Opening doors to world youth

Helensburgh’s Ian and Bernadette Baker have reached the stage of life where their children are out of home – but their two grown daughters are soon to be temporarily replaced by a mystery pair of young strangers, perhaps from some far-flung corner of the earth.

The Bakers are one of many families who will take in boarders during the Catholic Church’s World Youth Day celebrations in July.

World Youth Day events in Sydney and Wollongong will bring thousands of young people from all over Australia and the world to the Illawarra and last week the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong opened registrations for Homestay, a program through which local families can open their houses to some of these pilgrims.

The Bakers decided to get involved to promote a connection between the faithful that bridges any generation gaps.

“We’re in a position to help and we think people like us should help because often there’s criticism saying young people aren’t engaged enough with the church,” Mr Baker told the Wollongong and Northern Leader.

“I think if people think that’s a problem they should do something about it.”

The Bakers realise they might get a couple of young Aussies staying with them when WYD rolls around, but they will be especially pleased if their guests are Japanese, as their eldest daughter has just returned from living in the country.

Wollongong’s Catholic Bishop Peter Ingham said the program is a chance to share Australia with the world.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to share Australian values and culture and to form new friendships,” he said.

“It’s not just for Catholics, but the wider community.

“We are a friendly and generous bunch, and I am sure that many families across our Diocese will open their hearts and their homes to young pilgrims from out of town.”

Local residents across the Illawarra, Macarthur, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands are being asked to help host the thousands of young people expected to attend the celebrations in July.