THE Catholic Church is seeking thousands of volunteers to help stage the World Meeting of Families in Ireland next year - which is expected to be attended by Pope Francis.
The six-day event is the largest of its kind in the world and is made up of exhibitions, workshops, cultural events and musical performances.
Hosted in a different country every three years, it will come to Dublin next August and a drive has been launched to recruit at least 3,000 people to help organise it.
Volunteers must be a resident of Ireland, over 18 years of age and "respectful of the Catholic ethos" of the event.
They will also be expected to assist at preparatory events which will take place around the country.
A 'Host a Pilgrim/Family' programme has also been launched with the aim of housing visitors from around the world in homes in and around Dublin.
Fr Timothy Bartett, secretary general of the World Meeting of Families, encouraged volunteers to sign up.
"I have no doubt that it will be a rewarding and memorable experience for anyone who takes part, as well as a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the biggest events to take place in Ireland next year," he said.
"We are a welcoming nation and people who will offer a warm welcome to the many families who are expected to join us from across the world for this incredible event are now invited to apply to join as a volunteer."
For further information see www.worldmeeting2018.ie/volunteer.
