Rejoice in the Lord Always! Preparing for the National Celebration of the 27th World Youth Day By Susan Searle

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1 Enjoy this free resource from Youth Ministry Access and the Center for Ministry Development! To learn more about resources for high school and middle school youth ministry, visit our website at or write to Rejoice in the Lord Always! Preparing for the National Celebration of the 27th World Youth Day By Susan Searle Purpose In 1985, Pope John Paul II invited young people across the world to join him in Rome to observe the United Nations International Year of Youth. Since that momentous occasion, young people from every continent have gathered to celebrate the global church and their Catholic unity. The theme for World Youth Day 2012 as set by the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, comes from St. Paul s letter to the Philippians, Rejoice in the Lord always! In honor of American young people and the distinctive gifts they share with our faith communities, our bishops declared that U.S. Catholic parishes and schools will observe World Youth Day annually on the 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time (October 28, 2012). This particular Sunday is intended to highlight the presence, energy, and diversity of youth and is an opportunity for the entire faith community to join in affirming the gifts of the young Catholic Church. This extended event provides Catholic parishes and schools with resources and suggestions for celebrating World Youth Day locally through the celebration of the Eucharist. In preparing for this annual event, young people are invited to collaborate with other parish leaders in the planning, preparing, and participation of this day. Additionally, parish leaders are encouraged to provide training opportunities for youth to learn skills necessary to serve their communities in the various ministries of the liturgy. MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI FOR THE TWENTY-SEVENTH WORLD YOUTH DAY 2012 This year s World Youth Day theme comes from Saint Paul s exhortation in his Letter to the Philippians: Rejoice in the Lord always (4:4). Joy is at the heart of Christian experience. At each World Youth Day we experience immense joy, the joy of communion, the joy of being Christian, the joy of faith. This is one of the marks of these gatherings. We can see the great attraction that joy exercises. In a world of sorrow and anxiety, joy is an important witness to the beauty and reliability of the Christian faith. The Church s vocation is to bring joy to the world, a joy that is authentic and enduring, the joy proclaimed by the angels to the shepherds on the night Jesus was born (cf. Lk 2:10). Not only did God Page 1

2 speak, not only did he accomplish great signs throughout the history of humankind, but he drew so near to us that he became one of us and lived our life completely. In these difficult times, so many young people all around you need to hear that the Christian message is a message of joy and hope! Source: Prepare the Parish Community for Celebrating World Youth Day Suggested Bulletin Announcement Post the one or more weekends before World Youth Day (October 28, 2012) Please join the youth of our parish in a special celebration of World Youth Day! Next weekend (or date you will celebrate), our parish will join with all the other Catholic communities across the United States to honor and celebrate the joy and gifts of young people. This is an annual celebration instituted by Pope John Paul II in 1984 to affirm and recognize the energy, enthusiasm, and creativity that young people share with us. The theme for this year s celebration is Rejoice in the Lord Always! So come show your support for our parish youth by rejoicing in the joy of our Lord! [Add to this bulletin announcement any specific information what will occur at/or after your liturgy for World Youth Day.] Parish Youth Ministry The celebration of World Youth Day is an opportune time to promote the parish s ministry with and for young people. Leaders are invited to use some of the following suggestions in the weeks leading up to the parish celebration to help promote youth ministry. 1. Post photographs of youth in a prominent area of your parish such as the church gathering space or community center. List young people s names and where they go to school, any special skills and talents, and how they may have volunteered in the parish and greater community. Also include a written response from the following quote from each youth, My joy comes from Host a learning session for your parish community on the Renewing the Vision A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry document (USCCB, 1997). This document provides the guiding vision for youth ministry in parishes in the United States. Introduce the parish community to the themes and components of comprehensive youth ministry presented in Renewing the Vision. Divide participants into smaller groups and have them work on a vision statement for the parish s ministry with young people. 3. Assist youth in designing a special invitation to be mailed out to the community inviting all to participate in the parish World Youth Day liturgy. Be sure to include the theme for the celebration Rejoice in the Lord Always! Page 2

3 4. Ask your pastoral council and other committees if youth may make a brief presentation at their gatherings to promote upcoming retreats, service projects, or other events in their ministry. Likewise, invite members of the pastoral council to present to youth how their ministry fits into the overall pastoral plan for the parish. 5. Invite the pastor of your community to write an open letter to the youth of the parish describing why they are important ambassadors of faith to the rest of the community. Share this letter in your church bulletin, at the liturgy, or give a printed copy directly to each youth. 6. Host a Meet the Youth Night and invite the parish community to come meet and mingle with the youth of their church. Encourage youth to prepare a video presentation of all the activities of youth ministry from the past year. Invite families to bring potluck dinner items to share. 7. Create a video that includes interviews of youth from your parish. Capture youth vocalizing the importance of belonging to their faith community and how their participation at church helps them grow in their Catholic spirituality. In keeping with the theme, have youth fill in this sentence: How my faith gives me joy... Post this video to your parish website or youth ministry Facebook page. If possible, show the video before or after Masses for the entire community to see. 8. All year long, invite members of the parish youth ministry to nominate a Disciple of the Month from among their peers in the parish. Post their picture in a prominent place in either the parish center or in the weekly bulletin along with why the youth was nominated by their peers. (Example: the disciple youth gave a faith-sharing witness talk on our fall retreat.) 9. Start a youth ministry prayer chain for the month leading up to your celebration. Invite parishioners to adopt a youth to pray for that entire month. On the day of your parish World Youth Day celebration, invite youth to meet the adults who have been praying for them. 10. Since World Youth Sunday is about celebrating all youth, work with other parish youth ministers in your area to create a city-wide event. It could be a movie night, concert, or a day at your local amusement park. If you live in a rural area, invite several other parishes to pilgrimage to a particular site such as the cathedral, a retreat center, or a holy shrine to meet and pray together. Page 3

4 Preparing for the Sunday Liturgical Celebration of World Youth Day Gather a preparation team that includes your pastor, liturgy director, music minister, youth ministry leadership team, parents, and several of the parish youth. Identify adults for this committee who are youth-friendly and desire to empower young people to be liturgical leaders in the parish ministries. As a liturgy committee, reflect on the Scripture readings for the day of the celebration, keeping in mind the entire faith community and the significance the readings may have for young people. Use Resource 1, Reflections on the Readings, to help your committee prepare the liturgy. Once your committee has met and is familiar with the readings, begin to discern preparation groups based on the skills and interest of the group members. The task groups should include the following: Word (lectors), Music, Art and Environment, Hospitality, and Eucharistic Ministers. Assign the various tasks groups to work on the following: Word Group Gives homily suggestions to the pastor for connecting the Scripture readings especially the Gospel with the lives and events of the parish young people. This group should also discuss how the readings connect with theme of World Youth Day as set by the Holy Father. Discerns who will be the lectors for Mass. Those proclaiming the Word need to arrange a time to practice the readings from the ambo (using the microphone) before the actual liturgy. Writes the Prayer of the Faithful for the celebration or uses some of the suggested ones (see Resource 2). Music Group Collaborates with the parish music minister to choose appropriate songs for the liturgy. See suggestions in Resource 2. Attends necessary practices or rehearsals to prepare for the liturgy. Helps to prepare a worship aid if necessary. Art and Environment Group Collaborates with the parish liturgy director or art and environment team to give suggestions for creating a liturgical space that represents the character of youth and the theme for World Youth Day. Environment should incorporate the theme of Rejoice in the Lord Always. Helps to set-up and display any flowers, banners, photographs of young people, etc. prior to the liturgies. Cleans and returns the sanctuary back to its original order after the celebration. Page 4

5 Hospitality Group Works with the music group to create a worship aid for the liturgy, if necessary. List the names of those who helped prepare the liturgy and who served as liturgical ministers. Discerns which youth will be ministers of hospitality (greeters) to welcome people to the liturgy. Works with a team of parents to plan and provide a reception after the Mass (potluck dinner, doughnuts and coffee, cake and punch, etc.) Invites youth to bring the forward the gifts during the liturgy. Asks the presider or youth minister to welcome the community and give a brief description of the annual celebration of World Youth Day. Eucharistic Ministers Consults with the parish liturgy director to schedule commissioned youth to serve as Eucharistic Ministers for this special liturgy. Other Suggestions for the Liturgy Preparation Team 1. Consult with the presider and consider asking him to invite a young person to offer a witness reflection before or after the homily. 2. Include a special World Youth Day blessing for all youth present at the liturgy. In consultation with the pastor, write your own blessing, use one included in this resource, or adapt a blessing from the Book of Blessings (The Liturgical Press, 1989). 3. Invite the young people to bring their Bible to the liturgy for a special blessing. Some parishes may also choose to present each young person with a Bible (or other gift such as a cross, rosary, etc.) to be blessed by the pastor during the liturgy. 4. October is the month of the rosary. Perhaps in the weeks leading up to the World Youth Day celebration, have youth lead a living rosary. (See A Living Rosary: Honoring Mary gathered youth night in YMA Middle School.) Parishes may also decide to pray the rosary as part of the celebration. 5. October is also National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Word group should consider who are the young people in the faith community that may have family members or friends suffering from this illness and how might they be included in the prayers of the celebration. Page 5

6 6. Consider how your local parish celebration might also connect to the global World Youth Day event that will happen next year in Rio de Janeiro. The theme will be Go and Make Disciples of All Nations. Prayers and Blessings Blessing for Youth During a World Youth Day Celebration Invite youth to come to the center of your worship space and for the community to extend their hands in a sign of blessing over the youth. God, who fills our hearts with joy, Make your presence known to our young people every day, but especially today, as we gather to celebrate their gift of youthfulness to our faith community. Help us to always welcome, support and encourage our young people to become all that you have envisioned for their lives. Bless the youth of this community with optimism and hearts full of joy for life. Bless the youth of this community to understand fully that you are always with them when they rejoice but especially when they struggle. Bless the youth of this community that they be move with compassion to serve those who are less fortunate than they. Bless the youth of this community with the courage to share your everlasting love as witnesses of joy to their peers. God of Ultimate Mystery, lift the hearts of our young people with the joy of knowing that you are always calling them into a relationship of love and that you alone are the true source of joy. We pray this in the name of Jesus, our Savior. Amen. Blessing for Parish Youth Minister and Ministry Team on World Youth Day Celebration Invite youth to extend their hands toward the adult leaders. Wondrous God, today on this celebration of World Youth Day, we give thanks and rejoice for the adults who take on the responsibility of handing down the stories and traditions of our faith to the youth of our parish. God, you know these adults have graciously given of their time, resources, and hearts to humbly serve our youth and we as a faith community are eternally grateful. Wondrous God, help us to bestow honor and praise to the adults who serve, lead, and love our parish young people. Bless these role models to our youth who boldly share their own experiences of faith. Page 6

7 Bless our parish youth ministry that it may continue to reach the hearts of young people. Bless this parish community with more giving adults who are willing to come forward and shepherd our young people on their faith journeys. God of Love, we ask you to renew the dedication of these faithful servants who have been called forth to serve. We prayerfully ask your blessing upon each one today through Christ and the Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen. A Prayer for Youth on the Celebration of World Youth Day Joyful Spirit, We especially rejoice today on this celebration of World Youth Day in thanksgiving for the young people of this faith community and for all youth everywhere. May they spread the power of your love with their words, actions, and deeds. May their hearts overflow with compassion to serve those in need. May they be examples of grace, gratitude, and humility. May they find the courage to speak the truth and stand for justice. May they rejoice in their own diversity and their unique giftedness. May they show the wisdom and insight to live their lives modeled after Jesus Christ. Joyful Spirit, Bring peace to the restless thoughts of youth. Teach them to be still and know you are present. Help them to rejoice in the power of silence and to celebrate your holy presence within. Amen. Other Helpful Resources about World Youth Day Visit the Vatican s website for more information on World Youth Day: Visit the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops website for more information on World Youth Day: Websites and links mentioned here were accessed successfully on May 16, This extended event was written by Susan Searle, who is adjunct faculty for the Center for Ministry Development, an Ambassador for the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change, and a Youth and Young Adult Ministry consultant, speaker, and retreat facilitator. Susan may be reached at: smsearle@msn.com. Page 7

8 Resource 1 Lectionary Readings and Commentary 30 th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 28, 2012 First Reading Jeremiah 31:7-9 Psalm Response Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6 The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. Second Reading Hebrews 5:1-6 Gospel Mark 10:46-52 Commentary Jeremiah 31:7-9 Jeremiah lived through a violent and difficult period of history. As a young man, he witnessed the fall of a great empire and the kingdom of Judah. Jeremiah was called to be a prophet to Judah and as such was known to be a great witness of Yahweh s love to his people. The first reading opens with a call for joy because Yahweh has bestowed salvation on Jeremiah s people. Jeremiah s story offers great hope to all who have been exiled, rejected, or excluded. This reading prophesized the coming of Jesus and his ministry to the outcasts of society. Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6 This is a communal lament (expression of grief) recalling God s past intervention on behalf of the people who were once in exile. The psalm is a prayer for divine aid and a prayer of rejoicing for a people s return home. Hebrews 5:1-6 This reading from Hebrews refers to gifts and sacrifices for sins. We are reminded that Jesus, being fully human like us, also suffered the experience of being rejected. It is through Jesus gift of sacrifice that our sins are forgiven. Mark 10:46-52 In the Gospel of Mark, several groups come to Jesus. The Pharisees test him (vv. 1-9), his own disciples question him (vv ), the children come to be blessed (vv ), a rich young ruler comes looking for approval (vv ), the disciples come promoting themselves (vv ), and in this Sunday s gospel, the poor and blind Bartimaeus comes in faith hoping for healing (vv ). It is important to note Bartimaeus reaction to and willingness to follow Jesus after he is cured of his blindness. This Scripture shows how Bartimaeus fully trusted in Jesus. Thus, Jesus tells Bartimaeus that his faith has healed him. In reality Jesus is saying that not only has his sight been restored but his soul has been saved by his faith. It is when we see Jesus that we are given salvation. Page 8

9 Questions for Reflection 1. Share an experience when you felt joy in your heart. What happened? Who was involved? Describe how you felt. 2. Discuss what it means to rejoice always in the Lord. 3. In the Gospel, when the blind man called out to Jesus for help, many told him to be quiet. Who are the people in need of help today who are often silenced? 4. The disciples tell the blind man to take courage because Jesus is calling him. What amount of courage is needed to follow Jesus call in our world today? 5. The blind man tells Jesus that he wants to see. What do you think young people want to see from their faith communities today? 6. Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus for help. What are some ways that young people are crying out for help in today s society? How desperate are young people for God s attention? Where do they need to encounter Jesus in their lives? 7. Who needs our encouragement to come to Christ for help? Who is desperate in our world? 8. This Gospel clearly shows how Jesus responded to the needs of everyone but especially to the needs of the poor. In what ways can we follow his example? Putting It All Together After spending time reflecting on all of the sacred readings for the liturgy, discuss how they might speak most compellingly to the youth in the community. How might the liturgy connect the Good News of the Scriptures to the parish young people s faith, culture, and life experiences? As a preparation committee, discuss the common thoughts, ideas, themes from World Youth Sunday in light of the readings. Other ideas to keep in mind when preparing the liturgy: o October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Are there young people in your community who may have family members or friends who are suffering from this illness? o October 28 is the Sunday before Halloween, All Souls, and All Saints Days. How might these special days influence your celebration of World Youth Day? o October 28 is also World Mission Sunday. What are some connections that can be made between World Youth Day and World Mission Sunday? o What other important local, national, or global events have recently occurred that may be important to recognize and pray about through the liturgy? o Remember to connect your parish World Youth Day Sunday to the next global World Youth Day scheduled in Rio de Janeiro in The theme will be We have set our hope on the Living God (1 Timothy 4:10). Page 9

10 Resource 2 Prayer of the Faithful and Music Suggestions Suggestions for the Prayer of the Faithful or Universal Prayer Suggested response: Loving God, hear us. For the many adult volunteers who have graciously shared their own faith stories with the young people of this parish. We pray For young people, may their hearts be open to the joy of the Lord, so they in turn, may share Christ s joy with others. We pray For our church community, that collectively we may be an example of God s peace, love, and joy through our words and actions. We pray For those who feel alienated, excluded, or alone, especially any young people in our community. May they come to know the joy that God is always present with them, even in their suffering. We pray For families, friends, and loved ones who are experiencing the pain of cancer. May they be comforted by God s healing grace. We pray Also consider other important local, national, or global events that have recently occurred to include them in the intercessions. Suggestions for Liturgical Music Gathering Celebrate Youth by Steve Angrisano (Spirit & Song, OCP) Let all the Earth Cry Out by Bob Halligan Jr. (Spirit & Song, OCP) Psalm Response Let Us Rejoice and Be Glad (Psalm 118) by Tom Tomaszek (OCP) The Lord Has Done Great Things for Us by Paul Melley (GIA) All Generations Will Praise Your Name by Chris de Silva (GIA) Preparation of the Gifts Lord, Let Your Face Shine Upon Us by Tom Booth (Spirit & Song, OCP) Prosper the Work of Our Hands by Tom Booth, ValLimar Jansen, and Tom Tomaszek (Spirit & Song, OCP) Like the Bread by Tom Booth (Spirit & Song, OCP) Communion Grateful by Tom Tomaszek (OCP) My Glorious by Martin Smith, Stuart Garrard (Spirit & Song, OCP) With All Our Hearts by Jesse Manibusan (Spirit & Song, OCP) Page 10

11 Reflection after Communion (optional) Amazing Grace by John Newton (Spirit & Song, OCP) Eyes to You by Trevor Thomson, Victoria Thomson (Spirit & Song, OCP) I am Blest by Chris Muglia (Spirit & Song, OCP) Sending Forth / Dismissal All the Ends of the Earth by Bobby Fisher (Spirit & Song, OCP) All Who Are Led By the Spirit by Michael Joncas (GIA) Your Grace is Enough by Matt Maher (Spirit & Song, OCP) Page 11