This summer, we will be returning to the Holyland with two special pilgrimages, both completely different than the other.
Our first is escorted by Fr. Tim Nolan, who was the spiritual director of last year’s pilgrimage. Fr. Tim has been to the Holyland numerous times, and is very familiar with all the holy places we will be visiting. Along with Fr. Tim will be Catholic Trips general manager and Diaconate candidate, Matt Kelly. And of course, I am coming along just to get my yearly dose of this incredible place.
This pilgrimage will be nothing short of first-class. Our two hotels are five star, the motorcoach is deluxe and comfortable and most meals are included in the program, as well as gratuities and special gifts. Each day we will visit some of the most holy places that were part of the life of Jesus. Fr. Tim will recap every day, and there will be prayer and fellowship, along with Holy mass every day. We will experience something really extraordinary on this pilgrimage, and Fr. Tim’s passion and enthusiasm will certainly be one of the greatest gifts you’ll take away from the experience!! I promise you that.
Our second pilgrimage is escorted by spiritual director Deacon Matt Levy (a good jewish boy, turned Catholic, turned Deacon) Deacon Matt is returning to the Holyland, this pilgrimage marking his second time. As I said, we are offering two completely different Holyland experiences, and what makes this particular tour so unusual and special is that it is based on the Pascal Mystery, where the tour is divided into three distinct segments, similar to a TEC weekend.
We are staying at Christian guest houses, and two of the nights we will be sleeping in the desert, even riding a camel! We are encouraging high school and college students to join us, along with a member of their family who would act as their legal guardian if they are under 18 years old.
The first part of the pilgrimage is focused on Dying with Christ, where we will be in the desert, swimming in the Dead Sea and viewing the location where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, walking the Via Delorosa and events and places related to the death of Christ. The second segment of pilgrimage is focused on Rising with Christ, where we will visit the tomb of Christ, renew our baptismal vows in the River Jordon, plant a seed at the Holocost Museum in Jerusalem, and special events like that. And finally, the third segment of our pilgrimage is based on Going Forth with Christ, where we will take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, see the Mount of Beatitudes, and visit Tiberias. It will be similar to experiencing a TEC weekend over the course of nine days, and actually being the Holy places that everything is based on. Wow, can you imagine?!!!
Assisting Deacon Matt will be Deacon Jim Briggs and Catholic Trips escort Steve O’Connor. I might come along, just because it sounds so cool, but no commitments yet. 
Both Holyland pilgrimages will provide space for only 45 people to come along, and sign ups are on a first come-first served basis.
For more information, contact our office at 877.463.8747.
The updated information and opportunity to print a flyer will be available this week.
Until then, Shalom!
Jim