Parishioners from St Mochta's Parish photographed earlier this year on the front of the Volunteer brochure for the 50th International Eucharistic Congress 2012.

Volunteers will make the 50th International Eucharistic Congress (IEC2012) happen. Volunteers have been integral to the past Congresses and their success. In 2012, the volunteer programme will be essential to the success of the Congress in Ireland. Between two and three thousand volunteers will be required to assist in organizing the Congress. Volunteers are needed in a wide range of roles. Initially volunteers are required to help plan and organize the programme while others will be needed to recruit, train and manage the volunteer workforce.

Why would you want to volunteer?

One young person who volunteered at a similar event recently said: “The person who asked me was someone who had given me a lot in my life and I wanted to say Yes.” Another said: “Well, I came here to be with all these people as an expression of my faith in Jesus. If I’m here as a volunteer, it’s because I believe that service is an essential part of being a disciple.”

Every Congress volunteer will have the opportunity to reflect on the spiritual themes of the Congress as part of their induction training and preparations. 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.

• Volunteers will be offered a wide variety of roles to match their skills or experience. Volunteers with a second language will be particularly welcome. Volunteer tasks will include supporting information and welcome centres, transport hubs and event services at the major Congress venues.
• Volunteers will be required to complete the Garda vetting process
• 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. 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.
• 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.

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 now we are looking for volunteers who feel they can commit that extra effort to help us prepare for the Congress over the next 2 years. The Committee would welcome those who can assist with the planning and preparations, particularly with experience in event management, to contact us. Volunteers with training and organizational skill are also required at this stage, as are volunteers with excellent English, whose first language is Irish, French, German, Spanish, Italian or Polish. Volunteers who can give this extra commitment can expect to be involved in committee work and in the training of other volunteers in the 2 years ahead.

 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 click on the link here to complete the on-line application form.