by Bill Casey

The Diocese of New Ulm is sponsoring a trip to the International World Youth Day in Toronto, Canada in July 2002. Pope John Paul II asks that young adults from all over the world gather with him in Toronto. The program for these days is set up for 18-35 year olds; however, 16 and 17 year olds are allowed to be there.

Bishop John C. Nienstedt requests that the seminarians from the diocese take part in this World Youth Day event. The diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry is currently seeking other 18-35 year olds to fill a bus for this pilgrimage to Toronto. The trip departs on July 20 and returns on July 29, 2002. The days will include driving to and from Toronto, some days in the diocese in Canada to get to know a little about the culture, the ceremony to welcome the pope, catechesis sessions each day in English speaking groups, lots of music, and meeting many people from around the world. The Saturday night stay will be sleeping under the stars with thousands of new friends and a closing Mass will be held on Sunday morning with Pope John Paul II. The estimated cost is around $500. This does not include the passport that will be needed to get into Canada.

More information will be sent to parishes wanting to be updated on this. Registration will be arranged with parishes. Anyone wanting to join in on this pilgrimage will need to make contact with their parish education/youth ministry office in the next few weeks as there is limited amount of transportation available.

Bill Casey is Director of the Office of Young Adult and Youth Ministry for the Diocese of New Ulm.