Volunteers wanted for 2012 Eucharistic Congress

09 Mar 2011

Volunteer for the 2012 Eucharistic Congress

source – www.iec2012.ie

Click on link to go to on-line application form on Congress website

About the Congress

A Eucharistic Congress is an international gathering of people which aims to:

  • promote an awareness of the central place of the Eucharist in the life and mission of the Catholic Church
  • help improve our understanding and celebration of the liturgy
  • draw attention to the social dimension of the Eucharist.

The main events of the 2012 Congress will take place in the RDS, Dublin, beginning with the opening ceremony on 10 June 2012. Over the week 10 – 17 June a programme of liturgical and cultural events, workshops and daily celebration of the Eucharist will culminate in an open air Mass and closing ceremony in Croke Park.

It is expected that 25,000 people will attend each day at the RDS – including some 13,000 international visitors and that 80,000 people will attend the concluding ceremonies in Croke Park.

Requirements

  • Volunteers must be a resident of the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.
  • Volunteers will be expected to be available from 9th June through to 17th June 2012 (Two weekends and five intervening days).
  • Work shifts can be up to 8 hours per shift with rest days during the week.
  • Volunteers will be over 18 years on 1st January 2012.
  • Young people between 16 and 18 years may volunteer as part of a recognized group under adult supervision e.g. youth group or school group.
  • Volunteers will be required to complete the Garda vetting process

Roles and Skills

  • Initially volunteers are required to help plan and organize the programme while others will be needed to recruit, train and manage the volunteer workforce.
  • Volunteers welcome who can assist with the planning and preparations, particularly with experience in event management.
  • Volunteers with excellent English, whose first language is Irish, French, German, Spanish, Italian or Polish.
  • Volunteers with a second language will be particularly welcome.
  • Volunteers will be offered a wide variety of roles to match their skills or experience.
  • Volunteer tasks will include supporting information and welcome centres, transport hubs and event services at the major Congress venues.

Training

  • Training will involve up to 10 contact hours in the period leading up to the Congress and sessions are likely to be held in the Dublin area.
  • All volunteers will participate in general induction training followed by job specific training.
  • Closer to the week of the Congress, there will be familiarization tours for volunteers assigned to designated venues.
  • Every Congress volunteer will have the opportunity to reflect on the spiritual themes of the Congress as part of their induction training and preparations.

The Local Planning Committee for the Congress undertakes to train all volunteers for their respective roles as well as provide each volunteer with a uniform and meals while on duty. In return volunteers can expect plenty of hard work with a unique and spiritually uplifting experience as part of a momentous occasion in the history of our Church and community. For those who can only commit their time to volunteer during the Congress then put the dates in the diary now.

If you are interested in participating, please complete the on-line application form on the Congress website