Office of Youth Ministry Gets Ready for World Youth Day 2005 in Cologne Germany

ST. LOUIS, MO - The Office of Youth Ministry is now registering youth from the Archdiocese of St. Louis to participate in the 2005 World Youth Day to be held in Cologne Germany. St. Louis teens will depart for Germany August 10th and return August 22, 2005. Cost for the event is $2075.00. Groups and individuals can register online by visiting www.stlyouth.org. You may request a brochure from the Office of Youth Ministry with complete details. World Youth Day was first begun by Pope John Paul II in 1985 to promote catechesis, fellowship, worship, and renewal amongst youth. Millions have participated since that time. As in the past, the Office of Youth Ministry is planning to bring youth and young adults from the Archdiocese of St. Louis to Cologne in 2005. Teens will live with host families prior to the World Youth Day celebrations and have opportunities to visit Germany's holy sites. The theme for the 2005 World Youth Day is, "We have come to worship Him" taken from Matthew's Gospel. During the World Youth Day celebrations, teens will hear from Bishops around the world as they reflect on the catechesis of the Church. Time for reconciliation, a re-enactment of the stations of the cross through the city streets of Cologne, concerts and youth festivals will also mark the week. The highlight for most teens comes at the Saturday evening Vigil with the Holy Father himself. This outdoor overnight experience includes music, prayer, worship and fun followed by the Sunday liturgy with the Pope the next morning! The Office of Youth Ministry assists parishes to provide youth and young adult ministry at the parish level, as well as offering faith events and programs to thousands of young people annually. People can donate online at [www.stlyouth.org](http://www.stlyouth.org/) or they can send their donations in the mail to 8300 Morganford Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123. Individuals can contact the Office of Youth Ministry at 314-633-2500 for more information.