Questions and answers” “

The process of preparation of the 20th World Youth Day (WYD), due to be held in Cologne from 11 to 21 August 2005, has also begun on-line. The official website of WYD, www.wyd2005.org , has been inaugurated in recent days. It is available in 5 languages (German, English, French, Italian and Spanish). “The site – explains Matthias Kopp , GMG press officer – will be updated with every new development concerning preparations for the meeting” (cf. SirEurope no.47/2003). At the present time www.wyd2005.org provides information on the programme of WYD 2005 and on the city of Cologne, on those in charge of the meeting, on the official logo of WYD, and on the Cross and icon of the Madonna, donated by the Pope to the youth of the world during the 18th WYD in Rome. FAQ (frequently asked questions) is the section in which the organizing Committee replies to the questions being most frequently asked about the WYD. A few examples below. Is the participation of disabled youth possible? “The office of WYD wishes that the disabled may be able to participate in all the events. Care will therefore be taken to equip the meeting places in such a way as to render them accessible to disabled persons”. I’m not Catholic. May I participate in WYD? “WYD is primarily organized for Christian youth belonging to the Catholic Church. But all those who are interested in it and want to find out about the Catholic Church, or take part in the events, can participate in it”. Why should anyone participate in WYD? “For countless young people the WYD have been an unforgettable experience. The participants were impressed by the communion created between everyone and by the power of the Pope’s message, full of faith and encouragement. Experiencing the same faith among peoples of different countries, languages and cultures has strengthened the young, who often feel themselves alone in their personal life. For so many the WYD has been an experience to guide and consolidate their own faith”. I’m over the age of 30. May I participate in WYD? “There are three ways of participating. First, as a volunteer: the WYD is a festival of youth which relies on the service of youth; its realization would be inconceivable without the help of many volunteers. Their contribution is invaluable in the most varied fields, from the preparation of translations to the distribution of food and service as stewards at the events. Families throughout Germany, moreover, are being invited to provide hospitality in their homes for the participants in the meeting. This goes both for the preliminary days (11/14 August 2005) in the German dioceses, and for the days (15/21 August 2005) in which the WYD proper is celebrated in Cologne. People of any age, lastly, are invited to attend the closing mass that the Pope will celebrate on Sunday, 21 August 2005”. Ways of commitment. The organizing Committee emphasizes that “a first form of volunteer service may occur in the German dioceses, during the days that precede the meeting with the Pope. For information, contact the youth pastoral office in your own diocese”. Those, on the other hand, who are interested in providing full-time assistance during the WYD, “should send applications specifying the particular section they wish to work in to personal@wjt2005.de. Those interested in volunteer service within the Office of the WYD may contact freiwillige@wjt2005.de, specifying the fields in which they feel themselves qualified to work. For general information on the Festival of youth: jugendfestival@wjt2005.de. Lastly, choirs or musical groups wishing to enliven the liturgical celebrations may write to liturgie@wjt2005.de“.