Presbyterian Pilgrimage

Application to attend a weekend ( Word Doc )

Application to attend a weekend ( Pdf )

Team Application ( Pdf )

Brochure ( Pdf )

What is Pilgrimage?

Pilgrimage is a program that provides an opportunity for spiritual enrichment and growth. Christianity is introduced as a way of life rather than a set of doctrines. Pilgrimage is a structured, purposefully designed method for refreshing the faith of existing church members, and then through them influencing the environments where they live and work for Christ.

The roots of the Pilgrimage Weekend go back to a ministry entitled Cursillo de Christiandad (Spanish for "Short Course in Christianity"), which began in Spain in 1949 and spread across the ocean to American Catholics in the 1950's. Protestant groups began their adaptations of the weekends. Currently there are Episcopal Cursillo, Lutheran Via de Christo, Methodist Walk To Emmaus, the inter-denominational Tres Dias, and Presbyterian Cursillo and Pilgrimage.

Pilgrimage Weekend of the Presbytery of the James began in 1991 by the Evangelism Committee of the Presbytery of the Peaks. It is affiliated with Presbyterian Pilgrimage's national leadership.

Pilgrimage is intended to foster and support a long-term commitment to living the Christian life. Most persons are introduced to the Pilgrimage experience by attending a three-day weekend renewal.

What Happens at a Pilgrimage Weekend?

A Pilgrimage weekend is a full three-day (72 hour) co-ed spiritual renewal. It begins on a Thursday evening and continues through Sunday afternoon. The weekend is filled with opportunities for conversation, song, laughter and fellowship. Time is set aside for small group participation, worship, communion, personal devotion and reflection. The weekend is organized around a series of talks that seek to enhance and expand the Christian life.

The talks, by laity and clergy, center on the theme of God's grace and how it works in our lives, the different ways we respond to it, and how we live under it. Pilgrimage is a time to look at your own life in the light of God's will for you, a time to learn and reflect on your place in His "scheme of things". It attempts to equip individual Christians to be more effective in their churches, their homes, their places of business, and their communities.

What Happens after the Weekend?

Pilgrimage is intended to have a lifetime effect. When participants return to their home environments, they are supported by others who have previously attended a renewal weekend. Small groups meet regularly to reinforce one another and to hold each other accountable. Larger groups meet several times a year for fellowship and encouragement. People usually complete a Pilgrimage weekend with a desire to serve in a more productive manner and to live boldly for Christ.

Who May Attend?

The Pilgrimage Weekend is designed for adult members of Presbyterian Churches; however, baptized adult Christians of all denominations are welcome. Both singles and couples are welcome. If you are married, it is recommended that both spouses attend together so that you can share the joy of the experience. Spouses attending together will not, however, be roommates or in the same small group. To participate in a Pilgrimage Weekend, you will need to complete an application and have your pastor sign it. You will need a sponsor. If you do not find a sponsor within your church, call one of the people listed under "How do I get more information?", and one will be arranged for you.

What is the Cost?

Give a completed application form and $60.00 to your sponsor. Couples will need to fill out individual applications. This is your only cost. Pilgrimage is a self-supporting program operated under the leadership of lay volunteers who are deeply committed to the movement.

What's in it for my Church and me?

The purpose of the Pilgrimage weekend is to inspire, challenge, and equip local church members for Christian action in their home churches, places of work, and communities. We are taught as Christians that out chief aim is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. Pilgrimage is a great way to become aware of the everyday joy and grace God has for each one of us. Participants often return to their home churches from a Pilgrimage weekend enthused and "on fire" for the Lord.

For members who are already actively engaged in their churches, a weekend can be a time to truly enjoy the fellowship of other Christians in a relaxed atmosphere. For those on the periphery, Pilgrimage often provides the boost for nominal members to become actively involved.

What Pilgrimage is not?

The weekend is not designed to convert the participant from unbelief or from one expression of that belief to another. It seeks to guide Christians into an ever closer and more personal relationship with Christ.

A Pilgrimage Weekend is not a place to solve significant personal problems. You will not be pushed to talk about any facet of your life, though clergy present may talk with you at your request.