The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Desmond Connell, has asked people to invite a stranger into their homes to say a prayer together as the last light of the old millennium fades on New Year's Eve.
In 200,000 leaflets to be distributed throughout the 200 parishes in the diocese, Archbishop Connell asks people to extend Christian hospitality to a neighbour or relative who is alone so that no one is left out of the festivities.
The leaflet contains a special prayer service in Irish and English to be used at home, in churches, in institutions, in prisons and at work on the eve of the millennium. A service of word and music - There is a time - will be held in the Pro-Cathedral from 3.30 p.m. to 4.15 p.m., the time of the sun's setting, when Archbishop Connell will light the Dublin jubilee candle.
"We are privileged to be part of this momentous occasion," the Archbishop states. "In this ceremony I will offer thanks for the gift of our Christian faith, which has sustained our people throughout our history in darkness and in light."
Dr Connell asks that people gather round a jubilee candle, make it a family affair and take time to reflect, to remember and to make a wish for the future.
"Regardless of where you are or what you may be doing at this time, I invite you to join with me in prayer as the light fades on our land for the last time in this century and this millennium. "Whether you are at home, in our churches, in institutions, in our prisons or at work, I invite you to take time to gather around your jubilee candle, the symbol of Christ as the eternal and everlasting light of the world and pay pray together in the simple ceremony outlined in this invitation."
The Dublin diocesan website will feature prayers, words and thoughts for Christmas at www.dublindiocese.ie