THERE'S always room at the Darcy's. In a gesture of generosity, Castle Hill residents Brian and Nanette Darcy will open their doors to up to 20 pilgrims for the week before World Youth Day.

The couple, who have eight children, said they were used to having a full house.

They had previously hosted visitors from Hillsong and Baptist churches as well as refugees.

``How could we not offer up our home when we're Catholics?'' Mrs Darcy said.

They have five double bedrooms, spare beds and mattresses, three hot-water systems and six toilets.

The couple first volunteered to host 10 visitors but were asked by inspectors to host another 10.

``It's a bit of an evangelising thing, to show we're happy to have people in our home,'' Mrs Darcy said. ``I'm a people person and I've taught my husband to do the same. You put out a little and get twice as much back.''

Mrs Darcy plans to embroider 20 different colours into towels for easy identification. ``I've borrowed an extra toaster and have been watching specials on toilet paper,'' she said. ``Luckily we're only a kilometre from Coles.''

In return for their hospitality, the couple will receive tickets to the final Mass with the Pope. Mrs Darcy will also travel into the city with others from St Bernadette's church to the stations of the cross. ``I hope it'll be an injection of enthusiasm about Catholicism,'' she said.One hundred and sixty-one families in St Bernadette's parish have opened their homes to 479 visitors.

The World Youth Day cross and icon arrives at St Patrick's Cathedral, Parramatta, on Tuesday, July8, at 4.30pm. Mass with Bishop Manning will be at 7pm.