Holy Week FAQ

How does MissionYouth serve the parish?

MissionYouth helps local organizers to arrange the presence of 10-15 youth or family missionaries to spend the week volunteering at a parish. Local parishioners are also encouraged to join in this effort. Missionaries perform a variety of tasks at the service of the parish including visits to local families promoting the Holy Week liturgies, conducting youth events and kid's camps at the parish, inviting people around the community to come back to the sacraments, and organizing spiritual talks for parish members to attend.

What does the daily schedule of the Holy Week Missions include?

Wednesday: Living Holy Week as a Missionary
Opening Mass and Commissioning, Introduction Talk, Overview of Missions, Icebreaker Activity

Thursday: Eucharist, Priesthood
Morning Retreat and Missionary Training, Home Visits, Kid's Activity, Holy Thursday Mass at Parish, All night Adoration

Friday: Confession, Salvation
Home Visits, Kid's Activity, Stations of the Cross at Parish, Talk: 5 Last Words of Jesus, The Passion of the Christ movie discussion

Saturday: Mary
Home Visits, Kid's Activity, Talk: Mary, Easter Vigil Mass at Parish

Sunday: Christ's Resurrection
Reflections from Week, Closing Mass

*Schedule varies parish to parish based upon needs and desires of the pastor. Parish Liaison works with pastor to put together schedule for the missionaries.

What does "Missionary Training" involve?

The Missionary Training portion of the Holy Week Missions challenges young people and families to follow Jesus as a "Missionary for Life" who shapes their life in the teachings of Jesus and as an active member of the Catholic Church. Missionaries receive practical mission training including skits, games, and songs, in addition to catechetical formation to equip missionaries in sharing and defending the faith.

Why are youth missions separated by gender?

Youth missions are gender separated in order to promote the spiritual focus and foster of a depth of discussion, eliminating superficiality and competition. The mission creates bonds of friendship and an atmosphere where missionaries can come together and talk about the challenges, struggles, and joys of following Christ. By the end of the mission, the groups have established a strong sense of sisterhood or brotherhood. 

How can I get involved? 

We are now in the process of planning the Holy Week Missions for 2008. If you are interested in participating as a missionary or as a parish, please contact Katie Stephens in the MissionYouth National Office.

How do I find out more information about MissionYouth?

For more information, click HERE.

What about Holy Week Missions going on in other countries?

For more information on Missions in Mexico, visit www.demisiones.com.

How can I promote the Holy Week Missions?

  • Downloadable flyer and postcard
  • Pastor Promotion Materials
  • Please contact Katie Stephens if you are interested in receiving these materials