The benefit of being a small group leader
Being a small group leader will enhance your own experience of pilgrimage. It will gave you a chance to share what you have with others and walk side by side with young people at a very significant and special time in their life.
The key word in talking about small group leadership is 'share'. This is very much about sharing the pilgrimage with your small group. When someone opens up to truly share such a special, important, and sometimes vulnerable, moment in their lives it can be a very moving and life-changing experience. Being a small group leader will enhance your pilgrimage in ways you can not imagine.
Below are some thoughts from previous WYD small group leaders:
I was incredibly excited by the prospect of attending WYD in 2005 as a pilgrim and as an older participant just presumed I'd have to be one of the mature ones however when I was approached by Belinda and Fr Richard to be a 'leader' I felt a little daunted. I'm sure I instantly jumped at the chance but then once the dust had settled I was unsure of what I had said yes to. Being a relatively new Catholic I had doubts about what use I would be to others who were probably far more advanced than I on their faith journey. I didn't need to worry. Being a leader for WYD 05 was not about imparting wisdom or leading the way for others. Being a leader for WYD 05 was about sharing a privileged experience - not just with those in my group but with the other leaders of WYD. It was about listening, caring, praying, sharing and ultimately learning from others. My own pilgrimage gave me an incredibly rich experience that remains a part of my day each day.
Tracey Owers—WYD ‘05 pilgrim leader
The role of small group leader for a World Youth Day pilgrimage is a great privilege. In addition to the personal pilgrimage you will make, being a leader makes you constantly aware of the experiences of those in your group which in turn enriches your own pilgrimage.
A chance to walk alongside your group with your eyes on the road ahead, your feet firmly on the ground and a smile on your face because everything is under control... or so they think!
WYD leader memories……
The fear and excitement in the faces of 5 inspired young people as they held tightly onto the packed peak hour Paris metro train, each one bursting with a lust for life, faith and the knowledge that someone else was in control... me!
Finding the ability to smile and say "sorry for taking so long" to a bunch of 'starving' pilgrims after being squashed and prodded in a chaotic food queue of thousands for over an hour in the hot sun. Leadership - WYD style.
Being thanked for a favourite evening on pilgrimage - not famous cities, not a sleep-out with a million people but a peaceful, contemplative camp fire and moonrise by a lake with new friends.
Hugh Maguire—WYD’05 pilgrim leader