By Joanne and Laura Finley: St. Augustine’s Preston

When Father Michael first suggested to us about going on this trip, during a meeting about altar servers, it was a case of, "Sure, why not?" We both needed to get away from everything at home for a while and just have a break. However, I don't think either of us were quite ready for the change of pace in being a Catholic.

Everything was so different in Germany. The people we were on the trip with have a much more out-going and firm belief in Catholic life, as we take a much more relaxed approach to everything. It might just be with serving on the altar and teaching the younger children that has helped us both gain a different, calmer outlook on life and has given us a different perspective in Mass.

We spent the first four nights in the German diocese of Trier. We were staying with a family in the village of Idar-Oberstein. They were such a nice family who went out of their way to make us feel welcome. All of the group were with staying with different families in the community and our hosts were so generous and kind and put a lot of time and effort into making those few days a unique experience. Over those few days, we visited Trier, attended Masses, had a guided tour of different churches, saw a German musical and did other different activities. Everything just added up to an amazing few days which began the build up to World Youth Day and kicked off the week brilliantly. Our time in Dusseldorf, for the main week of events, was fantastic, visiting various churches and cathedrals was fun although it was one after the other! All are huge, beautiful buildings with their own unique features. The one that really stood out was the cathedral in Cologne - a huge building with fantastic architecture and stained glass windows.

It was just unfortunate that we didn't get to spend longer in the cathedral. Each Mass we attended was different but unique. All the people, from different countries, gathered together to celebrate Mass made it special. The W.Y.D. Vigil was an incredible evening - 800,000 pilgrims celebrating Mass by candlelight with the Pope using every language in his speech to the Catholic community. The Mass incorporated different ideas - dance, music, words, acrobatics - and included everyone. The whole Mass was amazing and unique and it is one that neither of us will ever forget.

The whole trip to Germany, for World Youth Day, was a fantastic and worthwhile experience and gave us both a chance to get away and to relax as well. We met many different people - several who know people in our parish! Father Manny told us some good stories about various people, including something about another alternative to the Holy, Holy! We both gained so much from the trip : answers to questions, perspective, a new insight to Catholic life. Most of what we gained can't be explained, it's just something we feel inside. If anything, we did learn to appreciate more what we do have, especially here at St. Augustine's. We are a unique parish in an unusual situation. This doesn't matter to us. We appreciate so much more the relaxed atmosphere and the calm approach to life here and we are both grateful for the family and friends we have here. We may be a small parish but we make up for it with laughter, love, spirit and faith.