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Online ShopVolunteering At Knock Shrine
Volunteering At Knock Shrine
Over 1 million people visit Knock Shrine every year from all over the world. It is a special place of prayer and pilgrimage. The VAKS programme is an opportunity for you to make a difference in the lives of these pilgrims who visit. Volunteering at Knock is a great way to meet new people, serve others, express your faith and have fun.
Volunteering can add a great deal to your life and to the lives of those you are working with. It is an amazing opportunity to enhance your skillset, share your talents and obtain training in areas such as Child Safeguarding and First Aid.
Many young people participate in the VAKS programmes with their classmates or John Paul II award group, however we do encourage anyone who is interested in this unique programme to apply, as this is an ideal opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. Many of our past VAKS have made friends for life during their time at Knock Shrine.
All volunteers for 2024 will attend an initial full day training programme at Knock Shrine. This will take place on Sunday, June 9th. All completed applications must be received before this date. For those who are unable to attend on this date due to family commitments or exams, please let us know when you submit your application, as we can arrange an additional training day at the end of June.
We ask that all VAKS commit to offering one weekend over the summer to volunteering at the Shrine.
The training day for all young volunteers will take place at Knock Shrine on Sunday June 9th 2024. If you cannot attend please let us know as we will be arranging a second training date for later in June. All applications for the 2024 programme must be received before this date.
2024 Volunteering Weekends
June 28th – 30th (Fully Booked)
July 5th – 7th
July 12th – 14th
July 19th – 21st
July 26th – 28th ( Fully Booked)
August 9th – 11th
August 13th – 15th (over 18’s – past VAKS only)
August 16th – 19th (Fully Booked)
August 20th – 22nd
Nestled in mature grounds, close to Knock Shrine, the Youth Village offers high quality and comfortable accommodation with self-catering facilities. The pods are located in a secure environment, offering serenity and a deep connection with the environment. This new space is exclusively reserved for our VAKS each weekend over the summer season. This will be your home away from home here at the Shrine and offers a fun place to meet and engage with your fellow VAKS and to unwind in the evening in your own dedicated space .
Each Pod offers ensuite accommodation for up to two people, with tea and coffee making facilities. Additionally, we are delighted to be able offer a DDA compliant Pod with full wheelchair access to facilitate Volunteers with disabilities.
The Pods are manufactured from natural Accoya timber and recycled components feature throughout, providing high quality, energy efficient and sustainable accommodation.
The Central Meeting Point offers a Meeting Room, a Chill Out Area and a large fully equipped, self-catering kitchen with all utilities supplied.
This is an ideal place to meet for meals and group activities.
The cost of accommodation at Knock Youth Village is included in your programme fee and all bed linen is supplied.
* Photos for illustrative purposes only – The lodges will open in Summer 2024
Sign up as a pre-formed group (Parish group, Diocese group, John Paul II group, etc.). The group must come with two adult leaders who take responsibility for overnight supervision of the group.
Sign up individually. In this case no adult supervisors as night supervision is provided by Knock Youth Ministry.
To be a part of this amazing programme please download the application below and return to the Youth Ministry team at Knock Shrine by post or email.
The Youth ministry team will contact you if your application has been successful.
Once an application is successful, you will receive a parental consent form along with a welcome letter giving further details of the training day, a ‘what to expect’ section, and the available weekends. The letter will request the deposit of €10 to be returned on or before the training day.
You must be registered and trained to participate in the programme. Leaving Certificate students over the age of 18 will be required to complete a garda vetting form.
The cost of the programme is €30. This includes food and accommodation for the weekend and a t-shirt.
Download Application Form Here****For 2024 VAKS training programme – Download your map and workshop locations here
Ireland's International
Eucharistic and Marian Shrine,
Knock, Claremorris, Co. Mayo,
F12 Y226, Ireland