WORLD YOUTH DAY KRAKOW 2016
PILGRIM GROUP LEADER – ROLE DESCRIPTION AND SELECTION CRITERIA
CORE ROLE PURPOSE
The role of Pilgrim Group Leader exists to ensure the safety and wellbeing of student
pilgrims attending World Youth Day 2016 in Krakow, Poland. The Pilgrim Group Leader will
contribute to the efficient organisation and conduct of the pilgrimage options undertaken by
Sydney Catholic Schools. The Pilgrim Group Leader will provide friendly support to each student
pilgrim, exercise a responsible duty of care at all times and facilitate opportunities which
strengthen group morale and identity.
World Youth Day is a unique pilgrimage of faith. The Pilgrim Group Leader therefore will
play a pivotal role in nurturing an ambiance in which young people feel comfortable in sharing
their own faith, and which is conducive to their spiritual journey and faith development.
The Pilgrim Group Leader is responsible for a group of seven (7) students and reports
immediately to his/her designated Bus Leader.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
Religious Leadership
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Participate in all pre-WYD preparation sessions organised by CEO Sydney.
Give personal witness to the teachings of the Gospel.
Support the Bus Leader and Bus Chaplain in the spiritual formation of the Bus Group.
Encourage student participation in daily liturgy, prayer and reflection.
Encourage students to share their faith and support those who experience
discomfort with this.
6 Encourage students to see the value of significant religious sites throughout the
whole pilgrimage experience.
7 Ensure that students actively engage in the core elements of World Youth Day week,
including the Opening Mass, scheduled Catechesis, Stations of the Cross, the Pope’s
Arrival, the Pilgrim Walk, Vigil and the Final Mass.
Human and Organisational Leadership
8 Support the Bus Leader in the efficient conduct of the pilgrimage and undertaking
other duties as required.
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9 Nurture a culture of collaboration and support with fellow Pilgrim Group Leaders.
10 Monitor the physical and emotional health and wellbeing of all student pilgrims,
determining if further assistance and/or support is required.
11 Advise the Bus Leader of any illness, misadventure or misconduct involving student
pilgrims, recording the relevant details.
12 Maintain relevant paperwork, especially that which relates to Duty of Care.
13 Monitor and coordinate student pilgrims in relation to:
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The packing and assembly of luggage for aircraft and bus check-in.
Check-in and departure from airports, hotels and other accommodation.
The safe storage of money and other valuables.
Day to day movements, including: wake up calls, meals, roll-checks, meeting
points and times.
Following the ‘Code of Conduct’ at all times.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The selection of teachers to act as Pilgrim Group Leaders is based upon the degree to
which he/she meets the following essential criteria:
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Currently employed as a secondary teacher in a Systemic or Congregational school.
A strong and active commitment to the practice of the Catholic Faith, with a welldeveloped understanding of the evangelising and catechising mission of the Church.
An appreciation of and strong commitment to World Youth Day as a unique pilgrimage
of faith for young people.
Skills to engage and empower young people to participate in the life of the Catholic
Church.
A preparedness to share one’s faith with young people and accompany them on their
journey in faith.
A high level of initiative and self-motivation.
Evidence of team building, team leadership and coordinating skills, including the ability
to motivate others.
Excellent time management, organisational and administrative skills.
The ability to work under pressure and be flexible in a complex environment.
Maintains a calm disposition in stressful and difficult situations.
Sound interpersonal and communicative skills.
Good health so as to meet the demands of overseas travel, long-distance pilgrimage
walks, and general pilgrimage experiences.
A willingness to actively participate in the pre-pilgrimage formation program with other
Pilgrim Group Leaders.
The endorsement of the School Principal and Parish Priest (Parish of regular worship).
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WORLD YOUTH DAY KRAKOW 2016
STAFF PILGRIM – EXPECTATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA
EXPECTATIONS
World Youth Day is a unique pilgrimage of faith. All Staff Pilgrims will travel to WYD 16 in
Poland via the Holy Land. The Staff Pilgrim is expected to:
1. Participate in all pre-WYD preparation sessions organised by CEO Sydney.
2. Pay a $2000 co-contribution towards the cost of the pilgrimage.
3. Coordinate oneself in relation to:
- The packing and assembly of luggage for aircraft and bus check-in.
- Check-in and departure from airports, hotels and other accommodation.
- The safe storage of money and other valuables.
- Day to day movements, including: wake up calls, meals, roll-checks, meeting
points & times.
4. Follow all directions given by the Tour Guide, Pilgrimage and Bus Group Leaders.
5. Give personal witness to the teachings of the Gospel.
6. Participate in daily liturgy, prayer and reflection.
7. Participate with other pilgrims in visiting and valuing significant religious sites
throughout the entire pilgrimage experience.
8. Contribute to a culture of collaboration and support of fellow Staff Pilgrims.
9. Actively engage in the core elements of World Youth Day week, including the Opening
Mass, scheduled Catechesis, Stations of the Cross, the Pope’s Arrival, the Pilgrim Walk,
Vigil and the Final Mass.
10. Perform allocated night-time supervision duties of students in Krakow and Zakopane.
11. Inform the Pilgrimage or Bus Leader of any illness or misadventure, recording the
relevant details.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The selection of staff as Staff Pilgrims is based upon the degree to which he/she meets
the following essential criteria:
 Currently employed as a member of staff (full or part-time, permanent or casual) in a
Systemic school.
 An appreciation of the Catholic Faith, with an understanding of the evangelising and
catechising mission of the Church.
 An appreciation of and commitment to World Youth Day as a unique pilgrimage of faith
for young people.
 Maintains a calm disposition in stressful and difficult situations.
 Sound interpersonal and communicative skills.
 Be in good health so as to meet the demands of overseas travel, long-distance
pilgrimage walks, and general pilgrimage experiences.
 The endorsement of the School Principal and Parish Priest (Parish of regular worship).
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WYD KRAKOW 2016
PILGRIM GROUP LEADER (PGL) & STAFF PILGRIM APPLICATION FORM
APPLICANT’S DETAILS
Name: ________________________________________________ Pin: ________________________
School: ____________________________________________________________________________
Position:______________________________________________ DOB:________________________
Email: ______________________________________________ Contact Number:________________
Please indicate (tick) the position that you are applying for:
Pilgrim Group Leader
Staff Pilgrim
Please respond briefly to the following questions:
What is your understanding of World Youth Day? Have you attended an overseas World Youth Day in
the past? If so, when?
How will being a PGL or Teacher Pilgrim at WYD in Krakow benefit you personally and professionally?
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How will you share insights gained from your participation in the pilgrimage to WYD in Krakow?
How have you shown an interest in ongoing professional, personal and spiritual formation?
How have you exercised religious leadership in the classroom, school and wider Church community?
How would you describe your general condition of health?
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If you are applying to be a PGL, please indicate your order of preference by numbering the boxes 1, 2
& 3 (NB: all Staff Pilgrims will travel on the Holy Land Pilgrimage):
Saints of Italy Pilgrimage (16th July – 6th August)
Holy Land Pilgrimage (16th July – 6th August)
Prague Direct (20th July – 6th August)
Are you fluent in a language other than English? If yes, please specify__________________________
PARISH PRIEST’S ENDORSEMENT
Name of Parish Priest: _________________________________
Parish:______________________________________________
Any comments to support your endorsement of the applicant:
Signature of Parish Priest: ________________________________________ Date: ______________
Signature of Applicant: __________________________________________ Date:_______________
Please submit this application by Friday 9 October to:
Robert Haddad
WYD16 COORDINATOR
CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE, SYDNEY
PO BOX 217
LEICHHARDT NSW 2040
Or electronically to: robert.haddad@syd.catholic.edu.au
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WYD KRAKOW 2016
PILGRIM GROUP LEADER AND STAFF PILGRIM APPLICATION
PRINCIPAL’S ENDORSEMENT FORM
PRINCIPAL’S ENDORSEMENT
I endorse the application of ______________________________________ as a Pilgrim Group
Leader/Staff Pilgrim (please circle one) for World Youth Day, 2016. I understand that while the
Catholic Education Office will cover the costs of relief for PGLs, the cost of covering relief for Staff
Pilgrims will be borne by the school.
Name: __________________________________ School:____________________________________
Signature: _______________________________ Date: ____________________________________
Additional comments to support your endorsement of the applicant:
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In this endorsement you may comment on how the applicant:
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Demonstrates a strong commitment to and enthusiasm for World Youth Day.
Participates in the life, mission and work of the Catholic faith community.
Approaches youth ministry and engages young people into the life of the Church.
Demonstrates an interest in professional and personal formation and a capacity for religious
leadership.
Displays the capacity to share insights with others.
Demonstrates a calm disposition in stressful and/or difficult situations.
Has the personal skills to deal with unfamiliar places and experiences.
Exhibits strong organisational skills, a mature level of personal responsibility and capacity to work
in teams.
Articulates unambiguously the mission and vision of Catholic education and communicates a
strong sense of Catholic culture and ethos.
Please submit this endorsement by Friday 9 October to:
Robert Haddad
WYD16 COORDINATOR
CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE, SYDNEY
PO BOX 217
LEICHHARDT NSW 2040
Or electronically to: robert.haddad@syd.catholic.edu.au
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