Email from Mike:
Gents,
In order to avoid detracting from the Diocesan Men’s Conference, being held at St. Bede on Saturday, March 21, and to allow those wanting to attend that event, our Men’s Ministry Lenten Pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is now scheduled for March 28. As before, all parts of the Pilgrimage are of course optional and we frequently have small groups and individuals going in different directions a la carte. Unfortunately, due to availability and timing, we will not be able to dine as a group at the Irish Pub...so, sorry. Below is a tentative itinerary, with the various options, with links also below:
6:20 a.m. Gather at front of St. Bridget
6:30 a.m. Departure
8:30 a.m. Arrival at Shrine Cafeteria. Coffee, etc. as needed
9:00 a.m. Guided Tour of The Shrine
10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Guided Tour of the Franciscan Monastery, with Holy Land and Catacomb Replicas
( those going on this tour should leave the Shrine at 9:45 or so to make the very short drive over to the Franciscan Monastery)
10:00 a.m.—12:00 Noon Private Time for prayer, visits to bookstore/gift shop (also available at Monastery) and/ or Confession. Confessions are available at both the Shrine and the Monastery and we are hoping Father Tochi will be able to hear confessions as well.
Also, the Shrine of Saint Pope John Paul II is about a 1 minute drive from the Shrine. Those wishing to visit can do so during this time period.
12 Noon. Suggested lunch time. Shrine Cafeteria, Catholic University of America dining options (on-campus or bordering retail area)
Approximately 1:00p.m. Stations of the Cross in the Crypt Church (lower level of the Shrine immediately following the 12:10 Mass)
2:00 p.m. Private Mass in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel (lower level of The Shrine)
Celebrant is Father Tochi. Deacons attending can assist I’m sure.
Regroup in Cafeteria area following Mass for immediate departure back to St. Bridget.
Please let me know by replying to ckoz654@aol.com if you plan to go on the Pilgrimage and if you would be willing to drive if necessary. If a possible driver, also include how many your vehicle can comfortably fit.
Thanks and best wishes for a fruitful Lent!
https://www.nationalshrine.org/
https://www.jp2shrine.org/jps/en/index.html
https://evangelizerichmond.org/events/2019-catholic-mens-conference/
Mike K.
P.S. Let’s also try to have a good showing at the Men’s Conference on March 21