In 1994 Pope John Paul 11 established the ‘ World Meeting of Families’ as an international event of Prayer, Catechesis ~and Celebration, drawing participants from around the globe. It seeks to strengthen the bonds between families and to bear witness to the crucial importance of Marriage and the Family for all of society. Pope Francis announced last year that the next World Meeting of Families would be held in Ireland in 2018. Pope Francis will attend this event in Ireland. To prepare to defray the cost of hosting this event each parish is asked to make a contribution over the next three years. This weekend at all masses we ask that you give a little extra at the offertory collection towards this event. It will be a marvellous experience for our country to welcome Pope Francis to Ireland.