5oth Eucharistic Congress June 2012
The 50th International Eucharistic Congress in Ireland takes place in Dublin from 10 to 17 June 2012.
The formal launch of the Eucharistic Congress 2012 took place on Monday 7 March 2011. Cardinal Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland and Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Dublin were present at the launch which took place in the RDS, Dublin, where most of the events of the 2012 Congress will be held.
Pastoral Preparation Programme
The Pastoral Preparation Programme which will take place between now and June 2012, is presented as an itinerary for the journey towards the great gathering for the Eucharistic Congress.
This journey has been mapped out in four stages, each with its own theme.
Each of these reflects on an aspect of the celebration of the Eucharist and the lifestyle it inspires, in the light of the overall Congress theme – The Eucharist: Communion with Christ and with one another.
Each stage corresponds to one of the rites of the celebration of Eucharist:
- STAGE 1 (Autumn/Winter 2010)
Christ gathers us a Eucharistic Community, focuses on the Introductory Rite - STAGE 2 (Spring/Summer 2011)
Christ gathers us to listen, to hear, to be nourished and to be formed into community by God’s Wordwhich places the emphasis on the how the Liturgy of the Word nourishes our Communion - STAGE 3 (Autumn/Winter 2011)
Christ gathers us to be nourished by the Bread of Life reflects on the Liturgy of the Eucharist, sometimes referred to in the Scriptures as the “Breaking of Bread” - STAGE 4 (Spring/Summer 2012)
Christ gathers and strengthens us for Mission by the Word and the Bread of Life explores the Concluding Rite with its focus on mission and the challenge to become what we have received, the living Body of Christ, given for others in our daily lives.
The Eucharistic Congress Bell – visiting all dioceses
Click on link to download Eucharistic Congress Bell Pilgrimage Itinerary to all dioceses
The Eucharistic Congress Bell is a key symbol of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress. From its origins in the Dominican Convent of Portstewart, Co. Derry the Bell was more recently used to ring in the Jubilee Year 2000 in Glendalough, Co. Wicklow.
The Bell will reflect the invitation to faith, to prayer, to reconciliation and to mission which has always been important in our Christian tradition and is no less so today. The pilgrimage of the Bell throughout the Dioceses of Ireland, and beyond, will be a vehicle to:
- Invite people to deepen their communion with Christ and with one another
- Promote the pastoral aims of the Congress
- Invite all Christians to join in giving a common witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in an increasingly secular society
- Animate the people of your Diocese to become involved with the Eucharistic Congress both locally and nationally
- Invite people to come to the Congress from June 10th to 17th 2012
There is a strong emphasis on the inclusion of young people in the Eucharistic Congress Bell Pilgrimage however it is not exclusively a youth project. The pilgrimage should include the infirm, senior members of the community, and an outreach to the families and of the children preparing for sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, and Communion).
Diocesan Preparation for the Eucharistic Congress
Diocese of Derry
Diocese of Meath
Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois
Diocese of Cloyne
Parish-based Pastoral Preparation
Parish Pastoral Councils that wish to commence preparation for the Congress can begin by taking the following steps:
- Contact your local diocesan representative and see if there is already a pastoral plan for the 50th International Eucharistic Congress in your diocese. List of Diocesan Representatives …
- Parish Pastoral Councils are invited to put the Congress on their regular agenda – to ensure that Pastoral Preparation happens locally.
- Parishes are invited to place a link to the Congress on their parish website. For a web-button contact [email protected]
- Access the pastoral resources now available for parishes on http://www.iec2012.ie/