Catholic College Conference & Pilgrimage
in Ireland
July 8-15, 2012
It is with great joy and much enthusiasm that we invite you to join us on this very special pilgrimage in Ireland, designed for American college students, ages 18-24 years old. This unique approach in following the life of St. Patrick, will take you on an extraordinary journey in the Emerald Isle.
This is the first time a Catholic College Conference Pilgrimage has ever been offered in this manner, and we are certain it will become an incredibly holy and special event for all who attend.
Some highlights of this Pilgrimage Conference include visiting the Cathedral in ARMAGH, Climbing MT. CROHCH PATRICK, a Baptism Renewal in BALLINTUBBER ABBEY, a boat ride to INIS MOR (Aran Islands), visiting CLONMACNOISE, staying the entire time at OUR LADY OF KNOCK SHRINE, exploring the “BOG,” working in Irish Villages, and much more!
- If you are a Catholic Priest, Youth Minister, or Deacon, and would like to participate as a pilgrimage escort, please CLICK HERE
- If you are a Catholic Collage-aged Student between the ages of 18 – 24 years old, and would like to attend this Conference Pilgrimage, please CLICK HERE
This Conference Pilgrimage in Ireland package includes: round-trip bus transfers from the airport in Dublin or Shannon Airport to Our Lady of Knock Shrine, accommodations in dormitory tents, three meals per day, all pilgrimage/conference activities, daily mass/prayer service, special gift items, professional tour escorts from Catholic Trips, optional round-trip flights from New York, Chicago, Washington D.C or Orlando, and very special sightseeing in various places in Ireland.
A letter from Michael Neary, the Archbishop of Tuam.
In my opinion the CATHOLIC COLLEGE CONFERENCE OF IRELAND is an ideal way for Catholics college students in America to become more familiar with the unique opportunities Ireland can present to them, as they continue their Catholic journey.
The lives of Sts. Patrick, Brigid, Colmcille, St. Jarlath and many other local saints are wonderful examples to teach them, in addition to the shrine at OUR LADY OF KNOCK, being the ideal place for them to stay for the week. I very hope they get an opportunity to visit Ballintubber Abbey and climb Croagh Patrick during their visit which will impart some knowledge of the beauty of the Irish landscape and immerse them in the rich and ancient religious and cultural heritage.
I hope this conference will inspire and educate all those who participate, not only with the rich history that Ireland provides, but also with the way the program is designed.
Every success and God’s blessing to the organizing team and the many participants.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Neary
Archbishop of Tuam.
A letter from Catholic Trips founder Jim West to Pat Lavelle, Director of Our Lady of Knock Shrine in Ireland
Hello Pat,
I have put the finishing touches on the Catholic College Conference program for students from America to come to Ireland for this unique and faith-filled program. It is designed in a way that incorporates the life of St. Patrick and his philosophy, special places in Ireland that are significant to a Catholic journey, and a 7-day program designed to strengthen a college student's relationship with Christ, based on the entire experience.
The Shrine of Knock is a key location for the success of this program, and I am very thankful for the opportunity to be able to host this program at this holy sight. I also would appreciate your kind support and availability to create a successful event that will become an annual conference.
I believe it is important that we present this program to college students across America, especially those who are involved with the Newman Centers at Universities, primarily because of their passion as good Catholics. This event in Ireland will provide a unique opportunity for them to strengthen their faith, based on what they experience at the conference.
Just to let you know a little more about my Catholic background, I have personally been involved in Catholic Youth Ministry for 23 years, have participated in the Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) program for 28 years and have been a Rector and Team Member on many Cursillo weekends. In addition to this, I have attended WATCH - We Are The Church retreats, grew up in a very solid Catholic family, was an alter boy six years, attended Catholic grade school, and i went to St. Bede Academy Catholic high school for four years in Peru, Illinois. As an American living in the Galway area now for the past few years, i am truly excited to share Catholic Ireland with American college students, and give them an opportunity to participate in some of the unique experiences in the life of St. Patrick.
I have attached an outline of what our mission conference will consist of, and we will involve not only local priests here in Ireland to be part of the curriculum, but also invite Catholic priests from America to be part of the team as well. All in all, it is something that is going to be life-changing for everyone who participates, especially the college students as they continue their Catholic journey.
Thank you again for your kind generosity in helping us create this very special Catholic College Conference in Ireland.
God Bless,
Jim West
Founder, Catholic Trips
