Laity Council Calls Youth Ministers to Study WYD

VATICAN CITY, MARCH 22, 2012 (Zenit.org).- The Pontifical Council for the Laity is hosting a meeting next week for those involved in youth ministry, to reflect on World Youth Days and aid preparations for the upcoming Day in Rio de Janeiro. 

The March 29-April 1 meeting, to be held near Rome, will gather delegates from 98 countries, as well as officials from Madrid '11 and Rio '13. 

A communique released this morning by the Pontifical Council for the Laity explains that this will be "an important moment of reflection for the pastoral care workers" who number "more than 300, representing 45 communities, associations and Catholic youth movements."

Work will begin on March 29 with a welcome address from Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity. The rest of the day will be dedicated to a study of organizational and pastoral aspects of WYD Madrid 2011, and the fruits it has yielded throughout the world. 

The archbishop of Madrid, and the executive director and secretary-general of WYD '11 will participate.

The next day will focus attention on Rio. The archbishop of the city, as well as officials in charge of youth ministry for the Brazilian bishops will participate. 

March 31 will be dedicated to reflection on the "formation of young people; a mission priority for the Church," with contributions from Bishop Josef Clemens, secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, and Father Fabio Attard, counsellor general of the Salesians for youth ministry. 

On Palm Sunday, which also marks the 27th diocesan World Youth Day, the delegates will participate in Mass presided by Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square.