Pilgrimage Expectations

As we prepare for our pilgrimage to Rio, pilgrims and other interested parties should keep in mind a variety of diocesan expectations.  Among these is attendance of WYD Preparatory Gatherings.  Details for these gatherings are as follows:

DIOCESAN WORLD YOUTH DAY GATHERINGS

Friday, December 28 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Sacred Heart Parish in Philip, SD*

Friday, May 31 - 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Terra Sancta Retreat Center, Rapid City, SD*

Likewise, we hope that the pilgrims are making their own spiritual preparation for the trip.  As per our first WYD gathering, pilgrims should at least be doing the following as a way of preparing for this spiritual journey:

SPIRITUAL PREPARATION

1) Spend twenty minutes in personal prayer each day.

2) Adopt some devotional practice such as the Rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, or the Liturgy of the Hours.  This devotion can be included as part of one's daily personal prayer.  A how-to guide to some of these devotions can be found to the right of this post.

3) Aside from Sunday Mass, attend at least one other Mass during the course of the week.

4) Go to confession at least once each month (A thorough guide to this sacrament can be found under the links section to the right of this post). 

Know that the pilgrimage leaders are praying for the success of the pilgrimage, and that each pilgrim will be richly blessed by God as a result of this journey.

* Pilgrims desiring to be absent from one the Diocesan WYD Gatherings need to contact Fr. Brian Christensen well in advance of the event requesting his permission to be absent.  Other questions should be directed to Susan Safford.