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18 CatholicOutlook October 2011WORLD YOUTH DAY MADRIDParramatta pilgrims Post-WYD celebrationAnthony GordonPlanted and Built Up in Jesus Christ was a dynamicPost-World Youth Day celebration attended by about500 young people on 11 September 2011 at St Patrick’sCathedral and Cloister in Parramatta.The Bishop of Parramatta, Most Rev AnthonyFisher OP, welcomed back his fellow WYD pilgrimsand encouraged them to be leaders of the NewEvangelisation in Western Sydney.Bishop Anthony delivered an inspiring catechesis inwhich he invited the young people of the Diocese to“… find new places to lead and serve as agents of theNew Evangelisation; to draw ever more closely into theordinary life of the Church while making that ordinarylife extraordinary. Can you do it? Will you do it? Willyou walk with me as disciples of Christ and His missionariesin Western Sydney?”The young people asked questions of the Bishop as aroving microphone was circulated throughout the sunbathedcloister. The rapport between the pilgrims andtheir chief shepherd was evident in the humorous, directand thorough way they communicated in the Q&A.“It was fantastic to be able to have such an intimateexperience with the Bishop where we were able toask him questions, helping us develop a strongerunderstanding of our faith,” said Holy Land pilgrimJonathon Foley.Fellow Holy Land pilgrim Jay Pamintuan said, “Todayis a dream come true to listen to the words of wisdomfrom our wonderful Bishop and receive his encouragement.We are now called to be disciples of the NewEvangelisation – to set Western Sydney on fire with thelove of Christ!”CFC Youth for Christ Global Band created a beautifulatmosphere of worship playing a range of WYD andcontemporary religious songs. The celebration beganwith a rousing rendition of the WYD Madrid song,Firm in the Faith. The atmosphere reached fever pitchwith the youthful audience joining in the singing of thefamous WYD08 Sydney anthem, Receive the Power.Powerful testimonies were given by pilgrims ClaireBrown and Luke Streher. Claire spoke of her incredibleexperience of having lunch with Pope Benedict XVI, aman she described as “gentle and peaceful”. Luke spokepassionately about the ways in which he felt that thechallenges of the pilgrimages had brought him into acloser relationship with God.St Patrick’s Cathedral was full for the post WYD Masswith pilgrims carrying Australian, Vatican and Spanishflags in the entry procession. A rich and vibrant atmosphereof worship was led by the talents of the CFC Youthfor Christ band.In a moving prayer, Bishop Anthony prayed theTHEOLOGYON TAPMonday 10 th October at 6.30pmSpeaker: Fr Alexander Sherbrooke(on tour from London)TOT is a casual and relaxed forum where friends from all walks of life gatherfor straight talk, hard facts and real answers on our faith and how it appliesto daily life. Come for a listen (and maybe a drink!). Invite your friends,especially those wanting to learn more (or debate) about the Catholic faith!Fire off the questions you have never had the opportunity to ask!prayer that Pope Benedict XVI had intended to pray atthe WYD Vigil by consecrating the youth to the SacredHeart of Jesus.The journey towards WYD Rio de Janeiro 2013was symbolised by the Brazilian flag leading the closingprocession.Santo Passarello, principal of Patrician Brothers’College Blacktown, said it was a privilege to be in StPatrick’s Cathedral to celebrate the Eucharist and welcomeback the pilgrims.“I witnessed first-hand why my boys and staff singledout the Bishop’s catechesis as their highlight of thepilgrimage. Bishop Anthony’s leadership, spiritual guidanceand personal care were the cornerstones of thesuccess of the pilgrimage.“My students and staff have returned with a remarkablesense of purpose and fulfillment. They are effusive intheir praise of the gift of faith renewal and enrichment. Itis certainly encouraging to hear 16-year-old adolescentmales speaking fervently about their faith journey!”Sunday’s celebration ended in the Cloister with aBBQ cooked by members of the Catholic EducationOffice, Parramatta. Pilgrims gathered over hot sausagesto share memories of their WYD adventures.An important topic of conversation was the importanceof ensuring that the spirit of WYD continued inthe work of the Diocese. Pilgrim Lisa Garland commented,“Great to see that the spirit of WYD was aliveand well in the youth and I believe will continue onthrough to the next WYD.”Bishop Anthony has established a Post WYDCommittee with the mission of ensuring that themomentum of WYD lives on. A range of initiatives isbeing discussed such as:1. Assisting young people to establish or strengthenyouth groups or activities within their parishesand schools;2. Providing retreats for youth such as the CatholicYouth Parramatta Retreat (25-27 November 2011);3. Promoting youth forums such as Theology on Tap,where young people gather in a social context toshare and discuss their faith;4. Forums for regularly gathering with Bishop Anthonysuch as Breakfast with the Bishop (a well-establishedforum that meets regularly);5. Providing training in evangelisation and youth ministry;and6. Diocesan youth celebrations such as Planted andBuilt Up in Jesus Christ.The Diocese of Parramatta has a faith-filled futurewith our WYD pilgrims leading the way as leaders ofthe New Evangelisation, Firm in the Faith.Anthony Gordon, Team Leader – Evangelisation and RE,Catholic Education Office, Parramatta.Live music from 6pm. Note new venue:The Commercial Hotel, 2 Hassall St, Parramatta.TOT is for young adults 18-35. Details: www.theologyontap.com.au16-21 AUGUST 2011‘Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the Faith’Photography byAlphonsus Fok & Grace LuEdmund Rice Retreat &Conference Centre“Winbourne”(Conducted by the Christian Brothers)Winbourne is a place of quiet reflection, peace andtranquillity, set on 100 hectares, located in Mulgoa.Our Centre offers a variety of facilities, includingtwo styles of accommodation suitable for adult andschool groups, various sized conference rooms with modern facilities and sporting grounds.Catering is available. The Centre is well equipped for school self run retreats,parish retreats, meetings and picnic days, staff spirituality days, year groupreflection days and sporting groups. We welcome your enquiry.EnquiriesPhone: 02 4773 5555 Fax: 02 4773 5500Email: reception@winbourne.cfc.edu.auWebsite: www.winbourne.cfc.edu.auAddress: 1315 Mulgoa Road, Mulgoa NSW 2745