Skateboarding with the Pope

I spent some time this morning going through the resources at the Archdiocese of New York's papal visit web site. There, I discovered some interesting tidbits I hadn't run across before.

First, there was this curious link regarding a Papal Skateboard Art Design Contest. I didn't know the Pope used a skateboard, did you? Oddly, the link doesn't provide details about the contest or what the winner will receive. I suspect that perhaps the deadline has passed, and suspect that the winner will have some role to play at the youth rally at St. Joseph's Seminary. That image you see to the left is one entry in the design contest, submitted by Krystal, age 14, from Mother Cabrini Catholic Church. I just hope that they invite the skateboarding Franciscan Friar.

Update: Domini Sumus has the details on the Skateboard contest at his blog We Belong to the Lord. Apparently children between the ages of 11-18 living in the Archdiocese of New York were invited to submit artwork for the design of an Official Papal Skateboard that will be presented to the Holy Father at the youth rally at St. Joseph's Seminary. I wonder if replicas of the official skateboard will also be sold as "official" merchandise at the Papal visit store (read below)? Contestants were limited to the colors of papal gold, black, white, and red. They were encouraged to use the Papal Visit logo, Papal crest, and the "Christ is Our Hope" motto. The winner receives three tickets to the youth rally at St. Joseph's.

Second, the archdiocese is encouraging all those within the New York metropolitan area to consider using Charter Demand, Inc., the exclusive transportation provider, for their transportation needs during the papal visit. They list the official transportation coordinator as Sara Anderson. She can be reached at 1-800-344-4197.

Third, considering all the preparations taking place, it's rather surprising to note how sparse their press release web page is. Its only listing is a press release dated November 12, 2007 announcing the pope's visit. I realize how busy everyone in the archdiocese must be, but they may want to update the page to provide additional background for reporters wanting details about the pope's visit to N.Y.

Fourth, it looks like the archdiocese is looking to cash in on the pope's visit. They have a Papal Visit 2008 store web page set up to sell official merchandise. I'm certain that proceeds will be used to offset the costs associated with the Pope's visit. Fox News reported that the costs for the Pope's visit are estimated to be about $3 million.

Finally, it also features a form that 9-11 survivors and their families and first responders can fill out to be considered for the Pope's visit to Ground Zero. Eileen Mulcahy, who is overseeing the site coordination for that event told me that 24 individuals will be invited by lottery to greet the Pope at Ground Zero. Mulcahy is not in charge of choosing those individuals, so don't try reaching her. Just fill out the online form.