World Youth Day 2008
Sydney, Australia

*** (Updated 02/20/08) We are fully booked and no open spaces remain for the diocesan trip to WYD 2008.  If you would like to be on a waiting list, in the event that one or more pilgrims drops out, please contact the OEC at 608-821-3160 or email WYD@straphael.org.

The Diocese of Madison is undertaking a pilgrimage to Australia for the celebration of World Youth Day. This pilgrimage is for young adults (age 16-35) of the Diocese of Madison and for leaders of parishes/groups that have young adults attending.

Please note that groups are strongly discouraged from organizing alternative arrangements during the July 9-22 time period. There is great value - practical, theological and symbolic - in journeying together as a diocesan family. Groups wishing to explore Australia before July 9 or after July 23 should still plan on being with the diocesan group during WYD events, and should coordinate their plans with the diocesan office.

For more on WYD:
Visit the official site at www.wyd2008.org
Download: World Youth Day 2008 Brochure
Look here for more on the "Days in the Diocese" in Melbourne.

*** Continuing Preparation for Participants:

All Participants should register themselves with the official WYD website as soon as possible: View details and instruction on how to register here: WYD Official Registration Instructions

Mark in your calendars for May 4th, for our Pilgrim Retreat! More details to come!

*** Cost
Cost for this pilgrimage is $3600 per participant. This includes airfare ($2000); ground transportation while in Australia; registration fees for World Youth activities; overnight accommodations; and most meals. It is anticipated that participants should bring at least $300 for sightseeing admission fees, souvenirs and meals not covered (four lunches and two dinners).

NOTE! This cost is based on fluctuating exchange rates (the U.S. dollar has lost 20% since August) and a shortage of flights to Australia (supply and demand is killing us).

Itinerary
All dates are in July, 2008.

7	Depart Madison, bus to Chicago O'Hare;
8	Travel via Tokyo, Japan
9	Arrive Sydney; transfer by plane to Melbourne, transfer by private coach to hotel.  Half free day depending on time of arrival.
10	Check out of hotel and transfer to "Days in the Diocese"  (We become guests of the Diocese of Melbourne.)
11-14	"Days in the Diocese" in Melbourne
15	Finish "Days in the Diocese," transfer by bus to Sydney for WYD week
15-20	World Youth Day ceremonies
21-23	Free days in Sydney, accomodations at hotel  (Time for sight-seeing; Mass with Bishop Morlino at St. Mary's Cathedral, etc.)
24	Return Flight with overnight in Tokyo.
25	Depart Tokyo, arrive in Chicago same day; bus back to Madison.