Preparations are continuing for this year’s diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, the largest Catholic Church in North America and one of the 10 largest churches in the world. Set for Nov. 7, the day-long spiritual event entitled “In Communion with Jesus – A Pilgrimage to Mary’s House,” will include prayer in the Great Upper Church, the opportunity to tour the grounds and Crypt Chapel, the recitation of the Rosary, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and a Mass celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., with dozens of priests of the Diocese concelebrating.

Each parish in the Diocese will appoint a designated representative, known as a parish pilgrimage captain, to organize preparations for future pilgrims. To encourage the faithful to participate, multiple parishes may work together to sponsor a bus.

A cornerstone of the pilgrimage schedule is the availability of Sacrament of Reconciliation for all those who participate from various language groups. To facilitate this, parishes are encouraged to send multiple priests to Washington to ensure each pilgrim might receive the Sacrament in his or her preferred tongue.

In a June 10 letter from Father Jeffrey E. Lee, diocesan director of pilgrimages, to all priests of the Diocese, he noted, “This year, in addition to welcoming all those wishing to make the pilgrimage, a special invitation is being extended to the First Communicants of 2014 and 2015, their families and catechetical leaders. We hope to have a time of catechesis for them with Bishop O’Connell,” whose topic will assist clergy and parish staff to encourage their parishioners to make the Eucharist a central part of parish life.”

More information, including the contact information for parish pilgrimage captains, will be made available as it becomes known.