It takes a cadre of more than 500 volunteers to make the 2004 Eucharistic Congress happen, said Cathy Hood, archdiocesan Secretary for Human Resources, and they come from all walks of life.

“I do think it’s awesome that this many people offer to come and serve. These volunteers will do anything. That is the part that is surprising, that they are so willing to do anything,” Hood said June 11 as they worked at the Georgia International Convention Center to stage the next day’s events. One group of volunteers came at 11 p.m. June 12 to dismantle and clean up following the congress, she said, as one example of the hidden work involved.

Over 250 volunteers worked in the KidTrack alone, making it possible for over 1,000 children to be safe and in a learning mode, while adults enjoyed the congress.

Volunteers set up and take down areas, decorate and staff tracks, help with parking and security, donate time at the adoration chapel, chauffeur and host speakers and visiting bishops, man a first-aid station, hand out flyers, and help with a myriad of tasks.

Archbishop John F. Donoghue celebrated a Mass for volunteers at 5:30 p.m. on June 11, which was followed by training sessions and a buffet dinner at the site for all the volunteers, contributed by an anonymous donor.