In Poland!

After two flights and a short bus ride, we arrived at our hotel in Warsaw. 

We visited St. Maximilian Kolbe's monestary and had Mass with other pilgrims in Spanish and Polish. St. Kolbe was arrested by the Nazis and gave his life for another prisoner at Auschwitz in 1941.

On day 2, we had a quiet morning to recuperate after travel and many of us went out to explore Warsaw. We enjoyed a lunch of traditional Polish fare (peirogis and sausages) and visited many beautiful churches in Old Town. 

For dinner, our travel agency held a welcome bbq with the other groups from the US using the same agency. Chris Stefanick gave a wonderful talk about the resiliency of the Polish people and today's heros the saints. "Culture outlasts dictators," he said and "heroic souls are only chiseled out of the rest of us by suffering." 

We concluded the evening with confession and adoration in another beautiful church. 

For more pictures and more frequent updates, follow me, Sarah, on Instagram @ SarahDMaynard or by searching the following hashtags: #ArchBaltWYD #WYDUSA

6 Days to Go

It is with a saddened heart that I tell you one of our number will not be attending World Youth Day with us. Unfortunately, Mary Scott will not be continuing on the journey to Poland. We are disappointed that we are leaving her behind, but we trust in God's plan and put our hope in him. We will miss you Mary and we will be praying for you back here at home!

Created with Tagul.com

For Jessica, Isabel and myself, we are almost #readyforWYD! 

Today, I picked up a few American flag stickers, anchor stickers and a few small American flags to trade with those we meet. I have read that this is a common practice at WYD and I can't wait to see what others may bring. I am working on a postcard that will have this crab shaped word cloud on the front and my contact information on the back. I'm sure we will connect with awesome people on our journey.

Please continue to send us any prayer requests you would like us to carry on our journey and thank you for keeping us all in your prayers. 

With much gratitude, 

Sarah

Shake, Rattle and Roll!

Looking for a fun night out for the whole family? 

Something for all ages. 

Don your best 50s dress or jeans and grab a dance partner as we swing through the night!

Costume contests for different age groups (kids, teens and adults) will be held before 8:30 so our youngest dancers make it home for bedtime.

Advance ticket prices below. Additional $3 per ticket at the door. 

To purchase tickets in advance contact Mary at mary@olfparish.com.

On Facebook? Join us on our event page, here, for the most up to date information.

Before we begin...

During our travels, we will share our experiences with you here.

Here is our current itinerary for the pilgrimage:

Thu. July 21: Depart USA

 

Fri. July 22: Arrive into Warsaw

 

Sun. July 24: Travel to Niepokalonow, to St. Maximillian Kolbe's monestary.

Travel to Czestochowa and a visit to the monastery at Jasna Gora and the icon of the Black Madonna. Continue to Krakow.

 

Mon. July 25: Visit Auschwitz, the German concentration camp where millions lost their lives, including Saints Maximilian Kolbe, and Edith Stein.  After our visit here, we will make a brief stop in Wadowice, the home town of John Paul II.

 

Tues. July 26: Become familiar with Krakow. Opening Mass in Blonia Park in the afternoon.

 

Wed. July 27 – Fri. July 29: Catechesis in the morning each day, followed by evening cultural events. On   Thursday we officially welcome the Holy Father to Krakow. On Friday, we take part in the Stations of the Cross with the Holy Father.

 

Sat. July 30: Probable Mass with all other US pilgrims followed by the vigil

 

Sun. July 31: Closing Mass with the Holy Father – Afternoon free. Farewell Dinner

 

Mon. Aug 1: Depart for USA

 

 

Thank you for your prayers as we prepare for our journey.