Why is the archdiocese of Cologne the only German diocese not to participate in the trip to Rome? What is the general state of altar boy work in Germany?? What role did the topic of abuse play in the run-up? our site answers these and other questions about the International Pilgrimage of Altar Boys 2010.
What is the state of pastoral care for altar boys?? The pastoral care of altar boys is one of the strongest pillars of church youth work in Germany. Most recently in 2008/09, 436.228 girls and boys counted in liturgical ministry – 43.000 more compared to 2003/04. The number of girls only slightly outweighed them.
Why this success? Being an altar server means more than just a "choreographic training", emphasizes Peter Hahnen, consultant for the pastoral care of altar servers at the "Arbeitsstelle fur Jugendseelsorge der Deutschen Bischofskonferenz" afj in Dusseldorf, in an interview with our site. "They are children and adolescents of our time and must be perceived and taken seriously as persons." The problem of the altar boy work is its apparent self-evidence. The most important thing is the good work in the parishes.
How do those responsible deal with the topic of abuse?? Since taking office at the end of 2000, Peter Hahnen, who is also vice president of the International Federation of Ministrants, has been preoccupied with the ie of. In the regularly published "MiniBorse" of the Catholic youth work with ideas for the pastoral care of altar boys, sex educators always write contributions. After the abuse scandal came to light at the beginning of the year, the topic continues to be addressed.
What consequences does the abuse scandal have for pilgrimage? There have been inquiries from parents, diocesan officials confirmed to Peter Hahne, but "no cancellations". There is trust, but at the same time it is a great obligation.
Why Cologne is the only diocese not to travel to Rome? The Cologne altar boys travel from 10. to 16. October to Rome. Under the motto "Fire and Flame" then 2.300 girls and boys on the road. The fact that the people of Cologne are not going with the 26 other dioceses has grown historically, explains Lydia Lenze from the project office for "Fire and Flame" of the archdiocese in an interview with our site. The milder temperatures in the fall would have played a role as well. This year, the pilgrimage will end with a final service in St. Paul Outside the Walls with Archbishop Joachim Cardinal Meisner. Lydia Lenze is sure that these days will be an event for the children and young people that they will not soon forget. Where can I get information and exchange ideas on the internet?The engagement on the net is huge, here is just a selection: Altar boys on Facebook, a trailer for the pilgrimage on Youtube, the song for the pilgrimage, the Archdiocese of Cologne and the pilgrimage "Fire and Flame" on Facebook.