The Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin has announced it is hosting a Diocesan Eucharistic Congress in the lead up to the 50th International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin.
The Diocesan Congress, to be held on March 9 and 10, has the theme, A Place at the Table.
“This theme provokes many and varied issues of theology and justice, of liturgy and spirituality, of the personal and the institutional, all of which may affect who we are as Church today. Each of us is encouraged to ask, ‘how do I hear the invitation to be present at the table, how do I occupy my place?’ It is likely that we all have different responses to these questions.
“Yet, we must remember that the invitation comes from Christ and is for all,” said Rt. Rev. Mgr Brendan Byrne, Diocesan Administrator, in his introduction to the congress.
He invited all to attend the Diocesan Congress and prepare in a special way for the International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin and prayed that it may be a time of abundant grace and blessings for all.
The Diocesan Eucharistic Congress, to be held in Carlow Cathedral, will feature a number of keynote speakers; Baroness Nuala O’Loan (Friday); Fr Michael Drumm (Saturday); and Fr Peter McVerry (Saturday). Between the two keynote address on Saturday, there will be two rounds of workshops. Each round has 16 workshops (32 in total) which will take place in Carlow College and the Cathedral Parish Centre.
The Diocesan Congress will culminate in the celebration of the Eucharist in the Cathedral in Carlow on the evening of Saturday March 10.
Participants will have the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to pray before the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel of Carlow College.
On the same day there will be a separate programme in St Leo’s College Carlow for young adults aged from 16 to 25 and will include key speakers such as Baroness Nuala O ‘Loan and Fr Peter McVerry.
Dublin All-Ireland Footballer Ger Brennan will share his story and Elation Ministries will provide the music.
There will be a range of workshops for young people to choose from, and throughout the day there will be quiet time, prayer, games, catechesis and much more.
The day will be a chance for young people across the diocese to come together to share their faith, explore their understanding of Eucharist and its relevance for young people and to discover how they might like to get involved in the Youth Plans for IEC 2012.
There is no charge for the Diocesan Eucharistic Congress but registration is essential on or before February 27 2012.
See diocesan website www.kandle.ie