Pilgrimage Information Pilgrimages are always DAY EVENTS. Regrettably there is no over-night accommodation available at the Shrine. Pilgrimages can be arranged for any day, but obviously Sunday events, in particular, have to be scheduled around our parish Mass times. We prefer that pilgrimages are NOT arranged for Tuesdays. (If however it is impossible for you to come here except on a Tuesday, then please talk with us!) SIZE OF PILGRIMAGES. Experience has taught us that it is not really possible to comfortably accommodate more than 200 people on any one day. Exceeding that number poses serious problems for our catering organisers and the car and coach parking can end up inconveniencing our near-neighbours. We particularly ask that the organisers of larger pilgrimages liase carefully with us. PILGRIMAGE PROGRAMME. We are happy to discuss any special requirements you may have. However a typical pattern for a day-pilgrimage is as follows :- 10.45 - 11.00am arrive and coffee (If you are coming from inside the London area of the M25, we have found from experience that it is best NOT to ask for Refreshments before Mass.) 11.30am(possibly) Rosary or devotional talk 12 noonMid-day Angelus and Mass 12.45pmLunch 2.00pmVisit(s) to the Secret Chapel (in the House) / Rosary / Confessions / anointing of the sick (perhaps followed by some free time) 3.30pmBenediction 4.00pmTea and depart At the larger pilgrimages it is possible to arrange for a Procession of Our Lady (statue carried around the Shrine Church or even the Grounds) and/or a Procession of the Blessed Sacrament followed by Benediction (usually given in the traditional manner). An Induction Loop System (for pilgrims with Hearing Aids) is part of the sound system in the Shrine Church. There is adequate provision in the church and grounds for Wheel Chairs. A Wheel-chair friendly Disabled Toilet is also available. There is ample parking space for cars and coaches. Fr David Goddard, the Priest-Custodian of the Shrine - is normally available and in attendance at pilgrimages. CATERING. Although we ask pilgrims to bring their own picnic lunches, we are able to provide coffee and tea, as you require, throughout the day. Pilgrims are invited to make a suitable donation towards the cost of our providing this. Assuming the weather to be suitable, we encourage pilgrims to eat their lunches in the Pilgrims Way - a covered area next to the grass Paddock in the Shrine grounds. Otherwise the Church Room is available - again with hot drink facilities. Given that we rely on the goodwill of our parishioners for help with the catering - last minute changes in arrangements can sometimes cause us frustration and embarrassment! TOILETS are available both within the shrine church area and outside, in the area adjacent to the Pilgrims Way Refreshments area. In addition to the usual Ladies' and Gentlemen's Toilets, facilities include a Disabled Toilet. There is a well-stocked REPOSITORY. (Post-Cards, Shrine History booklets, Greetings and Mass Cards, medallions, statues, pictures, etc....) THE SECRET CHAPEL in the attic of the Priest's House can be viewed by arrangement. This does involve climbing two fairly steep and narrow staircases with a total of 27 steps. About twelve people can be accommodated in the chapel at any one time. If you wish, small Pilgrimage Masses can be celebrated in the Secret Chapel - attended by up to twelve people. The ROSARY WAY (kindly provided by The Rosary Way Trust) is situated on the large grass area to the north of the Shrine. It is freely available for the use of groups or individual pilgrims. If you are hoping to come on pilgrimage - whether a small or large group - we do ask that you contact the Shrine and check availability (please don't just turn up!). When organising a suitable date for a pilgrimage or for further details relating to the Pilgrimage programme, please contact the Administrator and Priest-Custodian of the Shrine: Fr. David Goddard, The Priest's House, Park Lane, West Grinstead, Horsham, West Sussex. RH13 8LT. Telephone: 01403-710273 or email: revdavidgoddard@ukonline.co.uk You may also be interested to know that we have an attractive and comfortable SMALL GROUPS' ROOM available in the 18th century part of The Priest's House, throughout the year. Accommodating up to fifteen people, it is ideal for Days of Recollection, First Communion / Confirmation Groups, Away-Days, etc. Refreshments can be provided. For further information and booking please contact The Priest's House on 01403-710273 or email: revdavidgoddard@ukonline.co.uk |