2023 Cross in the Woods Pilgrimage

7078 Michigan 68,Indian River MI 49749

15 July, 2023

Description

Cross in the Woods Pilgrimage “For Priestly & Religious Vocations” The 2nd annual family pilgrimage takes place Saturday, July 15, 2023Families and individuals are invited to attend this newly established pilgrimage that will start in Wolverine, Michigan and conclude at the world-famous Cross in the Woods Shrine in Indian River, Michigan. This is home to the tallest vertical crucifix in the world. This is designed to be a family event that will include all from infants in strollers through all ages. This is a totally flat stroller-friendly trail that was formed from a retired railway. There are no soft spots in the trail as this is a firm, non-paved, but well-packed rail bed. Pilgrimage time and location: The Saturday pilgrimage route is 11 miles from the official start in Wolverine. It will begin at the old railroad depot in Wolverine (The Lumberman's Village Park - next to the Railroad Depot) with a kickoff and blessing of pilgrims at 9:30 am. Pilgrimage Theme: Priestly & Religious Vocations. This year the Cross in the Woods Pilgrimage’s main intention is for the advancement and protection of religious vocations. Registration: All registration is being handled through Eventbrite. All permission forms and release of liability forms are included in the sign up process. Cost to attend will be $10 per person with a maximum cost per family of $40, and since we incur expenses, your generosity is appreciated for any and all donations you choose to make above and beyond that. Donations may be made at the Eventbrite site or the collection that will be taken at the Saturday morning Mass. What we provide: Along with shuttle transportation you will be provided with the pilgrimage booklet. We will also have a trailing vehicle that will be meeting us at various checkpoints with portable toilets, snacks & bottled water. There are also optional meals on Friday night and Saturday night that are being offered at a modest cost. Please sign up and pay for those at the Eventbrite site directly. Things to bring the day of: comfortable walking shoes that are broken in, a change of socks, sunscreen, hat, rosary, poncho (in case it rains,) missal, reasonable amount of water, as well as your own snacks and a lunch. Please avoid extra items that will just weigh you down. Arrival, Friday, July 14thPilgrims arrive at base camp - Sturgeon Valley Campground (aka - our basecamp,) 15247 Trowbridge Road, Wolverine, MI 49799 - Make your own reservations (say you are with The Pilgrimage Group.) We have reserved the exclusive use of the primitive part of the campground. Please do not be confused with the other campground with a similar name – Sturgeon River Campground. We are staying about 3 miles to the south of Wolverine. Web: sturgeonvalleycampground.net Email: [email protected]: (231) 525-8301 We have an open field so camping is open. Each camping unit (tent/camper) is $10 per night and is considered as primitive or rustic facilities. Bath & shower facilities are available on the grounds. The $10 per night camping fee is payable directly to the campground. IMPORTANT NOTE - ONLY access the campground from the Wolverine exit on I-75, going back down south. Saturday, July 15thSchedule for Saturday: The pilgrimage will start in Wolverine (at The Lumberman's Village Park - next to the old railroad depot) on the east end of town (coming off the freeway, turn left after crossing the river in the park.) There will be a shuttle service for drivers of vehicles (one per car as we have a limited number of shuttle transporters). You will need to arrive on Saturday between 8:30 - 9:00 am to drop off your party. The driver will need to go to Cross in the Woods Shrine located at 7078 M-68 in Indian River; right across the street is an overflow parking lot that is part of the shrine. Just drive to the rear part of the lot where you as the driver will be directed to park. The shuttle will then take you back to the official starting point in Wolverine. The morning will begin with Mass at 9:30 am. Following Mass, breakfast for the pilgrims will be 10:15-10:30 am. Please keep this breakfast on the lighter side as our lunch stop is not that far away from the starting point. We will begin moving at 10:35 am. After a stop for lunch the pilgrims will resume the route and arrive at the shrine around 3:45 - 3:55 pm. Here we will receive the final blessing of the pilgrims. A cookout at the campground will be offered for dinner, to which all are invited; if you wish to attend please indicate this when you register on Eventbrite. Timeline for July 15: 8:30 - 9:00 am (Drop off pilgrims in Wolverine - shuttle driver may miss start of Mass) 9:30 am - 10:15 am - Morning Outdoor Mass - Wolverine Train Depot Park 10:15 am - 10:30 am - a lighter breakfast 10:35 am - Blessing of the pilgrims & departure from Wolverine 12:05 pm - Lunch at North Central State Trail Parking area 2:20 pm - 2:30 pm - Afternoon Snack & Restroom Break 3:55 pm Arrival at the Cross in the Woods Shrine 4:00 - Blessing of the Pilgrims & Dismissal Upon return to the basecamp, dinner is served with evening activities. Departure, Sunday, July 16thOnly Mass Options · 9:30 am – Mass in Mancelona · 3:00 pm – Mass in Bay City Logistics Coordination: John Wurm, (785) 260-3186 or [email protected]. Please Note – the final Day to Register will be Monday, July 3rd, the day prior to Independence Day. You may wish to come early or stay late to enjoy some of your great Northern Michigan features. There are a lot of great Catholic history sites for the kids particularly within the Mackinac Straits region. This is a great way to make it both spiritual and educational.