It’s become even easier for Hawaii Catholics to take part in World Youth Day 2008, even if they can’t make it to Sydney, Australia.

A weekend of events — from 1 p.m. on Friday, July 18, through 3 p.m. Sunday, July 20, at St. Stephen Diocesan Center — which will coincide with major WYD events in Sydney, will now cost $50 rather than $140 per person.

Neighbor island residents can also get half of their airfare expenses reimbursed by submitting their flight reservations.

“We hope this good news will bring out more people to World Youth Day Hawaii,” said Paulette Gomes, of the Office of Diocesan Services, in a recent e-mail to parish youth ministers announcing the price change.

World Youth Day Hawaii will include an outdoor Stations of the Cross, Mass, rosary recitations, Scripture sharing, and video conferencing with the Diocese of Honolulu’s pilgrims in Sydney. Internationally known sacred musician and performer Vince Ambrosetti will speak and lead the music at WYD Hawaii.

The $50 covers all meals and two nights lodging at the diocesan center. Oahu residents wishing to return home in the evenings pay $40 and children under 12 are free.

The registration deadline was July 7, but contact Paulette Gomes at pgomes@rcchawaii.org or 203-6722 to see about last minute sign-ups. Checks are payable to the Roman Catholic Church of Hawaii and can be mailed to Paulette Gomes, St. Stephen Diocesan Center, 6301 Pali Hwy., Kaneohe, HI 96744.

Prayer leaders needed

World Youth Day Hawaii is looking for families, groups or individuals to help lead the Stations of the Cross and Mysteries of the Rosary during the weekend of events at St. Stephen Diocesan Center. For more information contact marlene.miller@USMC.mil or pgomes@rcchawaii.org.