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On Thursday afternoon, the Pope arrived at Barangaroo.  He rode a boat down the Sydney Harbour and people lined the water's edge to see him.  Most of us were gathered at Barangaroo, and you could feel the anticipation when everyone knew he was close.  When Pope Benedict got off the boat and his image flashed on the jumbotron, everyone started cheering and screaming and clapping. 

The moment when I saw Pope Benedict step off the boat was one of those moments that touched me so deeply that I will never forget it.  As he was riding down the Harbour, there were a few clouds blocking the sun.  When he walked off the boat, the clouds parted and the big, Australian sun began to shine through.  As I saw this, my eyes were filled with tears.  I thought about how many times I had been blessed to be in the presence of the Pope, and how many places I have gone in my life that God has truly blessed me.  In this moment I wondered why me?  Why has God been so good to me and given me so many opportunities?  Standing there, with tears in my eyes, and the sun on my face, I got my answer.  He has given me much because he expects much.  This knowledge filled me with a great sense of responsibility as well as peace.

I think that it is so important when we experience a special blessing or opportunity in our lives, to remember that we are expected to give what we receive.  Whether it be in my vocation, my career, my faith life, God expects much in return for all of the blessings he has bestowed on me. 

When the Pope entered Barangaroo and walked up on stage and greeted the chanting crowd, he spoke in various languages about his excitment to be with the young people of the world.  The young people love him.  After a few welcomes and prayers, Pope Benedict got back in the Popemobile and drove through the crowd of cheering youth.

Peace and Prayers,

Annie

  "Jesus proclaims that a new age has begun, in which the Holy Spirit will be poured out upon all humanity...Empowered by the Spirit, and drawing upon faith’s rich vision, a new generation of Christians is being called to help build a world in which God’s gift of life is welcomed, respected and cherished -- not rejected, feared as a threat and destroyed." Pope Benedict XVI  

On Wednesday and Thursday of World Youth Day week, I went to the Love and Life site for Catechesis.  Catechesis during WYD is a time for small groups (of about 150) to gather for learning and worship.  One component of the day is praise and worship music and short meditations.  The main activities of the day are a talk given by a bishop and Mass celebrated by him.  Both catechizing bishops gave inspiring talks about the Holy Spirit and the Church.  Young people were invited to ask the bishops questions after their talks.  It is a unique opportunity to have this one-on-one time with a bishop and everyone seemed to get a lot out of it.  

My Catechetical Site was lead by the Sisters of Life and the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal.  It was really cool to see the friars again because they have always had a special role in my life.  They led retreats I went to in high school, run the Campus Ministry at Catholic University, and my favorite place in Italy was Assisi.  The Franciscan charism and example of the holy men in their order has been very influential in my spiritual life.  Needless to say I was happy to once again pray with and listen to the friars.  The Sisters of Life were absolutely beautiful.  All of them were young and full of joy.  It was refreshing to spend time with these happy sisters.  The Franciscan Friars and the Sisters of Life are beautiful examples of people who hear the call to Religious Life and respond; finding the joy of their true vocation.  I've heard it said that maybe we are not in a "vocation crisis," but a "response crisis."  I'm sure the witness of those religious inspired many young people to respond! 

After Mass, the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal Band (they rap, it's pretty cool) and Matt Maher performed.  I was amazed at both performers' unique talents.  The crowd was dancing and singing along to praise God with the music. 

After the concert, the Love and Life site offered various talks about sexuality and pro-life issues.  I listened to a talk exhorting young people to be active on the issue of abortion.  Msgr. Reilly gave the talk and it was very motivating.  In fact, the guy listening to the talk with me, who did not have a clear opinion on abortion, was so inspired that he now wants to be involved in the pro-life movement in his country.  It was a beautiful moment of grace to witness the pro-life message take root in this person. 

After the first day of Catechesis I had to go to a rehersal for the Final Mass.  I was chosen to read the English intention at this Mass.  The rehersal was long, tiring, and cold, but I kept reminding myself that it would allow me to participate in a liturgy with the Holy Father!  This certainly warmed my heart if not my fingers and toes!  

Soon to come...the Papal Arrival...

Peace and Prayers,

Annie

"Don't go through life, grow through life."

Hello again (Finally!)

Now that I am back in the States, I have internet access again!  My blog was not nearly what I hoped because I only had internet access once.  If anyone is still interested, I am going to reflect on my WYD experience and discuss the events in which I participated.  Throughout the coming week, I will add entries with details about my travels to Sydney; and, now that I have had time to prayerfully reflect on them, my insights on their affect on my life and the life of the Church.

Back to the beginning...the Opening Mass, Tuesday, July 15.  Opening Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Pell from Australia.  The International Liturgy Group spent most of Monday rehersing, and were all excited to finally be participating in the real thing!  My role during this event was to carry the United States flag in the flag procession.  While at first I saw this role as minimal, carrying the flag had a greater impact on me than I imagined...

Initially, whenever I introduced myself to someone in the ILG group, they would say, "Ooo, the American," in a sarcastic tone.  They wanted to know if I use my daddy's credit card to buy everything or if I only take cabs and never walk.  In other words, the impression of Americans among the members of this international group was that every young American is spoiled and rich.  I almost became embarrassed to say my nationality.  During the flag procession, this feeling changed... 

The United States had the second largest delegation of any country represented at World Youth Day (only Australia brought more young people.)  I knew this because I had assisted many group leaders and pilgrims from the USA.  But when I carried the flag and heard SO many people chanting "USA, USA!!!"  I was overwhelmed.  The Catholic faith is alive in our country and those cheering voices proved it.  The young people there were proud to be American and proud to be Catholic...and I was honored to represent them.  Walking through the crowds, carrying the American flag, I realized what a great blessing it was to be on the International Liturgy Committee and represent young, American Catholics.  Looking at those happy, chanting faces full of energy, I saw the face of the young American Church.  The Catholic American is much different from the pop-culture American that people around the world get their stereotypes from.  We are ready to work hard and joyfully continue the mission of the Church to spread the Kingdom of God in our society.   

The rest of the Opening Mass was beautiful.  Set on the Sydney Harbour right at the water's edge, the location depicted the wonder of God's creation.  Cardinal Pell gave a moving homily, and the Aboriginal Australians performed a traditional dance to welcome everyone to their land.  The ILG group sat right next to the stage so we had a clear view of the entire ceremony!  However, the aspect of that Opening Mass which I will never forget was the flag procession and the hope and energy I saw in the young face of the American Catholic Church.

More to come soon about my experiences on Day 2... 

Peace and Prayers,

Annalee

"America! America!  God mend thine every flaw, Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law!"

I have not had internet access nearly as much as I had hoped.  Quite frustrating.  I will, however, keep an account of everything and share it in bigger chunks once I have more time online! 

The experience of being in the International Liturgy Group is incredible.  Every single young person in the group, from all over the world, is alive in their faith and also just really fun to spend time with.  I LOVE all of the beautiful accents as people speak their version of English.  We have spent a lot of time rehersing for the various events that we will be a part of.  Today it will be the real thing at last.  I will be carrying the American flag for the Opening Mass procession!  You can watch on EWTN! 

Will post more details when I get the chance ASAP!

Peace and Prayers,

Annie

Hello from Australia!

I finally arrived safely in Sydney last night after 2 days of travel and about 21 hours in the air!  Needless to say, I'm pretty tired at the moment.  I left DC on Wednesday and flew to Dallas, TX.  From there, I flew to Honolulu where I spent the night.  Unfortunately, I was too tired to do any sight-seeing in Honolulu, but it was nice to rest.  Thursday, I left for Sydney, where I arrived Friday evening. 

In the airport in Hawaii, when I was waiting to check in, I met a group from NET Ministries.  The leader of this group had received many e-mails from me from the USCCB, so it was fun to meet face to face.  I look forward to meeting many of the people who I know only by name through my work at the Bishops' Conference! 

Right now, I am at the Medina Hotel where I spent last night.  I just finished some last-minute USCCB work...hopefully everything is all set!  When I leave here, I will take a cab over to Sydney University where I will be staying for the remainder of the trip.  That is where I will meet up with the International Liturgy Group.

I can't wait to report from Sydney University and tape interviews of the people there from around the world!  Those posts should be more exciting, so stay tuned! 

Please pray for me, and know that you are in my prayers as I journey through the pilgrimage of World Youth Day! 

Peace and Prayers,

Annalee

A beautiful prayer from an inspiring person:  "Oh God, You called Abraham your servant out of Ur and kept him safe and sound in all his wanderings.  If it is your will, protect your servants.  Be for us a support when setting out, a mantle against cold and rain, a crutch on slippery paths, and a haven in a shipwreck.  Bear us up in fatigue, and defend us under attack.  Under your protection, let us fulfill the purpose of our trip and return safe and sound to our home.  Amen"  

G-day Everyone,

Let me introduce myself!  My name is Annalee (Annie) Moyer and I am a twenty-one year old living and working in D.C.  I graduated from Catholic University last May with a degree in Theology and Media Studies.  After my work on WYD is complete, I hope to continue working for the Church by using modern media to communicate Her message to the world. 

This trip has been a long time coming for me.  Last September, I found out about an internship for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as the World Youth Day Assistant.  In this position, I've worked with the Australian WYD team and the U.S. pilgrims as well as the bishops and cardinals who are attending the event.  Assisting with this many preparations has been overwhelming at times, but I am confident that the hard work will bear great fruit.  Of course, the greatest perk of the job is my trip to Australia to join the Holy Father and young people from around the world at WYD!

While in Australia, I will be serving as a member of the International Liturgy Group.  The group is comprised of two young adults from all the countries attending WYD.  We will be living together and serving as lectors, altar servers, etc. for the Papal Masses and events.  I can't wait to represent the United States to this group and be united to people from all over the world through the sameness of our faith...not to mention be up close and personal with Pope Benedict!  The Pope visited Catholic University in April, and I also spent a semester in Rome in 2006.  Being in the presence of the pope is such a blessed experience that I can't wait to see him again!

Through daily blogging and video clips, I want to bring the WYD experience to all of you who cannot attend.  I hope that you enjoy the reflections I bring you and the unique aspects of WYD that I have to share.  

Peace and Prayers!

Annie

 "Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing." St. Therese of Lisieux