More Information about Registration for World Youth Day (WYD)

How do you register for World Youth Day (WYD)?
Here is the information right from the WYD:

1. Registration Options
WYD 2011 offers six possible registration options:

ENTIRE WEEK options (A), include the afternoon of Monday the 15th through the morning of Monday the 22nd
1) Package A1: includes housing and meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner);
2) Package A2: includes meals, but not housing;
3) Package A3: includes housing, but not meals;
4) Package A4: does not include housing or meals.

WEEKEND options (B), include the afternoon of Friday the 19th through the afternoon of Sunday the 21st:
5) Package B1. includes housing and meals.
6) Package B2. does not include housing or meals.

All registration options include accident insurance, public transportation for the week of WYD, a pilgrimage backpack (with a handbook for all WYD activities, hat and t-shirt, Madrid guidebook, and other various items), free entrance to all WYD cultural activities (concerts, exhibits, museum visits, etc.), and priority access to all areas reserved for WYD participants and ceremonies.

2. Fees
The WYD fees vary based on the services requested as follows:
Please note that the prices are included in the North American Standard. The "." after the numbers, for example 122.00, is a decimal point. It means 122 Euros and no cents.

Individuals and groups who register and submit payment by March 31, 2011 will receive a 5% discount.

In addition to the fees listed above, we invite you to include a voluntary donation of 10 to the Solidarity Fund, which has been set up to facilitate the participation of young people from countries with economic difficulties.

We remind you that participation in World Youth Day 2011 is free: anyone can attend the main events of WYD (Opening Mass and Welcoming of the Pope, Stations of the Cross on Friday, Saturday Night Vigil on the 20th, and Closing Mass on Sunday the 21st), as there will be designated areas for non-registered attendees. However, registration is strongly recommended, as an expression of solidarity with other participants, as well as to facilitate logistics and contribute to the cost of the event.

3. Housing
Participants who purchase a package with housing included will be provided with "no frills accommodation" arranged by WYD in schools, gyms, churches, or family households. All participants should bring a sleeping bag and a mat.

Individuals and groups who purchase a package without housing can arrange accommodation in the manner they deem most appropriate: in private households, independently booked hotel rooms or through the official travel agency of WYD (Viajes El Corte Inglés).

The night of August 20, 2011, after the conclusion of the Vigil, participants will remain at Cuatro Vientos airfield and spend the night outdoors.

We remind you that pilgrims have the full freedom to organize accommodation as they wish: they can request accommodations through WYD, stay in hotels, work with the official travel agency of WYD (Viajes El Corte Inglés), or in any way they find most convenient.

4. Country Classification
Countries have been divided into three zones, depending on the purchasing power of the country of residence, and are classified as follows:

A Countries
Andorra; Aruba; Australia; Austria; Belgium; Bermuda; Canada; Cayman Islands; Denmark (incluyes Greenland and Faroe Islands); Finland; France; Germany; Hong Kong (China); Iceland; Ireland; Italy; Japan; Liechtenstein; Luxembourg; Monaco; Netherlands; New Zealand; Norway; Poland; Portugal; Qatar; San Marino; Singapore; South Korea; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; United Arab Emirates; United Kingdom (includes Gibraltar, Jersey Islands, Man, Guernsey, Falkland and dependencies); and United States of America (includes Guam).

B Countries
Anguilla; Antigua & Barbuda; Argentina; Bahamas; Bahrain; Barbados; Brazil; Brunei Darussalam; Chile; Croatia; China; Cyprus; Czech Republic; Estonia; Greece; Guadeloupe; Hungary; Israel; Kuwait; Macao (China); Malaysia; Malta; Martinique (Fr.); Mauritius; Mexico; Netherlands Antilles; New Caledonia; Northern Mariana Islands; Puerto Rico; Saudi Arabia; Slovakia; Slovenia; St. Christopher ("St. Kitts") & Nevis; St. Pierre & Miquelon (Fr.); Taiwan; Trinidad & Tobago; Turks & Caicos Islands; Virgin Islands (UK); Virgin Islands (USA).

C Countries
Afghanistan; Albania; Algeria; American Samoa; Angola; Armenia; Azerbaijan; Bangladesh; Belarus; Belize; Benin; Bhutan; Bolivia; Bosnia-Herzegovina; Botswana; Bulgaria; Burkina Faso; Burundi; Cambodia; Cameroon; Cape Verde; Central African Republic; Chad; Colombia; Comoros; Cook Islands; Costa Rica; Cote d'Ivoire; Cuba; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Djibouti; Dominica; Dominican Republic; East Timor; Ecuador; Egypt; El Salvador; Equatorial Guinea; Eritrea; Ethiopia; Fiji; Federated States of Micronesia; French Guiana (Fr.); French Polynesia (FRA); Gabon; Gambia; Gaza Strip; Georgia; Ghana; Grenada; Guatemala; Guinea-Conakry; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Haiti; Honduras; India; Indonesia; Iran; Iraq; Jamaica; Jordan; Kazakhstan; Kenya; Kiribati; Kyrgyzstan; Laos; Latvia; Lebanon; Lesotho; Liberia; Libya; Lithuania; Macedonia; Madagascar; Malawi; Maldives; Mali; Marshall Islands; Mauritania; Mayotte; Moldova; Mongolia; Montenegro; Montserrat; Morocco; Mozambique; Myanmar; Namibia; Nauru; Nepal; Nicaragua; Niger; Nigeria; Niue; North Korea; Oman; Pakistan; Palau; Palestine; Panama; Papua New Guinea; Paraguay; Peru; Philippines; Republic of the Congo; Reunion; Romania; Russia; Rwanda; Samoa; Sao Tome & Principe; Senegal; Serbia; Seychelles; Sierra Leone; Solomon Islands; Somalia; South Africa; Sri Lanka; St. Helena & Dependencies (UK); St. Lucia; St. Vincent & the Grenadines; Sudan; Surinam; Swaziland; Syria; Tajikistan; Tanzania; Thailand; Togo; Tokelau; Tonga; Tunisia; Turkey; Turkmenistan; Tuvalu; Uganda; Ukraine; Uruguay; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu; Venezuela; Vietnam; Wallis & Futuna (Fr.); Yemen; Zambia; Zimbabwe.


5. Volunteer Registration
Registration for volunteers is to be completed by using the Volunteer Registration Form available on the official WYD website.

Once you have registered as a volunteer, your personal and contact information will be automatically added to the general registration database.

WYD will provide housing and meals for national and international volunteers during WYD and the weeks of training before the event, and also cover expenses incurred while completing volunteer tasks. All volunteers will also receive accident and liability insurance coverage. Volunteers will be asked to make a contribution to the Solidarity Fund as a demonstration of their financial generosity in addition to the time and service they offer. This contribution is yet to be determined.

We will provide information regarding the training program, when to arrive in Madrid, how to make this financial contribution, etc. as it becomes available.

Here is the website that the above information is from:
http://en.madrid11.com/JMJ2011ING/REVISTA/cabecerasypies/PortadaInscribite.asp?vmenu=INSCRIBETE#

This information was obtained 8/9/10

St. Cajetan - a Saint for Today

August 7th is the Feast Day of Saint Cajetan. A saint that can help many of us during this time. He is the patron Saint of the unemployed.
To find out more about Saint Cajetan check out: http://www.catholicadventure.com/2008/08/fast-facts-about-saints-st-cajetan.html

Fast Facts about World Youth Day 2011

Here are interesting facts and important sites you should know about for World Youth Day 2011:

-World Youth Day is an event that focuses on young Catholics, although all youth are welcomed no matter their religious beliefs.

-World Youth Day (WYD) was initiated by Pope John Paul II in 1986.

-It is a weeklong event that is held every two to three years in various locations throughout the world.

-Hundreds of thousands of young people gather for WYD.

-Pope's public appearances are the highlights of WYD. He typically arrives in the 'Popemobile' and greets crowds of people who have gathered for his arrival. The largest gathering is when the Pontiff celebrates the final Mass at the end of WYD.

-The next World You Day will be a six day event, starting from August 16, 2011 and ending on August 21, 2011.

-The event is held in various locations around the world. Madrid, Spain was chosen by Pope Benedict XVI for 2011. He revealed the location at the final Mass in Australia at Sydney's Royal Randwick Racecourse during World Youth Day 2008. It will be the second time that Spain will host the event. World Youth Day 1989 was held at Santiago de Compostela.

http://www.madrid11.com/JMJ2011ESP/REVISTA/cabecerasypies/PreHome.asp
http://www.vatican.va/gmg/documents/gmg_chronicle-wyd_20020325_en.html
http://www.vatican.va/gmg/documents/

Very Intersting Facts about Catholic Customs for Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Vigil

Holy Thursday: Mass of the Lord's Supper
+The Triduum begins with the Mass of the Lord's Supper on the evening of Holy Thursday.
+During the Gloria in Excelsis Deo, all church bells may be rung and the organ played; afterwards, bells and organ are silenced until the Gloria of the Easter Vigil.

+After the homily of the Mass a ritual washing of the feet is envisaged.
+The Mass concludes with a procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the altar of repose.
+Eucharistic adoration is encouraged during this time.
+The liturgical colour for the Mass vestments and other ornaments is white.

Good Friday
+On Good Friday, Catholics recall the Passion and crucifixion of Jesus.
+A cross or crucifix (not necessarily the one which stands on or near the altar on other days of the year) is ceremoniously unveiled.

+The Priest traditionally begin the service prostrate in front of the altar. Mass is not celebrated on Good Friday and the communion distributed at the Celebration of the Lord's Passion is consecrated on Holy Thursday, hence the name Mass of the Pre-sanctified.
+Many times images of saints are either kept or veiled until the Easter Vigil. Votive lights before these images are not lit. Crucifixes that are movable are hidden, while those that are not movable are veiled until the Easter Vigil.
+Only one cross or crucifix per church is unveiled throughout the entire Good Friday service, for the purpose of veneration by the congregation. Regardless of the size of the church or the congregation, it is not permissible to use two crucifixes for the said veneration. The faithful typically venerate the crucifix by kissing the feet of the corpus.
+The priest wears red vestments, symbolic of the Blood of Jesus Christ.

Holy Saturday
+A commemoration of the day that Jesus lay in his tomb.
+In the Catholic Church, daytime Masses are never offered.
+There are no colors seen or used throughout the chapel or on vestments.

Easter Vigil
+Held after nightfall of Holy Saturday in anticipation of the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus.
+The ceremony of darkness and light is held in silence at the beginning of the Mass.
+The paschal candle, representing Jesus's resurrection as the "return of light onto the world," is lit.
+The solemn procession to the altar with the Paschal candle is formed.
+7 readings and 7 psalms, followed by the Epistle. These readings account salvation history, beginning with Creation.
+During the Gloria at the Mass, the organ and church bells are used in the liturgy for the first time in two days.
+If the lights of the Church have been previously left off, they are turned on as the Gloria begins
+The celebrant uses the term "Alleluia" for the first time since the beginning of Lent.
+People desiring to full initiation in the Church who have completed their training are formally initiated as members of the faith the Church through the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist).

David Boreanaz of Bones and Buffy Fame In a New Movie

I have had many inquiries about Boreanaz David and the new movie that he appears in called The Mighty Macs. Yes, the movie does take place at a Catholic College and it does portray nuns in a positive way. But I would not call it a strictly Catholic movie. Many non-catholics would enjoy it purely as an underdog sports movie. There is also a little twist about one of the main characters that our Christian brethren will enjoy.
For a full review of the movie, go to: http://www.catholicadventure.com/2010/03/movie-review-of-might-macs-great-sports.html

Movie Review of The Might Macs – A Great Sports and Catholic Movie

I just attended the 15th Annual International Family Film Festival at the Raleigh Studios in Hollywood. Last night, the festival premiered The Mighty Macs, which is the real life story of an all girls, college basketball team set in 1971. The story is an inspiring telling of a basketball coach who takes her team from “the team without a prayer” to a mighty force on the court. The movie was shot on location at the Immaculata College campus in Pennsylvania. This beautiful backdrop is where the actual events took place. In fact, many of the people who are portrayed in the movie have cameo appearances. The story itself is well done, and its portrayal of the nuns is very realistic and respectful. I have become so use to the religious of a story either being a villain or a punch line; I was pleasantly shocked when all were portrayed as real people. No convenient punching bags here to satisfy the Hollywood elite. Bravo! The credit has to go to the Director/Writer/Producer Tim Chambers. With his Catholic school education, he has a very apparent knowledge and respect for the religion and culture. Because of this, the movie transcends the typical sports movie superficiality and allows you to visit a time and place where important changes were occurring in our culture.
The movie is nicely acted by Carla Cugino, David Boreanaz and Academy Award Winner Ellen Burstyn.

Facts about St. Patrick’s Day, the Real St. Patrick of the Catholic Church and the Shamrock

Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland and the man that is honored with the largest Irish celebration, was not actually born in Ireland. When Patrick was 14, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders who brought him to Ireland. While there, he was enslaved by a warlord and worked as a Sheppard for six years until he was able to escape. He made his way back to Brittan and his family. Shortly after, he joined the Priesthood. Although the details of the Saint’s life are uncertain and peppered with myth, it is certain that he returned to Ireland as a Bishop to become a beloved member of the community he served.
There are two legends that are strongly associated with Saint Patrick. The first is that he drove the snakes out of Ireland. Most see this as just a story that could have another meaning altogether. Quite possibly the snakes are a reference to Druids. The second legend is that Saint Patrick use to teach about the trinity by using a three leaf clover, also know as the shamrock. This legend is possible and is not strongly disputed.
The feast day, also known as St. Patrick’s Day, occurs on March 17th. This is also the widely accepted date of his death in the year 493. So when you are enjoying the green beer, corned beef and cabbage, and bragging that you are Irish (even if it may be for just one day), please take a moment to remember the saint that started it all through his selfless return to a country that he first knew as a slave. Then go back to the festivities…remember it is a feast day!

Top 5 Interesting Fun Facts about Easter 2010

1. Easter takes place on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. From year to year this is a different date. Passover, which Jesus’ death and resurrection is strongly connected with, is determined in the same fashion.

2. Priest’s vestments are white and gold for Easter.

3. An Easter procession was a tradition in some Catholic cultures. After Easter morning Mass, the congregation would pray or sing hymns. This tradition has been secularized into what is now known as the Easter parade.

4. The Easter Lily was brought to the United States from Japan in 1882. Although not an ancient tradition, it quickly became an essential part of alter ornamentation during Easter mass.

5. Although many Catholics focus only on Easter Sunday, the Easter Season lasts for 50 days after Easter Sunday. The official end of Easter occurs on Pentecost, when we celebrate the Decent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and Mary.

Top 5 Facts About Not Eating Meat (Abstinence) on Fridays During Lent

If you are gearing up for the questions from non-Catholics friends, here are some points that you should know about abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent.

1. Every Friday of Lent you are to refrain from eating meat. You may also hear it referred to as “abstain from meat” or just “abstinence”. They all mean the same thing: Do not eat meat.

2. The meat that Catholics should not be eating is any flesh from a warm blooded animal. This includes Chicken. Fish, not being a warm blooded animal, is fine. Any other non-meat food is fine (no, fish is not mandatory).

3. For Catholics this is not voluntary. It is required of all Catholics that are 14 years of age or older, useless there is a medical reason.

4. Since the first century AD, Catholics abstained from eating meat on Fridays. Abstinence and fasting actually go back to traditions found in the Old Testament. Other urban legends that put the reason later than that are wrong.

5. Friday is the day of the week that Catholics observe the crucifixion of our Lord. Jesus sacrificed his flesh for us and in remembrance we do not eat flesh from warm blooded animals.

Fast Facts: What is Fat Tuesday?

Fat Tuesday occurs the day before Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent. Fat Tuesday is called “Fat Tuesday” because a good deal of food is consumed on this day. This is due to the fact that the next day starts Lent which is filled with fasting and penance. So Tuesday is the last day to pig-out. Historically, the feasting and partying that happens on Fat Tuesday was a way to get rid of many of the perishable foods that would not be consumed during the forty days of Lent. In particular, meat and dairy products. This is where the word “carnival” from, which means “getting rid of” or “saying good-bye to meat”.
Fat Tuesday, translated in French as Mardi Gras, is widely celebrated throughout the world. Most people associate these colorful parties with cities such as New Orleans, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro and Venice.

Information on Saint Valentine

With Valentine's day right around the corner, here is a clip with facts on the two men who inspired the well known holiday.

Quick Answers to Those Perplexing Catholic Questions

What are the rules for not eating meat on Fridays? Is it only during lent or all year round? Also, when are Catholics suppose to fast?

Currently, Catholics are required to abstain from meat only during the Friday’s of Lent. Years ago, Catholics were forbidden to eat meat every Friday of the year. In 1966, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops determined that we did not have to abstain from eating meat. Due to shifts in American’s eating habits, the importance of meat in our diet had diminished. To reflect this, we were given the option of choosing another penance on Friday. There has been some talk about reinstating the rule and making all Fridays meatless. But nothing has been changed, yet. Catholic American’s (who are 14 years or older) still only have to abstain from meat during the Lenten Season.
In respect to fasting, American Catholics are required to do so on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The fasting age is from 18 to 59. Those who have medical concerns are not obligated to abstain from meat or fast at any time.

Twilight Movie: Bella's St. Jude Bracelet

It was a pleasant surprise to see a bracelet with the image of Saint Jude in a popular movie for teens. The painting that was used in Bella's Bracelet is a popular one that has been incorporated into many different items. In addition to the bracelet that was in the movie, that particular picture can be found on necklaces and prayer cards.

On the left, there is a shirt that has just been added to my store. Click on the link below to have a closer look.

http://www.zazzle.com/catholicadventure

A Few Words on New Media from the Pope

This week,Pope Benedict XVI received in audience the participants of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. In his remarks to the Council, he encouraged all to "take up the challenges that these new technologies pose to evangelization." He went on to say, "In the case of believers,the necessary appreciation of the new media technologies must be supported always by a constant vision of faith, knowing that, beyond the means that are used, the efficacy of the proclamation of the Gospel depends in the first place on the action of the Holy Spirit, who guides the Church and the way of humanity."

A Few Words on New Media from the Pope

This week,Pope Benedict XVI received in audience the participants of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. In his remarks to the Council, he encouraged all to "take up the challenges that these new technologies pose to evangelization." He went on to say, "In the case of believers,the necessary appreciation of the new media technologies must be supported always by a constant vision of faith, knowing that, beyond the means that are used, the efficacy of the proclamation of the Gospel depends in the first place on the action of the Holy Spirit, who guides the Church and the way of humanity."

A Few Words on New Media from the Pope

This week,Pope Benedict XVI received in audience the participants of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. In his remarks to the Council, he encouraged all to "take up the challenges that these new technologies pose to evangelization." He went on to say, "In the case of believers,the necessary appreciation of the new media technologies must be supported always by a constant vision of faith, knowing that, beyond the means that are used, the efficacy of the proclamation of the Gospel depends in the first place on the action of the Holy Spirit, who guides the Church and the way of humanity."

Anne Rice is Back with Another Christian Novel

Anne Rice, who is better known for the Vampire Chronicles, is coming out with a new book. Instead of vampires, she is writing about angels. This would seem like quite a change in subject matter if you were not aware of her return to the Catholic Church some years back. Since, she has had a popular fictional story based on Jesus's youth. Check out what she has to say about her new book on YouTube.

Anne Rice is Back with Another Christian Novel

Anne Rice, who is better known for the Vampire Chronicles, is coming out with a new book. Instead of vampires, she is writing about angels. This would seem like quite a change in subject matter if you were not aware of her return to the Catholic Church some years back. Since, she has had a popular fictional story based on Jesus's youth. Check out what she has to say about her new book on YouTube.

Anne Rice is Back with Another Christian Novel

Anne Rice, who is better known for the Vampire Chronicles, is coming out with a new book. Instead of vampires, she is writing about angels. This would seem like quite a change in subject matter if you were not aware of her return to the Catholic Church some years back. Since, she has had a popular fictional story based on Jesus's youth. Check out what she has to say about her new book on YouTube.

Catholic People Spotlight: Alex Debogorski Update

A new season of Ice Road Truckers is underway, and Alex Debogorski is back. For season three they are in Alaska. It looks like Alex is healthier than ever and is in the drivers seat for this new adventure.
Checkout the History Channel for details:
http://www.history.com/content/iceroadtruckers-season-three