A big trip began today for Central Pennsylvania Catholics. 40 people, mostly teenagers along with their chaperones and Bishop Kevin Rhoades, left this morning for a 16-day pilgrimage to the annual week-long international event known as World Youth Day.

This year, World Youth Day will be held in Australia and overseen by Pope Benedict XVI (web|news|bio) .

Some of the teens tried to squeeze in some last-minute shut-eye before boarding buses at the Cardinal Keeler Center in Harrisburg . Anticipation had them up all night.

The teens worked hard to get this far. A group of ten from Holy Infant in York Haven was able to raise $15,000 through their church.

People from parishes across the entire Harrisburg Diocese came up with the money in many different ways. It wasn't easy. "About two years ago is when I started saving up the money and started planning for it, said Anthony Eltz of Hanover.

Now with bags packed, they've taken care of all the superficial stuff. They'll have an 11 hour flight to Australia, losing a day crossing the International Date Line.

The 40 hours spent travelling should give them plenty of time to get mentally prepared. "I expect this experience will change them for life," said Bishop Kevin Rhoades. "To experience the universality of the church with young people from all over Australia and all over the world."

Bishop Rhoades celebrated one last Mass on U.S. soil. It is his first World Youth Day. More than a quarter of a million Catholics are expected to attend.

During the first week, the teens will spend time with host families at various parishes in Australia. The second week will be filled with World Youth Day events.

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