The Eucharist: Communion with Christ and with one another

A Journey of Preparation The Event of the Congress can only be properly understood as a significant moment in a pilgrimage which has already begun and which will continue long after the Congress itself is over.

Communion - Theme and Context The Universal Church 2012 will be the 50 th Anniversary of the Inauguration of the Second Vatican Council The Eucharist : Communion with Christ and with one another Origins in Lumen Gentium, 7

Ireland The Social and Ecclesiological Context Celebrating Communion – Ireland and the World o Mission “Ad Gentes” o Justice & Development o Peace-keeping Much has been done, but much remains to be done o To heal the hurt caused by years of violence in Northern Ireland o To develop a fruitful communion between Christians of different denominations, following centuries of suspicion There is a Particular challenge to Communion following o the betrayal of trust in relation to the abuse of children o an economic crisis brought about by a preoccupation with profit and power On-going challenges: o To restore to active communion those who no longer gather with us for the Eucharist o To improve the quality of participation in the Eucharistic assembly

The Pilgrimage of the Bell A Symbol for the Congress A Call to Pilgrimage A Call to Faith A Call to Prayer A Call to Conversion A Call to Mission

Pastoral Preparation - People Participation Diocesan Communities Parish Communities Religious Congregations Christians of Other Denominations Third Level Students Youth Groups Movements Planning Local Planning Committee o Pastoral and Liturgical Preparation o Special Events o Finance and Administration o Media & Communications o Volunteer Management o Logistics Theological Commission National Eucharistic Committee

Pastoral Preparation - Resources The Congress Prayer Based on Luke 24 and Micah 6 The Congress Logo “People in Communion” – Martin Barlow The Congress Hymn “Though we are Many” – Bernard Sexton The Theological Document The Web-Site ( E-Congress Newsletter

Pastoral Programme – Outline A Pilgrimage in Four Stages: Stage One Autumn/Winter 2010: Christ gathers us a Eucharistic Community. Stage Two: Spring/Summer 2011: Christ gathers us to listen, to hear, to be nourished and to be formed into community by God’s word. Stage Three: Autumn/Winter 2011: Christ gathers us to be nourished by the Bread of Life. Stage Four: Spring 2012: Christ gathers and strengthens us for Mission by the Word and the Bread of Life.

The Congress - A Destination All paths lead to Dublin June 10 th to 17 th 2012

Direct Flights from Europe North America Transit via London Frankfurt Amsterdam Dubai New York Sea Ferries from Scotland Wales France Travel is Easy

Dublin – City by the Sea Dublin is a modern City of 1.2 million people dating from the tenth century AD. It is situated on the East coast of Ireland and sheltered by a range of gentle hills.

The Venue for the Week The Royal Dublin Society was established in 1731 to promote Agriculture, Industry, Science and the Arts. The RDS premises at Ballsbridge hosts the world famous Dublin Horse Show.

Croke Park – Venue for the Statio Orbis Croke Park is the Headquarters of the GAA, (Gaelic Athletic Association). The stadium has recently been restored and is capable of accommodating just over 80,000 people.

The Programme – Special Events Opening Ceremony and Eucharist RDS – Sunday 10 th June (afternoon) Celebration of Reconciliation Wednesday morning Procession Youth Vigil Saturday evening – Croke Park Statio Orbis Croke Park – Sunday 17 th June (early afternoon)

The Programme Daily Themes - Monday to Saturday Monday – focus on Communion and Baptism Ecumenical activity Tuesday – focus on Communion and Family Wednesday – focus on Communion and Reconciliation Thursday – focus on Communion and Ministry Friday – Focus on Communion, Suffering and Healing Saturday – Focus on Communion and the Word through Mary

The Daily Programme Morning Prayer Workshops Afternoon Catechesis Testimony Eucharistic Liturgy Morning Evening Cultural Events in the RDS and in the City Continuous Prayer ministry in City Churches Youth Space Exhibitions

Venue St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth (30 min. from City Centre) Dates Wednesday 6 th – Friday 8 th June 2012 Hosted By Faculty of Theology, Pontifical University, Maynooth The Theological Symposium

In your pack we have enclosed a short DVD with subtitles in: English French German Irish Italian Polish Spanish Promotional DVD