Australian community groups are coming on board to assist approximately 1,000 pilgrims with disabilities during World Youth Day Sydney 2008 (WYD08).

Referred to by Pope John Paul II as the "Good Samaritans of our time, who by their generous and friendly presence, repeat the gesture of Christ" - the carers, families and friends of people with disabilities will receive assistance throughout their WYD08 pilgrimage.

"People with a disability and their carers will not only be given the practical measures to ensure their full participation in all the events, but will be asked to take part in some very special ways," said WYD08 Coordinator Bishop Anthony Fisher OP.

"We have invited a young pilgrim with a mobility disability Anthony Succar to be in the Offertory Procession at the Final Mass where they will bring one of the Eucharistic gifts to the Holy Father.

"Another young man will be in the same procession at the Opening Mass with Cardinal Pell, while a young deaf person will give a testimony at the Evening Vigil on Saturday 19 July.

"The Catholic Church teaches reverence for all human life, and we have a special responsibility to provide care and support for those facing particular difficulties," he said.

In collaboration with the L'ARCHE community, a Catechesis site will be dedicated to these pilgrims in a central location. The L'ARCHE community will also host several events during the Youth Festival including a two hour event on Wednesday 16th July entitled "Celebrating people living with a disability" at the Paddington Town Hall.

Another Catechesis site will be provided with sign-language (AUSLAN) organised by the Ephpheta Centre and will be featuring Fr Martin Kershaw, a signing priest from Ireland.

Signed reconciliation (ie. confession) will be offered at a Catechesis site and other Churches, and Special Needs Areas will be available at both Barangaroo and inside Randwick Racecourse.

Sign language is provided at all major events in both AUSLAN and ISL (International Sign Language), and a dedicated accessible shuttle service from Central Station to Randwick Racecourse will be running from early Saturday morning to Sunday evening.

A lay religious order of the Catholic Church, the Order of Malta, are providing approximately 300 volunteers to assist pilgrims with disabilities at Randwick for the Vigil and Final Mass.

The St Vincent de Paul Society's outreach program to people with disabilities have helped produce 500,000 miniature crosses for the Journey of the Cross and Icon and one million communion hosts for the WYD08 Masses.

For all information on disability services, please visit

www.wyd2008.org/disability

Only 3 days to go to WYD08!