Late last year, as Pope Francis concluded Mass for the handing over of the World Youth Day (WYD) cross between Panama and Portugal, he paused and made an unexpected announcement.

“I have decided, beginning next year to transfer the Diocesan celebration of WYD from Palm Sunday to Christ the King Sunday”.

A move away from Palm Sunday for the local celebration of WYD finally gives youth ministers across the country a chance to celebrate and highlight young people’s contribution to the life of the Church without needing to balance it precariously alongside our spiritual preparation for Holy Week.

You’re invited to “Stand Up” World Youth Day – Parramatta, on Sunday 21 November in St Mark’s Square on the grounds of St Mark’s Catholic College, Stanhope Gardens for a spectacular outdoor mass with Bishop Vincent. The mass will include a commissioning of young people for leadership in the Church during 2022.