World Youth Day Sydney 2008 (WYD08) has released the themes and accompanying scripture verse for each day of Catechesis, or teaching sessions.

Bishops from around the world will lead Catechesis on Wednesday 16, Thursday 17 and Friday 18 July at almost 300 Sydney churches and other venues.

The central theme for the three days is Holy Spirit and Mission and will be developed in the following stages:

Wednesday 16 July - Called to live in the Holy Spirit

Scripture verse: "If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit." (Gal 5:25)

Scripture texts for the Mass: Acts 1: 6-14 and Luke 24: 44-49

Thursday 17 July - The Holy Spirit, soul of the Church

Scripture verse:"For in one Spirit we were all baptised into one body; and we were all given to drink of one Spirit." (1 Cor 12:13)

Scripture texts for the Mass: 1 Corinthians 12: 4-13 and Matthew 16: 13-19

Friday 18 July - Sent out into the world: the Holy Spirit, the principal agent of mission

Scripture verse: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses." (Acts 1:8)

Scripture texts for the Mass: 1 Corinthians 9: 16-19 and Matthew 28: 16-20

Friday's Scripture verse is also the theme for WYD08.

"Catechesis represents the spiritual heart of World Youth Day, when young people from various backgrounds and circumstances unite to listen, reflect, discuss and pray in harmony," WYD08 Coordinator Bishop Anthony Fisher OP said.

"All pilgrims attending WYD08 should begin reflecting on the Catechesis themes now so that come July, they are spiritually prepared to witness the Spirit and take as much as they can from their WYD08 experience," he said.

The WYD08 Catechesis themes and Scripture texts for each of the Masses were selected by the Pontifical Council for the Laity (PCL), the Vatican body that oversees World Youth Day preparations.

Hosted by the Catholic Church but open to all, WYD08 is a week of event activities held from 15 - 20 July in Sydney.

Only 124 days to go to WYD08!