IEC_2012

International Eucharistic Congress, 10 - 17 June 2012

What is IEC 2012?

People from the Diocese of Meath attending IEC 2012 can look forward to an exciting programme of cultural events, workshops, keynote addresses and themed liturgies. More information on the programme of the Congress can be found on www.iec2012.ie/programme.

The Eucharistic Congress is an international gathering of people, held every four years somewhere in the world, which aims to promote an awareness of the central place of the Eucharist in the life and mission of the Catholic Church and to help improve our understanding and celebration of the liturgy and draw attention to the social dimension of the Eucharist. The theme of the Congress is ‘The Eucharist: Communion with Christ and with one another’.

The programme of cultural events, workshops, exhibitions, catechesis and testimonies throughout the week of the Congress will help deepen and renew the commitment to the lifestyle of justice and service inspired by the Eucharist.

The event will take place at the RDS in Dublin on 10 - 16 June and at Croke Park on 17 June.

How can I book a ticket for IEC 2012?

Booking is now available online with three different options to attend the Congress, which takes place in the RDS, Dublin from 10 - 17 June 2012. 

First Option: Pilgrims have the choice to register for 7 days, 10 - 16 June, at the RDS for €95 with the option to gain admission to the final Mass  in Croke Park on 17 June, for an additional €10.

Second Option: The second option is to register to attend the Congress for 3 consecutive days in the RDS for €60, again with the offer of admission to the final Mass for an additional €10.

Third Option: The third booking option is to purchase a single day ticket for €30 to attend one day of the Congress programme in the RDS. However, this does not include the option to gain admission for the final Mass.

Online bookings are available until 9 May 2012. Until this date, pilgrims travelling from the Diocese of Meath can register either as an individual, as a family or as a group at www.iec2012.ie/registration. Clergy and media will also need to register. Alternatively, for those who cannot register online, you can do so by calling (01) 298 1122.  Online registration closes on 9 May 2012, after this date bookings will be on-site only at the RDS.

What will happen at Croke Park on Sunday 17 June?

The final Mass of the International Eucharistic Congress will take place at Croke Park on Sunday 17 June.  More than 80,000 are expected to attend this celebration. To gain admission to Croke Park you can book for 7 or 3 days (plus €10).  A limited number of 1,600 tickets for the final Mass are being distributed through parishes in the Diocese of Meath in the coming weeks. 

Is there anything for young people at IEC 2012?

A dedicated Youth Space for more than 2,500 young people will be held each day at the RDS with a programme of interactive catechesis, workshops, dramas, celebrations, concerts and fun. Young adults between 17 and 25 years of age can register online to participate in the Youth Space programme.

Can I become a volunteer to play my part?

More than 2,000 volunteers are required to make this great international event happen. Anyone over 18 years of age can now register online to volunteer either before, during or after the Congress at www.iec.ie/volunteer.

How is the Diocese of Meath preparing for the event?

Mr John Howard, Meath Congress Delegate, chaired an information meeting in Navan on 15 February 2012, attended by 82 participants from a number of parishes.  Speakers briefed the meeting on the booking/registration process, getting schools and young people to be part of the Congress and other matters.  It was emphasised that participants can book by telephone and online.  Parishes can also make "group bookings" and buses should be arranged to help people get to the RDS.  Click here for minutes of the meeting, written by John Howard.