Youth Pilgrimage Suggestions, please

[GAHere]

So my 17 yo daughter and her friend have been saving money to attend WYD 2008 in Australia but they hit a glitch at our parish. Bottom line is the group they were trying to go with is dwindling off, going in separate directions.

They considered attending on their own but feel it just wouldn’t be the same without the original group but are still insistent on traveling abroad for spiritual reasons next summer.

I mentioned Catholic pilgrimages, knowing that Catholic Answers and Stephen Ray host some. Did a quick google search on Catholic Pilgrimages and came across this one which looks really promising. It lets them see the pope before he heads for Australia and some of the incorruptibles.

My questions are:
Has anyone out here had any experiences with guided pilgrimages?
Are they safe?
Reliable?
Are some companies better than others?
What should I look for from the information literature they send?

I commend the two girls for responding to this call they feel to go on a spiritual journey and that they have taken on jobs in addition to their schoolwork and extracurricular groups to raise money for the trip. I’d rather have them go with a trusted group than alone, however, so I hope someone out here can help us find the right group.

 

[ltbpoe43]

You’d “rather” they go with a trusted group than go alone?

Make that “must” go with a trusted group than alone - period. No way would I allow my 17 yo daughter out of the country without competent adult supervison. That is just not a wise thing to do this day in age.

You have plenty of time to do the research and find some well organized youth group that has competent adult youth ministers to take these two energized young ladies to WYD. Seek them out, do your due diligence and get references and checks taken care of now.

I applaud their enthusiasm and zeal, but that in no way absolves you from your duty and obligation to keep them safe, secure, and in the company of good adult supervision for the duration of their trip. Anything less would be unhealthy, unwise, and make you worry the whole time they were away. Good luck.

 

[masondoggy]

My questions are:
Has anyone out here had any experiences with guided pilgrimages?
Are they safe?
Reliable?
Are some companies better than others?
What should I look for from the information literature they send?

I went on a pilgrimmage for the last World Youth Day with the Neocatechumenal Way (I’m not a part of the group, but my relatives are). I was amazed at how well they had everything planned out, right down to the last detail. I felt it was very safe because they really looked out for the safety of the kids and took many precautions to keep everybody together and safe.

It was a very spiritual experience also.

 

[puzzleannie]

I would contact the diocese for contacts on approved tours, or a neighboring diocese if yours does not have somebody in the YM office in charge of WYD plans. Under no circumstances would I allow HS students to travel on their own outside an approved group or tour.

 

[GAHere]

Well, they’ve opted not to travel next summer after all.
I’ve learned early on not to discourage any of her brainstorming ideas because the Lord usually steers her in the right direction. My wishes usually win out but she never knows it because I didn’t voice my opinion. This way she figures she’s doing God’s will and I learn that she is listening to His direction. This gives me confidence for when she goes away to college next year.
Thank you for your suggestions.

 

[Dayenu_87]

**Well im 19 now… and i as well as my sister will be attending WYD in Australia next year. We as well belong to the Neo catechumenal Way and have been going to these pilgrimages for a while now. My sister went to WYD in Israel/Jerusalem in 2000 (she was 14) then we both went when i was 14 and she was 16 and then again to Germany when i was 18 and she 20. But then again we went with the NEo catechumenal Way. With adult supervision. My opinion would be not for them both to go alone because they are minors but even i, being 18 still need a chaperone. Its a different country, millions of people, i personally wouldnt want to go alone. Can she go with a youth group there? or is she in the Way??

What ever your decision is God will help you. Just dont discourage her these encounters are beautiful.**