FAQ

General

General Questions

I am a registered pilgrim, or a parent of a registered pilgrim. Who should I speak to if I have questions?

For all questions, please contact your group leader. Their role is to ensure communication between your group and the Mission Jeunesse team. Respecting this line of communication ensures that the group leader stays up to date with all the developments of the group.

I do not have a group. Can I participate in international WYD?

Option 1 : Form your own group

It only takes 3 people to form and register a group

Option 2 : Contact Mission Jeunesse

Mission Jeunesse is also able to propose groups that are open to welcome pilgrims who do not belong to a group. However, there is no guarantee that we can find you a group.

What is the minimum age to participate in WYD?

The Mission Jeunesse-Youth Ministry Office of the Archdiocese of Montreal has chosen to respect and follow the guideline given by the CCCB: “In preparation for World Youth Day (WYD) 2023, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) wishes to remind WYD organizers that the recommended minimum age for Canadian youth participants in the Lisbon event is 18 years old, as was established for previous WYD celebrations in recent years. … The minimum age of 18 is to assist diocesan and eparchial delegations and other groups in ensuring the supervision and safety of youth participants.” wydcanada.org www.cccb.ca

Can a minor participate in WYD?

The Mission Jeunesse-Youth Ministry Office of the Archdiocese of Montreal has chosen to respect and follow the guideline given by the CCCB: “In preparation for World Youth Day (WYD) 2023, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) wishes to remind WYD organizers that the recommended minimum age for Canadian youth participants in the Lisbon event is 18 years old, as was established for previous WYD celebrations in recent years. … The minimum age of 18 is to assist diocesan and eparchial delegations and other groups in ensuring the supervision and safety of youth participants.” wydcanada.org www.cccb.ca

In certain very exceptional cases, pastoral exceptions can be made at the Mission Jeunesse – Youth Ministry WYD coordination team’s discretion to permit the participation of minors of 17 years old on the date of departure, who travel with their adult PARENT or LEGAR GUARDIAN.

  • The minor must be 17 years old on the day of departure, and must travel with their PARENT or LEGAL GUARDIAN.
  • The PARENT or LEGAL GUARDIAN must accompany the minor AT ALL TIMES DURING THE PILGRIMAGE
  • The PARENT or LEGAL GUARDIAN cannot assume any other leadership role besides accompanying the minor.

Please note that at WYD, it is not unusual for pilgrims to be separated for accommodations according to their gender. It is therefore strongly recommended they be of the same gender of the minor.

Please read the TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR MINORS PARTICPATING IN WYD WITH A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN

MJ-Youth Ministry reserves the right NOT to accept the registration of minors if they do not meet conditions below, even if they complete their online registration with payment.

I am over 35 years old. Can I register to World Youth Day with my group?

World Youth Day is a pilgrimage conceived for young adults 18-35 y.o. To promote the protagonism of young people, we recommend that communities give a priority to young adults participating in World Youth day as pilgrims (18-35 y.o.), as group leader (20-35 y.o.) and assistant (20-35 y.o.). A limited number of Youth Ministers (clergy, consecrated lay people, and lay people) 36 y.o. and over may take on the role of spiritual companions. Mission Jeunesse Montreal reserves the right not to accept any registration if the person does not meet the required criteria and conditions even if they complete their online registration with payment.

Forming a group

How many pilgrims are needed to form a group?

At least three pilgrims are needed to form a group.

And if we are less than three pilgrims, is it still possible to form a group?

Contact Mission Jeunesse

Mission Jeunesse is also able to propose groups that are open to welcome pilgrims who do not belong to a group. However, there is no guarantee that we can find you a group.

What are the criteria for forming a group?

Please visit this page for more information: “Forming a group

Terms and Conditions

What are the terms and conditions?

NO FLIGHT PACKAGES – TRANSFERS

When will the bus leave the airport?

Buses will leave the airport after the pilgrims of flight packages have cleared customs, retrieved their luggage, and made their way to the bus. The exact time of departure may vary depending on how long the customs clearance process takes and how quickly the pilgrims can retrieve their luggage. Pilgrims of NO FLIGHT packages are responsible for planning their travel accordingly, to ensure that they are ready at the airport for the bus’ departure. Pilgrims who are not ready for the bus’ departure are responsible for making their own arrangements. Flights are subject to change.

My flight arrives the same day as the flight, but at a later time. Can I take the transfer?

From a logistical standpoint, it is unfortunately not possible for us to wait for pilgrims arriving on a later flight. We will have multiple buses waiting for our pilgrims, but they cannot remain parked for an extended period due to the large number of pilgrims arriving that day. Additionally, our local partners in Algarve, Portimao and Lisbon will be eagerly awaiting our arrival. We kindly encourage you to plan your arrival accordingly to ensure you are ready on time to join the bus. 

If I am not taking the transfer, where do I meet my group?

For those not opting for transfers, please note that the specific locations for accommodation and events will be communicated to your group leaders, who will then provide you with the necessary information. Your group leaders will also guide you on alternative transportation options to reach the designated locations. 

Insurance

What insurance is included in the packages?

The price of the Blue Cross PLUS Insurance Package is included (0-35 y.o.) for packages with flights, and is dependent on the insurance option.

SUMMARY_BlueCross_PACKAGEPLUS_CB_2022-03.pdf

For participants 36 years and older, the price of the insurance is not included in this registration, and will be invoiced separately. The price depends on the age and insurance option.

Please read the Health Declaration CBQ & the TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SPIRITOURS AND MISSION JEUNESSE

If I have my own insurance, do I need to take the one included in the package?

At the moment of individual registration, please choose the insurance option that applies to you. In order to be exempted from the cost of Insurance, please provide a copy of your insurance policy. If at the time of registration you do not indicate that you have your own insurance and/or do not provide a copy of your insurance policy, the MJ- Youth Ministry Office will understand this to be that you will take the insurance as indicated in the package. No credit will be applied, and no changes will be accepted once you have completed your on-line registration.

Please read the Health Declaration CBQ & the TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SPIRITOURS AND MISSION JEUNESSE

Registration

Registration process

Will I be able to register after the date that registrations are open?

Yes! But beyond this date, Mission Jeunesse cannot guarantee that the chosen package will be available at the same price. An additional fee, determined by the Spiritours agency, could be charged after this date.

When is the registration deadline?

Spiritours has reserved a number of seats for each package. These places are limited and available on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Once these seats have been reserved, Mission Jeunesse cannot guarantee any additional seats for the requested package at the same conditions and price. An additional fee, determined by the Spiritours agency, could be charged after this date. Please continue to visit the registration site, or contact Mission Jeunesse to explore different possibilities. 

I am the group leader and I completed the first step of registration (Group Registration). Do I also need to register individually?

Yes! Group leaders will receive an email with a code that is unique to each WYD group, as well as the steps to follow for the individual registration of ALL WYD group members, INCLUDING the WYD Group leader!

If one part of the group registers today can another part of the group register afterwards?

If you want to ensure that your entire group travels and stays together, their payment and registration must be received at the same time. If such a situation happens, the Mission Jeunesse-Youth Ministry team will try its best but cannot ensure that the entire group will be able to travel and stay together.

If you do not want your group to miss out on the availability of the package:

  • The group leader may take the risk and start by registering those who are ready.
  • As the situation develops, the group leader contacts Mission Jeunesse-YM to inquire about availability of the package.
  • Mission Jeunesse will inform the group leader on how to proceed if it is still possible to add pilgrims to the group.

I do not have a group code. What should I do?

Are you part of a WYD group? If so, please contact your group leader. Only the group leader can give you this code.

I do not know the email address of my group leader. What should I do?

Are you part of a WYD group? If so, please contact your group leader. Please note that you must use the email address that your group leader has provided during the registration of your group.

Registration information

I have completed my individual registration. How do I know that it has been received?

Please check your email. To ensure that you receive this information, please save jmjwyd@diocesemontreal.org  in your contacts as a recognized email address.

If you cannot find any emails from Mission Jeunesse, please check your spam / junk emails / unwanted emails / advertisment  / promotional folders as you may have active filters. Please contact your group leader if you have any other questions.

If I need to make a modification to my registration (group or individual), what should I do?

If you are a group leader, contact MJ-Youth Ministry at jmjwyd@diocesemontreal.org. If you are a pilgrim, please contact your group leader who will notify MJ-Youth Ministry of your request. Please note that each modification requested following the online group or individual registration will incur a $100 fee.

Does the name that I enter in my registration have to match my name as written on my passport?

Yes! It is the pilgrim’s responsibility to ensure that the name on their registration is exactly as written in their passport, to avoid any situations while travelling. Please contact your group leader if you need to change your name in your registration. Please note that each modification requested following the online group or individual registration will incur a $100 fee, even if MJ-Youth Ministry is the one that notices the discrepancy.

I am going to change my passport before the date of departure. Do I wait until I receive my new passport before providing MJ-Youth Ministry with the photocopy of my passport?

NO. If you know that you will change your passport before the date of departure, please give us a photocopy of your current passport and be sure to provide us with a photocopy of the new passport as soon as possible.

I have my own insurance, but I forgot to indicate it when I was doing my registration. Is it still possible to have the granted credit insurance?

NO. ***If during your registration, you do not indicate that you have your own insurance AND you give no proof of insurance, MJ-Youth Ministry will assume that you are taking the insurances indicated in the package. No change will be accepted once your registration has been submitted.

To be exempt of costs for insurance, you have to provide Youth Ministry with a proof of insurance (i.e. the photocopy of the insurance policy attached to the registration form – the description of the insurance is not enough.).

Refunds and cancellations

If, after having registered, I change my mind, can I get my money back?

No! The first payment of $750 is used to secure a spot on the airplane and is NON-REFUNDABLE. Please read the TERMS AND CONDITIONS of Spiritours and Mission Jeunesse-YM as cancellation charges will apply according to the date that Spiritours receives the notice of cancellation from MJ-Youth Ministry.

What are the fees associated with cancellations or change of names?

VISA

Who handles the VISA application?

It is the pilgrim’s responsibility to ensure that he/she takes the necessary steps to obtain all the documents required for travel.

What documents can I expect to receive and can I use for my VISA application?

You will receive the following documents ONLY after completing Phase 2 – Individual Registration with first deposit and a valid copy of your passport (not expired).

  • Proof of registration with the Mission Jeunesse MTL delegation
  • Confirmation of flight itinerary from Spiritours (except for NO FLIGHT packages)
  • Proof of registration for WYD Lisbon 2023

When should I apply for my visa?

It is important to wait until you have all the necessary documents before starting your visa application process. Submitting an incomplete application could significantly delay the processing of the application and even lead to a refusal from the Consulate. It is therefore recommended to complete your individual application as soon as possible and to update your passport if it is not valid for travel.

Payment and documentation

What happens if I register online but I do not pay by credit card?

Your registration will not be considered valid. ONLY credit card payments will be accepted on the registration platform.

However, if you are a group leader and have a GROUP funds coming from a parish or a diocese. Please contact Mission Jeunesse-YM for specific instructions.

Please note that if you register and your payment is not received withing 5 working days, your registration will NOT be considered as valid and your spot in the package may be released to other pilgrims in other groups

How much is the first deposit?

For registrations before September 15 2022, the first deposit is $750. After this date, the amount of the first deposit may increase. Please note that the first deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE, NO EXCEPTIONS.

Click: TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPIRITOURS AND MISSION JEUNESSE

What happens if I pay my first payment, but I do not give the necessary documentation?

Without the initial deposit of $750 AND/OR without the required documents, we will not proceed with the registration!

Please note that we will not proceed with the registration until we have received the first non-refundable payment of $750, along with the required documentation.

Passport

If you know that you will change your passport before the date of departure, please provide us with a photocopy of your current passport and be sure to give us a photocopy of the new passport as soon as possible.

Proof of insurance

If when you submit the registration form, you indicate that you have your own insurance, but you do not provide MJ-Youth Ministry with any photocopy of your insurance policy, NO CREDIT will be applied to your package price.

What is the deposit and payment schedule? (amounts and deadlines)

Passports

For pilgrim who does not have a passport

They are encouraged to register as soon as possible to avoid delays or missing out on spots in the package. It is not necessary to wait for the new passport before registering.

If this person does not have a passport:

  • They can register and enter the date of the registration as the expiration date of their passport.
  • They must complete the form with the information exactly as it will be written in the passport they will be receiving.
  • upload a copy of their Medicare card (pdf 400kb max).

As soon as they receive their new passport, the group leader must send us the new copy with the passport number.

No added fee will be charged because their request for a new passport is being processed, as long as the information already provided to us remains identical in their new valid passport. HOWEVER, if, when their passport arrives, we see that the information is different, there will be administrative fees of 100$ per modification.

For pilgrim waiting to receive a new passport

They are encouraged to register as soon as possible to avoid delays or missing out on spots in the package. It is not necessary to wait for the new passport before registering.

If this person does not have a passport:

  • Request a new passport as soon as possible to avoid delays.
  • Register and enter the date of the registration as the expiration date of their passport.
  • Complete the form with the information exactly as it will be written in the passport they will be receiving.
  • upload a copy of their Medicare card (pdf 400kb max).

If this person has an expired passport:

  • Request a new passport as soon as possible to avoid delays.
  • Fill up the form with the information of their expired passport
  • Upload a copy of the expired passport (in pdf, 400KB max).

If this person has a non-Canadian passport, and is waiting for a new Canadian passport:

  • Request a new passport as soon as possible to avoid delays.
  • Fill up the form with the information of their non-Canadian passport
  • Upload a copy of the non-Canadian passport (in pdf, 400KB max).

As soon as they receive their new passport, the group leader must send us the new copy with the passport number.

No added fee will be charged because their request for a new passport is being processed, as long as the information already provided to us remains identical in their new valid passport. HOWEVER, if, when their passport arrives, we see that the information is different, there will be administrative fees of 100$ per modification.

For pilgrim who has an expired passport

They are encouraged to register as soon as possible to avoid delays or missing out on spots in the package. It is not necessary to wait for the new passport before registering.

If this person has an expired passport:

  • Request a new passport as soon as possible to avoid delays.
  • Fill up the form with the information of their expired passport
  • Upload a copy of the expired passport (in pdf, 400KB max).

    As soon as they receive their new passport, the group leader must send us the new copy with the passport number.

    No added fee will be charged because their request for a new passport is being processed, as long as the information already provided to remains identical in their new valid passport.

    If, however, the information on their new passport is different from the information in their registration, there will be administrative fees of 100$ per modification.

    For a pilgrim who has a non-Canadian passport and is waiting for a new Canadian passport

    They are encouraged to register as soon as possible to avoid delays or missing out on spots in the package. It is not necessary to wait for the new passport before registering.

    If this person has a non-Canadian passport, and is waiting for a new Canadian passport:

    • Request a new passport as soon as possible to avoid delays.
    • Fill up the form with the information of their non-Canadian passport
    • Upload a copy of the non-Canadian passport (in pdf, 400KB max).

    As soon as they receive their new passport, the group leader must send us the new copy with the passport number.

    No added fee will be charged because their request for a new passport is being processed, as long as the information already provided to us remains identical in their new valid passport.

    If, however, the information on their new passport is different from the information in their registration, there will be administrative fees of 100$ per modification.

    For passangers travelling with a non-Canadian passport

    Passengers that do not travel with a Canadian Passport or do not have their Canadian citizenship must contact the Portuguese authorities on entry and exit requirements. In the event that the passenger does not possess the documentation required by the authorities, the carrier reserves the right to refuse passage. !!!

    If this person has a non-Canadian passport:

    • Fill up the form with the information of their non-Canadian passport
    • Upload a copy of the non-Canadian passport (in pdf, 400KB max).

    No added fee will be charged because their request for a new passport is being processed, as long as the information already provided to us remains identical in their new valid passport.

    If, however, the information on their new passport is different from the information in their registration, there will be administrative fees of 100$ per modification.

    Packages

    What can we do if one group member is already in the host country and only wants to join the rest of the group when the Days in the Diocese start? Must he/she register with the rest of the group?

    Yes! The group leader must contact Mission Jeunesse-YM prior to registering to receive special instructions. This participant must register with the rest of the group. In this case, from the price of the package, we will deduct the cost of the flight. BUT the participant has the responsibility of organizing, at his/her own cost, the transportation fees to the group’s accommodation location.

    It is also his/her responsibility to find a way back to Canada after WYD. Spiritours and Mission Jeunesse WILL NOT reserve one-way tickets. Once again, to ensure that the group is not separated at any time, it is important that all group members register together.

    What happens if one member of the group wants to return to Canada after the rest of the group; can he/she request an extension?

    Requests for extensions must be made at the time of individual registration with the first payment, or according to the deadlines. See Terms and Conditions of Registration. Additional fees apply.

    • The place of departure must be the same as the rest of the group. We don’t offer the possibility to depart from another city, neither the possibility of an anticipated departure (extension before the stay).
    • The group leader must fill out an extension request form for those that wish to extend his/her stay with the date they would like to return.
    • The group leader must send this form to jmjwyd@diocesemontreal.org, CC: the pilgrim requesting the extension, or include it in the group registration form.
    • The deadline to request an extension is March 1st 2023.

    If the request is made at the moment that the pilgrim does their individual registration, indicating it in the NOTES section of the individual registration form would facilitate coordination. Thank you

    Our group is interested in several packages. Can we choose two packages for our group?

    If you want to make sure that all the pilgrims in your group travel and live together, you must choose ONE PACKAGE for the whole group.

    I want to go to WYD with my group. I want to leave MTL with them but I would like to extend my stay in Lisbon or somewhere in Europe. Is this possible?

    Yes it is possible to extend your stay. Here are the conditions:

    The place of departure must be the same as the rest of the group. We don’t offer the possibility to depart from another city, neither the possibility of an anticipated departure (extension before the stay).

    The group leader must fill out an extension request form for those that wish to extend his/her stay with the date they would like to return.

    The group leader must send this form to jmjwyd@diocesemontreal.org, CC: the pilgrim requesting the extension.

    The deadline to request an extension is March 1st 2023.

    If the request is made at the moment that the pilgrim does their individual registration, indicating it in the NOTES section of the individual registration form would facilitate coordination. Thank you.