WYD27 Selection Statement and Criteria
Selection Statement
The Diocese of Parramatta is seeking to select 30 pilgrims and 5 small group leaders, in addition to the 5 selected diocesan staff and clergy members, reflecting the diversity and richness of our diocesan community. Selection will be undertaken fairly and consistently, taking into consideration the criteria outlined below.
While a place cannot be guaranteed for every parish, every effort will be made to ensure broad representation across the Diocese. Together, these pilgrims will form a wider diocesan pilgrimage community, representing the Diocese of Parramatta and sharing in the World Youth Day experience as pilgrims of faith, fellowship and encounter.
The process will seek to be:
- fair and transparent;
- consistent with Catholic values and the mission of the Church;
- respectful of the dignity and circumstances of every applicant;
- representative of parishes and communities across the Diocese; and
- mindful of the pastoral purpose of pilgrimage as an opportunity for prayer, formation, encounter and service.
SELECTION CRITERIA: PILGRIMS
- An appreciation of, and commitment to, World Youth Day as a unique pilgrimage of faith, encounter and evangelisation for young people.
- A practising Catholic, with a willingness to participate actively in the spiritual and sacramental life of the pilgrimage.
- A commitment to attend and actively engage in formation before, during and after World Youth Day.
- Involvement in parish or community life, and a willingness to represent their parish or community throughout the pilgrimage.
- Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with others, contributing positively to the pilgrimage community and supporting fellow pilgrims.
- Approval and endorsement of their parish priest/parish leadership to participate in the pilgrimage.
- Ability to meet the physical and practical requirements of the pilgrimage, including walking 10-20km on some days, negotiating large crowds, standing for long periods, managing personal belongings and navigating unpredictable weather conditions.
SELECTION CRITERIA: SMALL GROUP LEADERS
The selection of Small Group Leaders is based upon the degree to which he/she meets the following essential criteria:
- A practicing Catholic, with an understanding of the evangelising and catechising mission of the Church
- An appreciation of, and commitment to World Youth Day as a unique pilgrimage of faith for young people
- Can demonstrate experience of working with young people in intense and immersive experiences
- Proven ability to work with young people, actively and positively engaging them in significant faith development and youth ministry experiences i.e Catholic Youth Parramatta/LIFTED/Parish and School youth groups etc
- Approval and endorsement of their employer to participate
- Minimum age of 25
- Demonstrated travel experience is preferred
- Ability to meet the physical requirements of a 20km walk, negotiating large crowds, standing for long periods of time and unpredictable weather conditions
- A commitment to attend and actively engage in small group leader and pilgrim formation before, during and after World Youth Day.
