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. 

Cancellation Policy

Carefully read the registration form and the tour conditions as enrollment in and payment for any program offered herein constitutes acceptance and agreement to be bound by the terms thereof.

DEPOSITS – CANCELLATIONS - REFUNDS: The registration deposit of $350 per person is required by March 15, 2012 to confirm tour acceptance and will be applied to total price of program selected. Pilgrim’s names not required at this time. Full Payment is due by March 15, 2013. If full payment is not received by March 15, 2013; the passenger will be automatically cancelled.

After initial deposit is made, $350 cancellation fee applies for any cancellation received in writing up to July 15, 2012. $700 cancellation fee applies for any cancellation received in writing between July 16, 2012 and December 15, 2012. $700 cancellation fee + Airline cancellation and Supplier cancellation fees apply for any cancellation received in writing between December 16, 2012 and March 15, 2013.

Name substitutions will be permitted after registration up to February 15, 2013. NO REFUND is possible under any circumstances for cancellations made after March 15, 2013. New Pilgrims may be added at full price subject to space availability by March 15, 2013. Receipt of deposit for any partial payment of a tour constitutes acceptance of all terms and conditions listed herein. TOUR INSURANCE IS AVAILABLE AND STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. OUR CANCELLATION POLICY APPLIES TO INDIVIDUAL PASSENGERS, AND NOT FOR MASS CANCELLATIONS. IN CASE OF MASS CANCELLATIONS, CANCELLATION FEES IMPOSED BY SUPPLIERS WILL ALSO APPLY. All claims must be in writing. No refunds for services or sightseeing rendered and not used by tour members. In the event that departures do not reach the minimum 15 persons prior to departure, The Catholic Pilgrim Office, Inc. / Quest Travel Group, Inc. reserves the right to cancel, withdraw or change the tour in whole or in part at any time. The sole obligation of The Catholic Pilgrim Office, Inc. / Quest Travel Group, Inc. is to refund payments received in connection herewith if not acceptable to tour members. All cancellations must be in writing. 

See the Terms and Conditions on your enrollment form for full details.

WYD Payment Schedule

Payment Schedule

March 15, 2012
$350 minimum deposit.
 

May 15, 2012
$549
 

July 15, 2012
$549

September 15, 2012
$549

January 15, 2013
$549 

March 15, 2013
Full payment due of Remaining Balance