PHOTO COURTESY OF ST SIMON'S PARISH, ROWVILLE

For months (for some, years), parishes around Melbourne have been preparing for two of the biggest events on their calendar: Days in the Dioceses Melbourne and World Youth Day 2008. No other event has offered our local parishes a better chance to meet and greet international youth, learn about the different cultures of the world and develop one’s faith all in the span of two weeks!

One such parish that has been busily preparing for these events is St Simon’s in Rowville. St Simon’s is hosting more than 100 pilgrims from England. Like many other parishes around Melbourne, parishioners at St Simon’s have done a lot of work, both logistical and spiritual, organising a schedule of activities that will fully immerse their visiting pilgrims in the local culture and help their youth learn more about their faith.

Here’s a glimpse of what they have planned:
Day 1 – Personal identity: Exploring who I am, personally, in my family, my friendships, my school/workplace, my faith community and with God.
Day 2 – Cultural identity: Exploring my cultural background and exposure to Australian Indigenous heritage.
Day 3 – Faith identity: Exploring our personal faith influences and considering an important Australian influence in Blessed Mary MacKillop.
Day 4 – My call to action: Through my personal, cultural and faith identity I am called to ‘witness’ by my actions Social justice-focused Liturgy, social justice panel shares its call to action, service in the community, Puffing Billy excursion a visit to Cardinia Reservoir, a celebration dinner and a party.
Day 5 – Who I am makes a difference: Pilgrims receive a final blessing and a ribbon ceremony.