Theology of the Body

5 sessions, 2 locations

* Thursday, October 13 to November 10, 2011 
University of the Pacific, Stockton
 or 
* Friday, October 14 to November 11, 2011 
CSUS All Saints Newman Center, Turlock 
To register for the 5 sessions CLICK HERE
For more infromation contact youngadult@stocktondiocese.org
or respectlife@stocktondiocese.org 

Freedom to Love by Christopher West
The world tells us that freedom is the ability to do what we want, whenever we want, with whomever we want. But has this led to strong relationships, strong families, or strong communities? Since the days of the “sexual revolution,” the opposite has played out. Sexual chaos, exploitation, broken families, and a lot of pain have been the result of “freedom.”
In this powerful, five-part study for young adults, popular author and presenter Christopher West lays out a convincing and refreshing road map to living a life of freedom. The concepts presented in this study will change everything, including your worldview. Please visit www.TheologyOfTheBody.com to read more information about this product and see video clips from the study.

Glimpse of the Holy Father

St. Mary's and St. Michael's pilgrims captured a great glimpse of the Holy Father!

A quote from today's Stations of the Cross: "Let us look upon Christ, hanging on the harsh wood of the Cross, and let us ask him to teach us this mysterious wisdom of the Cross, by which man lives. The Cross was not a sign of failure, but an expression of self-giving in love that extends even to the supreme sacrifice of one’s life. The Father wanted to show his love for us through the embrace of his crucified Son: crucified out of love"...~Pope Benedict XVI~WYD 2011

Viva El Papa!

Pilgrims from St. Mary's, St. Michael's and Our Lady of Lourdes camped out all night! They hinged a spot very close to the front stage where Mass would be celebrated with the Holy Father. Despite the million (plus) crowds, they persevered and eagerly greeted Pope Benedict XVI as he arrived...Viva El Papa! All reports from the pilgrims relayed sentiments of overwhelming joy to be in the presence of the Holy Father, the successor to St. Peter, live in person. There doesn't seem to be adequate words to express their experience. It was reported that many pilgrims just wept with indescribable emotion. The Pope's homily left many pilgrims in deep reflection. It was relayed that the Holy Father's words and presence had a profound impact. Our pilgrims have created a neat opportunity, at the end of each day, to meet as a group on the back patio of their hotel to decompress and share their experiences. Regardless of the time, they make this a priority. After the first day with the Holy Father, they were up until 2:30 AM (Madrid time) sharing their thoughts and testimonies with one another. If you missed the opportunity to hear the Pope's homily, be sure to read it at wydcentral.org where he encourages pilgrims to "use these days to know Christ better." Our pilgrims continue to be built up in Christ as they experience the universal church in action. God Bless them all.

*Breaking news! Our pilgrims were interviewed by EWTN's Life On The Rock this morning. Their interview will be aired next Thursday, 8/25 during the regular showing. Be sure to check your local viewing area for the Life On The Rock show time.**

Greetings from Madrid

The World Youth Day group has stayed first off in Quintenar de La Orden, in a convent and we were treted very well by the laity that aided our accomodations. We were very thankful for their hospitality and the delicious local food they served such as paella with seafood. After our stay in the convent we went to El Toboso and Toledo. The Gothic churches were magnificent and their was so much history and architecture to take in. The locals have taught us so much about the city and the various churches as well as structures that are admired. As of the 16th we have made our way to Madrid to have opening mass with the bishops and priests from around the world. The youth of the group have had the opportunity to meet people from Italy, France, Lebanon, Australia, Syria, the Carribean, South Africa, and many other countries. The experience has been brethtaking and the young people have learned many other chants and songs by those from other countries. Also we have been giving and receiving tokens of gratitude.

The journey has been a blessing even though we have had to sacrifice much, sleeping with oftentimes up to 800 others and sharing facilities has not been the most pleasant but we have been offering sacrifices and have learned not to complain. We have also been learning to eat what is given and it has been humbling. Also we have had mass everyday and have shared in the Eucharist. We hope to be able to keep you up to date. Blessings from the youth!

Arrival in Madrid!

St. Mary's, St. Michael's and Our Lady of Lourdes pilgrims arrived safely in Madrid!

Today begins all of the WYD activities. Our pilgrims relayed that the opening Mass was "incredible!"

Many pilgrims found the Prado Museum a highlight to their day as they were able to see religious art in person that they have studied in school. It was reported that they even bumped into our neighboring St. Joseph's pilgrims (from Modesto) in the line to the Prado! It really is a "small world!" Next on the list of great accomplishments was navigation back to their hotel through millions of people in a city they don't know!

Be sure to watch EWTN for all of the coverage! Have fun looking for your pilgrim in the crowds:)

A daily (general) schedule for pilgrim main events is here.

You can view the Holy Father's schedule here.

Have a blessed week praying for your pilgrims!

More Days in the Diocese

St. Mary's/ St. Michael's Pilgrims with their new friends from Karala, India, Madagascar, and Trinidad.

Today our pilgrims attended Mass with the local Bishop of the Segovia diocese. One of the pilgrims from St. Mary's was invited to read a prayer intercession, which was quite an honor.

The pilgrims spent a good part of their day walking around the local area. They reflected on the path of St. John of the Cross while they visited 5 different churches. They visited the tomb of St. John of the Cross and the latter part of the day included an International festival, complete with dancers from Madagascar! (Seen in the 2nd photo above)

Sunday is the day that most pilgrims journey on to Madrid to prepare for the official start to World Youth Day. All pilgrims thank you for your continued prayers!

Pilgrims in Segovia, Spain!

St. Mary's, St. Michael's, and Our Lady of Lourdes pilgrims have arrived in Segovia, Spain. This is their first day visiting the city and taking in the sights and sounds of the local area. Segovia is where these pilgrims are spending their Days in the Diocese, prior to World Youth Day events in Madrid. It was relayed that the pilgrims started their day with morning Mass at their host parish, followed by prayer and song time.

They performed some service to the community by cleaning and conducting a trash pick-up. A local news station interviewed the pilgrims...Link to this to follow!

It was reported back that the pilgrims are especially enjoying the opportunity to meet other pilgrims staying in Segovia from Madagascar and Trinidad! The youth have already made great friends and are sharing a lot of "singing and talking" with their new pilgrim companions!