By Dorothy K. LaMantia | Correspondent

World Youth Day may not be until January of next year, but planning is already underway in the Diocese of Trenton.

On Jan. 11, the diocesan Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries presented an hour-long webinar for those interested in attending World Youth Day 2019, which will run from Jan. 22-27 in Panama City, Panama.

“WYD is like no other pilgrimage that I have ever experienced,” said Cristina Imparato, the department’s coordinator of young adult ministry. “To see the Church alive with a sea of young people is just breathtaking and so very hopeful. WYD Panama 2019 promises to be a life-changing event. Your faith will grow, you will be challenged, but you will also be rewarded. If you can take the opportunity to join us, please do!”

Imparato and Father Martin O’Reilly, diocesan youth chaplain, explained in the webinar that participants from the Diocese will spend the week of Jan. 13-18 in David, a region on the west coast of Panama, to participate in cultural and faith events as well as service projects with a host parish. They will then travel to Panama City for World Youth Day events, which will include Mass with Pope Francis. Participants will return home Jan. 28.

Lodgings will be provided by host families, with attendees learning firsthand the way of life in Panama. Those 18 years or older are encouraged to attend.

Father O’Reilly, who spent more than a dozen years in youth ministry in his native Ireland before coming to the Diocese, recalled his experience leading a youth group from Ireland to World Youth Day 2005 in Cologne, Germany.

“What a magnificent experience of world youth coming together. [My group] learned they were not alone and there were others like them,” he said.

“They experienced faith, joy and music. It was a party, but also a faith experience. There was catechesis. Someone spoke to us about our faith, what the Church teaches, what we believe, and why and how we practice.  There are young people from around the world gathered for prayer, Exposition of the Eucharist, Mass, music and a sense of being in God’s presence.”

World Youth Day’s January dates break from its customary summertime scheduling to avoid the country’s torrential July rains. Noting that while some people may not be able to take two weeks off from school or work, Father O’Reilly encouraged those interested to attend even if they could not participate in the diocesan service week ahead of World Youth Day. 

In the months ahead, four mandatory preparation days will be held for participants to build camaraderie, as well as to determine how to fund the trip, which is estimated at $2,000 per person. Those interested in attending must submit a $200 non-refundable deposit.

The number of participants from the Diocese will be limited to 50. 

“It is a Catholic event, but it’s a celebration of faith and Jesus,” Father O’Reilly said, explaining that the trip is open to anyone regardless of faith.  “Everyone is welcome. They’ll see the young Church at its best.”