Dallas Young People Prepare for a Historic World Youth Day Mass Sendoff

The community is buzzing with excitement as preparations are underway for a momentous event that will bring together a thousand young people from the city and beyond. Many parishes and Catholic youth groups of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas are gearing up to host a spectacular World Youth Day Mass Sendoff, set to take place on July 23, at 2:30 p.m. at St. Rita Catholic Community.

World Youth Day is a global celebration organized by the Catholic Church, which draws millions of young people from every corner of the world. World Youth Day will be held August 1-6 this year in Lisbon, Portugal. Pope Francis is set to participate and is scheduled to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Fátima. The Lisbon trip marks the 86-year-old pope’s fourth World Youth Day. The international Catholic gathering aims to promote unity, faith, and understanding among young individuals, fostering an atmosphere of love and camaraderie that transcends borders, languages, and cultures.

The Catholic Diocese of Dallas Bishop, Edward J. Burns, will take a pivotal leadership position as the World Youth Day Liaison for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). This significant appointment reflects Bishop Burns’ unwavering dedication to the youth and his passion for fostering a vibrant spirit of faith and unity among all people.

Bishop Burns expressed his enthusiasm for this role, stating, "It is an immense honor and privilege to be appointed as the World Youth Day Liaison for the USCCB. I look forward to working with young people from across the nation, guiding them on their faith journey, and empowering them to be the torchbearers of hope, love, and change in the world."

Josh Salinas, The Catholic Diocese of Dallas’ Director of the Office of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministries will be one of thousands from the Dallas area to take the trip.

 “Having our Dallas Bishop appointed to this leadership position as our World Youth Day Liaison is a significant one for this region, but it also recognizes Bishop Burns’ outstanding leadership qualities and his tireless efforts in supporting and guiding young people on their spiritual journeys,” Salinas explained

Sunday’s World Youth Day Mass Sendoff also happens to coincide with World Grandparents Day. This special send-off pays homage to the invaluable role of grandparents while also asking for the group to pray for the young Catholics traveling to Lisbon. Rosaries will be distributed to both the pilgrims and grandparents as a way to foster a connection between generations, promoting a sense of prayerful unity and providing a source of comfort and guidance as the young people set out on their sacred journey.

Event Details:

The Dallas World Youth Day Mass Sendoff is an anticipated highlight of the city's spiritual and community calendar and will provide an opportunity for the young participants to come together, share their faith, and embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. It will be a life-changing experience for many, offering them a chance to form lasting bonds with fellow pilgrims while also being inspired by Catholic leaders' teachings and messages of hope.

Date:

July 23, 2023

Time:

2:30 p.m.

Location:

St. Rita Catholic Community, 12521 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX 75244