Pilgrimage

Hosting the Pilgrimage Cross

Updated Tue, Jan 17, 2012 by Patrick Donovan

Parishes and schools are encouraged to have young people carry the cross into parish or school liturgies as a witness to our responsibility to share this symbol of Christ’s love. You may also wish to have the cross present during retreats as a part of prayer space, to use it as part of a prepared prayer service, or to be creative and think of your
own ways to utilize the cross in your ministry. Remember that it is a diocesan cross, so in time, thousands of young people will have carried it, prayed before it, and been inspired by it.

Use these resources to plan your experience with the cross.

Download Hosting the Cross

Categories: Pilgrimage

Why the Cross?

Updated Tue, Jan 17, 2012 by Patrick Donovan

What exactly happened when Jesus was crucified? Where did it really take place? What is the process the Romans used?

Now, using a great article by Ray Vander Laan and archeological evidence from "The Place of the Skull" we have a better understanding of just what's involved in crucifixion and why the cross really is important to our faith.

Download Why the Cross?

Categories: Pilgrimage

On Saying the Rosary

Updated Tue, Jan 17, 2012 by Patrick Donovan

Complete with a handout of how to pray the Rosary and all the prayers included, use this resource to help prepare young people for praying the Rosary during the Pilgrimage, on their way to school, or just at random throughout the day and their busy lives. 

It's a pretty neat resource for a really great prayer. 

Download Saying the Rosary

Categories: Pilgrimage

On Reconciliation

Updated Tue, Jan 17, 2012 by Patrick Donovan

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a celebration of the merciful love of God. Through the gift of this sacrament, we are brought back together with the Father (reconciled) through the saving action of Jesus Christ, His Son, by the power of the Holy Spirit. This gift, given to the Church by Jesus himself on the evening of the Resurrection (see John 20:21-23), brings the sinner into the embrace of the Father, Who seeks us out and forgives. No one is beyond that embrace; no one is too far gone. Now, we who approach this sacrament with faith in God’s love and mercy and an honest awareness of our sins, with a sincere heart to try and live better, experience the depth of God’s love.

This guide can help you and your teens make the most of this powerful experience of God.

Download On Reconciliation

Categories: Pilgrimage

Prayer Services and Activities

Updated Tue, Jan 17, 2012 by Patrick Donovan

If you have the cross in your parish or school for more than a liturgical celebration, consider having the young people gather for a prayer service and/or activity. Here are some suggested items you could use to piece together a prayer service on your own.

Consider using this songs, prayer, scripture readings, activities, and articles to help your young people get the most from the experience of and with the Cross.

Download Prayer Services and Activities

Categories: Pilgrimage

Pilgrimage Follow Up

Updated Tue, Jan 17, 2012 by Patrick Donovan

Now that the day of the Pilgrimage is over, how can you get the most from the journey? How about welcoming the young people back into the community with a special prayer?

This resource includes a prayer service you can use at Mass or just at the next gathering of young people. Invite the teens to share their story and to inspire others to walk the journey with them next year!

Download Pilgrimage Follow Up

Categories: Pilgrimage

On Eucharistic Adoration

Updated Tue, Jan 17, 2012 by Patrick Donovan

Have you ever been over at a good friend’s house for supper, someone that you really enjoy being with, and when you finish eating, you want to spend more time with that friend, so you talked in the living room, or went outside on the porch? Eating a meal with your friend was satisfying, but you still wanted to relax and just hang around for just a little while longer. 

Well, since the Mass is the source and summit of our Christian life, it means a lot to us; it is a holy meal where we partake of the Body and Blood of Jesus. But like any friend, we need some extra time together to develop our friendship with Jesus even more. We can do this with Jesus in our adoration of Him before the tabernacle or by worshiping Jesus exposed in the monstrance for adoration.

So be a good friend to Jesus, and stick around a while longer.

Download Eucharistic Adoration

Categories: Pilgrimage

Commissioning Pilgrims

Updated Tue, Jan 17, 2012 by Patrick Donovan

Whether you do this at Sunday Mass or just before your group boards the bus, a blessing of pilgrims can be a powerful moment with young people. This resource takes care of both within liturgy and outside Mass so you have a choice. It also includes a blessing for pilgrims upon their return.

Download Commissioning of Pilgrims

Categories: Pilgrimage