day, parishes and schools should look at the many possibilities that exist to highlight the gifts, needs, and hopes of young people.

Use these resources to prepare and celebrate in your parish and school communites World Youth Day in the United States. As you read over the list of ideas that follow, always be open to adapting, developing, or altering an idea so that it fits your faith community’s purpose and goals for this particular celebration.

Preparation Steps