NATCHEZ — The youth of St. Mary Basilica will join 5 million Catholic young people in Madrid, Spain, for World Youth Day in August, but they have to fund their trip first.

A rummage sale is scheduled to begin at 6 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary’s Family Life Center at 613 Main St. in Natchez.

Also on the itinerary for the nine St. Mary youth is a trip to the Vatican City in Rome.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Charlene Rushing said. Rushing and her daughter, Courtney, will join the youth on the trip. “It will be a life-changing experience for them.”

The sale comes on the heels of a dozen fundraisers and events hosted by the youth, including a car wash, several bake sales, a cookbook sale, a pizza kit sale, a jambalaya dinner, a haunted house, a poinsettia sale and more.

World Youth Day is a major event, drawing millions to major international cities every four years.

The events will culminate with a Mass where Pope Benedict will address the young people.

“It’s basically a five-day pilgrimage,” St. Mary Youth Director Amanda Hudson said. “We will attend masses, services, do some sight-seeing and the last day attend an event where the pope will address the youth.”

Hudson said World Youth Day promotes youth service throughout the world — a concept with which St. Mary’s youth are familiar.

The youth participate in Catholic Heart Work Camps and volunteer their time on a monthly basis at the Natchez Stewpot, humane society, nursing homes and Habitat for Humanity projects.

“Wherever people have needs in that city, that’s where we go,” Hudson said. “They see how other people live and they do something major in someone else’s life.”

Hudson said St. Mary’s parishioners understand how important the international excursion is for the youth to experience, and some have generously chosen to sponsor individual youth for the trip.

Hudson said she hopes the young people gain a global perspective of faith by attending World Youth Day.

“This is a chance for them to fellowship with kids from other countries,” Hudson said.

Youth advisor Peggy Olivero agreed.

“It’s good for them to go and see other Christians their age with deep faith,” Olivero said.

Hudson said only one other group from Mississippi is attending World Youth Day.

Youth advisor Maggie Smith said St. Mary’s youth are a great group of young adults and teens and the advisors aren’t at all worried about the pilgrimage overseas.

“These kids are respectful,” Hudson said. “We’ve never had a problem out of them. They are hardworking kids and a really tight-knit group. They are so excited and are willing to do whatever it takes.”

Hudson said the older youth are a positive example to the younger teens and children at St. Mary.

Pepper Taylor, a sophomore at Cathedral, said she can’t wait to experience Europe.

“I’m looking forward to going out of the country and seeing Europe, and also meeting new people,” Taylor said.

“I am also hoping to learn more about the Catholic faith.”

Taylor will have that chance when she visits Vatican City and hears the Pope’s message in Madrid.

Taylor said she has never been that far away from home.

“I’ve been to Mexico and Bahamas, I have never been this far away,” Taylor said. “Being in a different environment can be nerve racking at first, but I think once we get there, we will have fun and want to stay a lot longer.”

Taylor said she is focused on the complete Euro-experience, and seeks a spiritual experience to broaden her faith as well.

“I’m so excited to see all of the old cathedrals in Rome, and also all of the different shops, food and the whole European experience,” she said. “I hope that interacting with other people and getting their input will give me more insight about who I am and why I am Catholic.”

Though the trip is still three months out, Smith is using the latest technology to prepare.

“I downloaded some apps so we can brush up on our Spanish and Italian,” Smith said as she waved her smartphone. “Here I have Basic Italian for Dummies.”

Hudson said the rummage sale is an annual event, and people often wait outside for doors to open so they can snag the best deals.

Items at the sale are used, but in good condition, and they include vacuum cleaners, exercise equipment, strollers, bikes, cabinets, books, DVDs, decorations, lamps, house wares, glassware and toys.

Prices start at 25 cents.

“Also, you can come and get a great deal on a teenager,” Smith joked.

Hudson said the community is welcome to donate their unwanted items to the sale, with the exception of clothing. She said they would like the donation of a car seat and exercise bike, as people have specially requested those items.

Hudson said to call St. Mary Basilica to set up a time to donate items at 601-445-5616.

Juice and donuts will be offered to shoppers, and baked goods will be sold, including casseroles and breads.

“We have some master-bakers behind the bake sale,” Hudson said.

Hudson said she is proud of St. Mary’s youth, who volunteered to donated 10 percent of all funds raised since 2010 to go towards the construction of a youth wing on the family life center.

The rummage sale will close at 1 p.m. Saturday.