September 1-October 4
HOW TO HOST OR JOIN A PILGRIMAGE OF HOPE FOR CREATION
To mark the holy Season of Creation, Catholic organizations across the United States are uniting to support pilgrims like you in planning or joining a Jubilee pilgrimage.
Whether you’re organizing a pilgrimage in your parish or walking a pilgrimage through nature with your local Catholic community, your journey contributes to the Church’s mission of ecological conversion.
STEP 1:
PLAN A PILGRIMAGE
Let’s make a plan.
Pilgrimages may be as simple or complex as you wish! Whether it’s a rosary walk through your parish grounds, a multi-day pilgrimage through a nearby mountain range, or a 12-mile journey to a local mission church—all bring us closer to God and creation.
While each pilgrimage will be unique to its community, there are two required elements:
- At least part of the pilgrimage should be outdoors in creation;
- The pilgrimage should incorporate the pilgrimage prayer or song during the experience (see planning toolkit).
Catholic Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation Toolkit
The toolkit provides everything you need to plan your pilgrimage. From pilgrimage prayers and songs, to planning worksheets, to social media templates to increase your reach—we’ve got you covered!
Training Webinars
The monthly webinars provide extra support on the nuts and bolts and strategies you can use to plan a successful pilgrimage. Watch the recordings or sign up for an upcoming webinar below!
Upcoming Webinars
- July 22: Growing Network and Impact: Gathering Pilgrims and Next Steps
- August 19: Working with the Media
- September 16: Group Sharing
- October 21: Celebrating our Pilgrimages and Impact!
- November 18: Next Steps: Continuing Along the Way
- December 16: An Advent Spiritual Reflection of Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation
Connect With Other Pilgrims in Your Area
Are you thinking about leading a pilgrimage but have questions? Would you like to connect with folks in your region who are leading or thinking about leading a pilgrimage? This form is for you!
STEP 2:
REGISTER YOUR PILGRIMAGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Got a plan? Fill out the registration form!
Want to go deeper?
Become a Prayer Companion for the Pilgrimages
Pilgrims need prayers: prayers for support, health, courage, ecological conversion, and more. And we need you to offer this support through weekly prayer!
Sign Up for the Mailing List
Ever feel alone in your Care for Creation efforts? No more! Learn from and be inspired by national Catholic ecological leaders. You’ll receive the pilgrimage planning toolkit, campaign updates, launch call details, and customizable resources to assist you as you plan your pilgrimage.
Apply to Become a Collaborating Organization
Join the 25+ organizations supporting and promoting the Catholic Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation!
STEP 3:
GATHER YOUR GROUP
How are you inviting your community to experience this pilgrimage? Who should be there?
- Utilize pages 10-14 of the toolkit to consider how you will engage your community.
- Suggested parish/school bulletin invites, social media invites, and more can also be found on pages 31-34 of the toolkit.
Suggested Invitations Include
- Your Parish Clergy and Staff
- Diocese/Bishop’s Office
- Laudato Si Action Platform Members
- Laudato Si Movement Animators or Laudato Si Circle Members
- Laudato Si’ Movement Chapter Leaders
- Catholic Climate Covenant Creation Care Teams
- Diocesan Networks
- Interfaith Power and Light Local Chapter
- Sister Parishes
- Ecumenical groups (other churches)
- Schools/Universities
- Faith-based non-profits or other environmental non-profits
STEP 4:
PILGRIMAGE AND SHARE!
Journey and Share
We pray that your pilgrimage is a meaningful and fruitful experience for your community. Want to expand your impact? Utilize our social media and communications guide on pages 27-34 of the toolkit for suggested social media posts, ways to connect with your local media, and more!
Nonprofits are welcome to utilize our logos: