Part-time, full-time volunteer details and registration now available; full-time volunteers can attend sessions for free as time, space allow

Criterion staff report

The National Eucharistic Congress (NEC) in Indianapolis on July 17-21 will greatly depend upon generous volunteers who seek to serve (a little or a lot) so that others may benefit and grow from this Christ-focused event. And in the process, volunteers benefit, too, by meeting fellow Catholics from around the country; helping make an historic event happen; and the grace of serving our Lord Jesus Christ and his Church.

Registration for full-time and part-time volunteers for the NEC is now open.

Part-time volunteers can now select the date, time and capacity in which they wish to serve, whether once or multiple times. Full-time volunteers will have the possible opportunity of attending sessions for free when not on duty.

Options and requirements for each type of volunteering are outlined below.

Part-time volunteers

Part-time volunteers can choose in advance the date, time and type of volunteering preferred. Please note that each shift has a limited number of slots, so sign up early to ensure your preferred choice.

Outdoor duty options include greeters/traffic flow, English-speaking guest services booth, bilingual (English-Spanish) booth and food truck areas.

Indoor opportunities include registration, greeters/traffic flow, breakout session traffic flow, breakout session ushers, priest and deacon luncheon ushers and volunteer meals.

Part-time volunteering is a great option for day-pass holders who want to attend some days of the congress and serve on other days; full-event pass holders who want to serve for a few hours while at the event; and those not attending the congress who still want to serve in some way.

Please note that part-time volunteers do not have access to congress sessions, exhibits or other programming unless they have purchased a day, weekend or five-day pass. Also, meals are not provided for shift volunteers.

Full-time volunteers

Full-time volunteers agree to serve for six days, from 9 a.m. on July 16 through 2 p.m. on July 21.

Each full-time volunteer will be placed on a team for the duration of the event. Duties could include serving as an usher at the Indiana Convention Center or Lucas Oil Stadium, door monitoring and registration. Specific duties and volunteer hours will be assigned by a team leader.

Full-time volunteers do not need to purchase a congress pass, as they will be serving at the event rather than attending it. When not on duty, full-time volunteers will be able to access and attend available Congress sessions.

Lunch and dinner will be provided each day. While free housing is not available, affordable dorm accommodations are available for full-time volunteers to book at Butler University in Indianapolis.

All full-time volunteers must attend a mandatory, in-person training and orientation from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on July 16.

All volunteers

All volunteers must meet the following requirements:

• be at least 18 years of age (note: some positions require a minimum age, physical ability or bilingual capability);
• attend a virtual training at 8 a.m. on July 1;
• cover their travel costs to Indianapolis;
• complete Safe Environment training and clear a background check. For those who do not yet have Safe Environment clearance, specific instructions for completing this process online will be provided on the volunteer registration form. Volunteers who have already received Safe Environment clearance through the Archdiocese of Indianapolis or the Diocese of Lafayette will be able to indicate that during the registration process. Volunteers who have already received Safe Environment clearance through another diocese must complete and submit a form—signed by their pastor—during the registration process.

For more information or to register as a valued and essential volunteer, go to eucharisticcongress.org/volunteer.

For specific questions, contact necvolunteers@eucharisticcongress.org. †