Fundraisers for locals to attend World Youth Day
SALT LAKE CITY — The Diocese of Salt Lake City Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry is hosting two fundraising events for the young people preparing to go to the 2019 World Youth Day, which will be in January in Panama.
Every few years, the Holy Father invites all the Catholic youth from around the world to join him on pilgrimage as “we seek to know and love Christ more and experience the Church on a grander scale,” said Junuee Castro, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City.
The diocesan WYD delegation is comprised of 15 young people from the parishes of the Cathedral of the Madeleine, Saint Martin de Porres, Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Rose of Lima and Saint Therese of the Child Jesus.
The first fundraiser will take place on Friday, Oct. 12, at the IHOP in Woods Cross.. The second fundraiser will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 24 at the California Pizza Kitchen in the Gateway Mall.
A portion of the proceeds from the meals at the fundraisers will be donated by the eateries to help cover the costs of the WYD delegation.
“We hope that the community will support us, especially with their prayers,” Castro said. “The Youth and Young Adult Ministry is committed to support the young people so they can enjoy this experience.”
On December 20, 1985 His Holiness John Paul II announced the institution of World Youth Day.
According to the history of WYD, there have been 12 International World Youth Day celebrations, where the youth continue to answer the invitation of the Holy Father in staggering numbers and carry home the message received there to be Christ’s light to the world.
“While these events are organized by the clergy and laity of the Catholic Church, youth of all faiths are invited to attend and encounter Christ, making this gathering truly universal,” states the official WYD web page.
“The participation of the youth in WYD is very important because this is a space that the Church gives especially to the youth. … Thousands gather from all over the world as witnesses of the Universal Church,” said Castro.
The theme for the 2019 WYD is “I am the servant of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word”(Lk 1:38). The event will be in Panama City from Jan. 22-27. WYD is intended for ages 15-35, though all ages are welcome.
“WYD is a moment of grace where the youth can be renewed, cheered and strengthened, giving the joy and hope of the Universal Church,” said Castro, adding that she is sure World Youth Day will be a time of renewal, prayer, reflection, community, and the celebration of faith.
“May Our Lady of Antigua, patroness of Panama, keep you and protect you,” said Castro.
WHAT: Fundraiser for WYD
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 12, 1-8 p.m.
WHERE: IHOP, 2487 South 800 West, Woods Cross
For information, visit https://www.groupraise.com/events/72541
WHAT: Fundraiser for WYD
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
WHERE: California Pizza Kitchen, 156 South 400 West, Salt Lake City
For information, visit https://www.groupraise.com/events/72548
IHOP and California Kitchen will donate 20 percent of the meal price if patrons mention that they are supporting the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City World Youth Day.
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