PHILADELPHIA (CNS) — Parishioners in the Diocese of Little Rock who want to volunteer during the World Meeting of Families can sign up now.
Help is needed during the four-day conference and events surrounding the visit of Pope Francis to Philadelphia Sept. 22-25.
Registration for volunteers is now open at the World Meeting of Families 2015 website worldmeeting2015.org.
The papal events following the congress are expected to include a visit from Pope Francis to the Festival of Families Sept. 26 and the large outdoor Mass on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway that he is expected to celebrate for up to 1.5 million people Sept. 27.
Some 10,000 volunteers will be needed at the congress and to welcome Pope Francis to the city, Donna Crilley Farrell, executive director of the World Meeting of Families, said. Tasks include giving directions to visitors, welcoming them to Philadelphia International Airport or 30th Street Station and even acting as “digital diplomats,” volunteers posting all manner of information on social media platforms.
“Whatever your talent, whatever your passion, there is a role for you,” Farrell said during a news conference April 27 announcing the call for volunteers.
Security is a major concern for event organizers, so volunteers will be screened through a criminal background check. After visitors register their personal information initially on the website, they will receive a confirmation e-mail. Farrell emphasized the importance of waiting for a second e-mail message, after 24 to 48 hours, for confirmation that they have been accepted for volunteer duty.
Volunteers will also be invited to indicate specific preferences for service or talents that would be better served in one role over another. For instance, a person with the skills to translate a foreign language or a person with artistic abilities may be assigned to serve in those roles.
All of the volunteers for the effort will be recognizable in unique and colorful uniforms to be supplied by Aramark Corp.
