World Youth Day 2013 - Go and Make Disciples of All Nations

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from July 23 - 28, 2013

Young adults, Pope Benedict is inviting you to join him for a pilgrimage to Rio. The Archdiocese is coordinating a pilgrimage for young adults, aged 18 and up, to WYD in Rio de Janeiro from July 17 to July 30, 2013. You'll find a schedule, estimated costs, and payment information on the flyers at the bottom of this page.

Please be aware of the first payment deadline of June 1, 2012.

What is World Youth Day?

World Youth Day (WYD) is more than just a meeting that thousands or even millions of young people flock to. WYD is a testimony of a living Church that is continually being renewed. Youth are the protagonist of this meeting of faith hope and unity. The main goal of WYD is let youth know about Christ’s message. It is also true that through them (the young people) the young ‘face’ of Jesus is shown to the world.

When is WYD?

It is celebrated at a week-long international level every two to three years at different locations. The most recent one was held from August 16th to 21st, 2011 in Madrid, Spain. (Check out the Catholic Spirit's video from WYD 2011!). The next WYD will be held in Rio de janeiro, Brazil from July 23rd to 28th, 2013.

How did WYD start?

The first WYD was celebrated in Rome, in 1986 at the diocesan level. The origin of the event is the meeting between John Paul II and young people in 1984 and 1985. In 1984, at the close of the Holy Year of Redemption, the International Jubilee of Youth was celebrated in St. Peter’s square in Vatican City, and the WYD Cross was given to the youth. In 1985 the Holy Father announced the institution of World Youth Day.

What is the theme of WYD 2013?

“Go and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19) is the theme of WYD Rio2013. The theme was announced by Pope Benedict XVI on the 24th of August, 2011.

You can learn more more about WYD at any of these websites:  

• www.jmjyouth.com
• www.worldyouthday.com
• www.rio2013.com

ADDITIONAL YOUNG ADULT RESOURCES

Monthly Prayer with Archbishop Nienstedt

In cooperation with St. Thomas University, Coadjutor Archbishop John Nienstedt will lead a “lectio divina” prayer session for college-age young men and women on the evening of the first Sunday of each month (excluding January) from October through next May. Lectio Divina is a method of prayer and scriptural reading intended to promote communion with God and to provide special spiritual insights. It is a way of praying with scripture that calls one to ponder, listen and, finally pray from God’s Word.

The prayer service will take place the first Sunday of each month from 8:00 to 9:00 PM at the Florence Chapel on the St. Thomas University campus in Saint Paul (Cleveland Avenue side.) A brief reception with refreshments will follow the service.

Young Adult Groups in the Archdiocese

• The Cathedral Young Adults – The Cathedral Young Adults (CYA) organization is comprised of young adults, ages 18-39, single or married, who seek to know, love, and serve our Lord Jesus Christ and His Church. CYA works to minister to all young adults in our area, Catholic or non-Catholic, always with our purpose in mind – to advance in authentic Fides (faith), Communio (community), and Missio (mission). The Cathedral Young Adults are a vibrant group with multiple events, activities, and spiritual offerings occurring each week.

• Saint Paul's Outreach (SPO) – Saint Paul's Outreach (SPO) is an evangelistic Catholic campus ministry that serves university students and young adults. Since 1985, SPO has presented young people with the life-changing power of the Gospel and trained them to live as followers of Christ within the Catholic Church. Want to find out how you can get involved in your area?

• Bringing Christ to Campus – In the spirit of the New Evangelization, Saint Paul's Outreach (SPO) invites and equips college students to respond to the call to follow Christ in a life of discipleship within the Catholic Church. To this end, SPO Missionaries serve at many colleges around the United States, building relationships with students and providing a variety of programs, which foster spiritual growth, strong Christian community, and service.

• Pax Christi Young Adults (21-39) Group – Our goal is to gather the young adults of Pax Christi in order to deepen our faiths, serve the community, and provide the opportunity for fun and friendship. This will be facilitated through social activities, serving other groups within our parish, and reflecting on our spirituality, among other things. The Pax Christi Young Adult Group will gather for dinner, discussion and fellowship on Advent themes and how to spiritually prepare for Christmas.