COLOGNE, Germany, JUNE 9, 2004 (Zenit.org).- The Organizing Committee of the 20th World Youth Day needs volunteers. Lots of them. The committee estimates that 20,000 volunteers will be needed to assist the approximately 800,000 young people from around the world who will attend the Youth Day in Cologne in August 2005, to meet with John Paul II.
World Youth Day events will be held that Aug. 11-21. Once the meetings in German dioceses have ended (Aug. 11-15), the international guests and their hosts will gather for the principal celebrations in the Archdiocese of Cologne.
According to the organizers, beginning this June 21, anyone who is 18 and wishes to contribute service to World Youth Day may request registration as a «short-term volunteer» at the official Web page. If possible, group registration is preferred. Also, 1,000 experienced group leaders are needed.
The volunteers will assist with the distribution of food to participants, and with the latter's registration, in addition to other tasks. The duration of the volunteers' work will be from one to four weeks. Volunteers will be trained a few days before the activities begin.
ZENIT Daily dispatch - The World Seen from Rome
9. juni 2004