Tuesday 31 October 2006: The Catholic Church is looking for a new generation of youth leaders as part of plans to host World Youth Day in 2008 (WYD08).

Applications are being accepted for the Youth Leaders Formation Course from 18 to 30 year olds who want to serve in local and national WYD08 preparations and be active in the future life of the Church.

The three-month course will offer intensive training to prospective young leaders to help them prepare others during the lead-up to WYD08 - the biggest youth event in the world.

World Youth Day Coordinator Bishop Anthony Fisher OP said the course will offer specific skills training and experience in implementing WYD08 programs in youth ministries at local churches.

"It's our intention that this course will further Christian growth and leadership, not only among course participants but also in the communities to which they return," Bishop Fisher said.

"Australian Bishops, theologians, philosophers, priests, youth ministers, artists, reporters and politicians - all passionate about guiding youth leaders on the path to WYD08 - will take part in the course.

"The course is part of the long term investment and legacy we are planning for World Youth Day in 2008.

"It will also benefit the broader Catholic community as participants bring back their knowledge and experiences to help train other youth leaders in their local church and give leadership in the preparatory and post WYD phases," Bishop Fisher said.

The live-in course will be held from March to June next year in the south-western Sydney suburb of Bringelly.
Sydney will host the 10th international World Youth Day from 15-20 July 2008.

The event is expected to attract up to 500,000 pilgrims, including as many as 125,000 from overseas.

The historic occasion will also mark the first visit to Australia of Pope Benedict XVI, who will celebrate the nation's biggest ever Sunday Mass at Randwick Racecourse.

To learn more about the Youth Leaders Formation Course, see the Australian Parishes and Schools section of the WYD08 website at www.wyd2008.org

Applications close on January 31, 2007.

Media Contact: Jim Hanna 0414 828 629 jim.hanna@wyd2008.org