Cathal BarryA major fundraising drive for World Meeting of Families in Dublin in 2018 is set to be rolled out at Masses across the country this weekend.
The Irish Catholic understands that a target of €12 million has been set to support the hosting of the event, which will be held in Dublin from August 22-26, 2018, with the theme ‘The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World’.
In a communication to priests, seen by this newspaper, the bishops’ newly established National Finance Committee for the event announced that three national church collections will be held, the first of which is to take place this weekend.
The remaining collections will take place in 2017 and 2018.
Support
The Church may also approach the Government seeking financial support given the likelihood that the event will draw thousands of visitors to Ireland.
Bishop Francis Duffy, Chairman of the National Finance Committee, said “a global event of this size requires a huge amount of planning and financial outlay on behalf of the host country”.
“It is hoped that this very special pastoral initiative will present all of us in the Church with the opportunity, and the challenge, to renew, support and strengthen Irish families in their commitment to their faith,” he said.
Held every three years, the World Meeting of Families is the largest universal gathering of Catholic families and brings together families from all over the world in faith and celebration.
Major event
The major event follows the successful International Eucharistic Congress which was held in Dublin 2012. The final cost of that event was approximately €9.3 million, as against the budget of €11.8 million.
Meanwhile, Anne Griffin has been appointed General Manager of World Meeting of Families 2018.
Ms Griffin was also General Manager of the International Eucharistic Congress in 2012 and a project manager for the Special Olympics World Games 2003.