CYMI Coffee & Chat WYDLisbon2023 7th March 2023 via Zoom
WYD Accommodation - They are still assigning WYD accommodation and are still looking at all 3 Dioceses so it may be up to 90 minutes from WYD site. However they hope it will be no more than 50 minutes to 1 hour away.
They hope to keep Irish Pilgrims near each other.
They are still actively looking for host families.
Safeguarding - All volunteers will be double vetted – from their own country and from Portugal.
Volunteers - They are still looking for volunteers. 6 Irish have currently signed up as short-term volunteers to work for the 3 week period. *James will send on the sign up for volunteers if you know anyone who would be interested. They are particularly looking for those who speak Portuguese if you know any groups or individuals that you might pass on the information.
Under 18 pilgrims - They will require a letter and copy of passport and birth certificate. James will send out a standard letter that can be used.
Visas - Anyone requiring a visa – this process has been open since 1st Feb.
James spoke with the Irish Embassy.
For any of our pilgrims who require a visa they MUST complete registration first - as a letter of confirmation of their participation will be provided once registration complete and that will be needed for visa application.
*James will send link to online form to populate with persons name, contact details and email address and the Portuguese Embassy in Dublin will work directly with them to fast track the visa process.
ALPHA INTERNATIONAL have accommodation available in Fatima for the weekend before WYD as they are running events. If you require more information contact Gerard@alphaireland.org
Formation – Cork and Ross looking for ideas on formation for pilgrims. Nathalie from Dublin Diocese will share their resources (HERE) and Gerard from Alpha also reminded us that they have Life Essentials, Alpha Youth Series, Life on Purpose and Life Revealed - Four different series happy to talk to anyone about - gerard@alphaireland.org
Registration – There is still a 5% discount up to 17th March *Recently extended to April 19th
Passport – Encourage pilgrims to apply for a Passport Card as well as their book form. This means if they lose one they still have one form of ID. It will save group leaders having to contact embassy and the hassle involved. Keep the 2 forms of passport safe – in separate locations. Do encourage pilgrims to use hotel safes where appropriate and keep belongings secure.
Groups – If you have not already done so please complete this online form for numbers expected to travel. This will assist the local authorities in planning for our trip. https://forms.gle/VyDDjWsHChcZvb1E9
Knock – There will be a parallel event in Knock. Details will be announced soon.
Irish Groups – Planning to meet WEDNESDAY evening (not Thursday like James said) in Lisbon. Details will be confirmed.