WASHINGTON, D.C., OCT. 12, 2001 (Zenit.org).- Groups of young people between ages 16 and 35 can now register for World Youth Day 2002, scheduled for July 23-28 in Toronto.
For the first time, WYD organizers are offering the option to register online at http://www.wyd2002.org/. Registrations also can be made by mail.
The registration process consists of three phases.
In Phase 1, a group identifies itself and provides general information. In this phase a group is asked to contribute $10 per group member to a Solidarity Fund administered by the Pontifical Council for the Laity. This fund assists people from poor countries to participate in World Youth Day. The Council for the Laity is the Vatican agency responsible for WYD.
At the completion of Phase 1, groups are linked to the second phase and asked to enter a billing code number. The registration billing code for all U.S. groups is 100. Groups will also be assigned a unique number to be used for all subsequent communications and payments.
In Phase 2, groups will be able to choose from among four differently priced packages. Choice will depend on whether a group wants the WYD meal plan and on whether they are participating in the entire WYD program or just attending the final two days of it.
All packages include admission to the WYD events, ground transportation in Toronto, and emergency medical and health insurance. Weeklong packages include «simple accommodations» at no cost.
Groups registering online can complete Phases 1 and 2 at the same time. The third phase of registration, which will follow at a later time, will ask larger groups to subdivide into smaller units. Subgroups can also be created on the basis of special need, for example, by language.
In addition to the Vatican Solidarity Fund contribution and the registration fee, all U.S. groups are asked to contribute an additional $10-per-person fee to a special fund set up by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. This fund will assist young people to attend WYD from many Latin American countries.
For the first time, this U.S. bishops´ fund will also help young people to attend WYD from nearly 80 «home mission» dioceses in the United States. Many of these dioceses are located in poor rural or urban regions.
Though U.S. groups will register directly with the WYD Office in Toronto, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops at the request of the Canadian organizers will handle collection of fees.
A 5% discount on the registration fee will be offered to those who register through the bishops´ conference and whose payment is received by Dec. 3.
Questions about registration should be directed to the WYD 2002 Office in Toronto by e-mail at info@wyd2002.org or by phone at (416) 913-2080.
Questions about payment or about general WYD information can be directed to the U.S. bishops´ WYD Office by e-mail at wyd@usccb.org or by phone at (202) 541-3042.
