Frequently Asked Questions
General
A pilgrimage is a spiritual journey to a sacred place. Pilgrimage has been part of the Christian tradition for centuries.
We are a pilgrim people from the day we are born until the day we die. Hopefully, our journey is leading us to God. This belief is at the core of Tekton Ministries’ mission, and what sets us apart from “travel agencies” and “tour companies.”
As a pilgrim, you join Abraham, the Blessed Mother Mary, Paul, Francis of Assisi, Ignatius of Loyola, Paul VI, and scores of others. They have made the yearning of Paul their own pilgrim’s prayer: “Father, I consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have let go of all things, and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ...I continue my journey in hope that I may possess (Him) since I have been taken hold of by (him)...forgetting what lies behind but straining to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the heavenly prize which beckons, God’s call in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:8-14).
For Christian pilgrims, Jesus is our companion to the holy places, and He is also the goal of the pilgrimage. Luke’s Gospel depicts the Lord’s whole life as a journey to Jerusalem. The Letter to the Hebrews describes how, having completed his own earthly pilgrimage, the author beckons those who are still on theirs: “...let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race [read pilgrimage] that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before Him, He endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken His seat at the right hand of the Father” (Heb. 12:1-3)
A pilgrimage is a means of following the Gospels, which were written to expand and amplify the words of Jesus: “Come follow Me.” This is a personal invitation to enter into His holiness and is dependent upon the pilgrim’s acceptance. God’s call may vary but the purpose remains consistent: to know God more fully. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John probably never thought they were providing us a road map, but instead, were extending to us the same invitation which they had received.
As a pilgrim, you join Abraham, the Blessed Mother Mary, Paul, Francis of Assisi, Ignatius of Loyola, Paul VI, and scores of others. They have made the yearning of Paul their own pilgrim’s prayer: “Father, I consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have let go of all things, and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ...I continue my journey in hope that I may possess (Him) since I have been taken hold of by (him)...forgetting what lies behind but straining to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the heavenly prize which beckons, God’s call in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:8-14).
For Christian pilgrims, Jesus is our companion to the holy places, and He is also the goal of the pilgrimage. Luke’s Gospel depicts the Lord’s whole life as a journey to Jerusalem. The Letter to the Hebrews describes how, having completed his own earthly pilgrimage, the author beckons those who are still on theirs: “...let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race [read pilgrimage] that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before Him, He endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken His seat at the right hand of the Father” (Heb. 12:1-3)
A pilgrimage is a means of following the Gospels, which were written to expand and amplify the words of Jesus: “Come follow Me.” This is a personal invitation to enter into His holiness and is dependent upon the pilgrim’s acceptance. God’s call may vary but the purpose remains consistent: to know God more fully. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John probably never thought they were providing us a road map, but instead, were extending to us the same invitation which they had received.
With over 25 years’ experience and thousands of pilgrims served, Tekton Ministries has a proven track record for providing authentically Catholic pilgrimages throughout the world. We work with and listen closely to our priests and pilgrimage leaders to create thoughtfully planned itineraries, including daily Mass and time for prayerful reflection each day. Many of our pilgrims are repeat pilgrims, with some pilgrims having gone on 4 or more pilgrimages with us over the years. We assist with spiritual preparation for your pilgrimage as well as prayerful support throughout your entire experience.
In addition, we have local offices who are truly in touch with the places where we pilgrimage, providing on-the-ground and up-to-date information on the sites and activities in these places. This allows for the flexibility to make minor but crucial in-the-moment adjustments to provide the best experience possible for our pilgrims.
In addition, we have local offices who are truly in touch with the places where we pilgrimage, providing on-the-ground and up-to-date information on the sites and activities in these places. This allows for the flexibility to make minor but crucial in-the-moment adjustments to provide the best experience possible for our pilgrims.
Yes, and BEST in value!
The exact details of what is included will vary based upon the personalization of each pilgrimage. Since every pilgrimage is personally designed to the needs of the priest, parish or religious organization, it can be very difficult to compare “apples to apples” and the competition most often wants to show “the lowest price possible”. Although price is important, it is NOT the only factor – perhaps not even the most important factor! Specific airlines, flights schedules, hotels all affect the final pricing.
We believe our prices are very competitive based upon what is included in our pilgrimages and the services we offer. Many other companies do not include all the amenities in their base pricing, nor do they offer the level of service we provide. Therefore, the advertised price may not reflect the total price. In many ways, it makes it difficult to compare but we are committed to help.
sWe aim to be totally transparent in all of our pricing, as shown on our brochures. In addition, because we are a smaller organization, we are able to maintain personal relationships with our priests and pilgrimage leaders, as well as our tour managers and guides. This allows us to provide a level of faith-filled service that you cannot put a price on. Simply put, our truly CATHOLIC office is committed to the best pilgrimage experience for you.
The exact details of what is included will vary based upon the personalization of each pilgrimage. Since every pilgrimage is personally designed to the needs of the priest, parish or religious organization, it can be very difficult to compare “apples to apples” and the competition most often wants to show “the lowest price possible”. Although price is important, it is NOT the only factor – perhaps not even the most important factor! Specific airlines, flights schedules, hotels all affect the final pricing.
We believe our prices are very competitive based upon what is included in our pilgrimages and the services we offer. Many other companies do not include all the amenities in their base pricing, nor do they offer the level of service we provide. Therefore, the advertised price may not reflect the total price. In many ways, it makes it difficult to compare but we are committed to help.
sWe aim to be totally transparent in all of our pricing, as shown on our brochures. In addition, because we are a smaller organization, we are able to maintain personal relationships with our priests and pilgrimage leaders, as well as our tour managers and guides. This allows us to provide a level of faith-filled service that you cannot put a price on. Simply put, our truly CATHOLIC office is committed to the best pilgrimage experience for you.
We add new pilgrimages throughout the year, so please check back often to see if one is scheduled for your available dates. Alternatively, you can encourage your pastor to reach out to us about coordinating a parish pilgrimage that does fit into your schedule.
Registration and Payments
Registrations are done online by clicking the red “Register Now!” (link) button on the top right-hand corner of our website. A $300 deposit is required at the time of registration. Please select your destination and pilgrimage dates carefully to ensure you are registering for the correct pilgrimage.
Alternatively, you can either look on our “Upcoming Pilgrimages” (link) page and click the red “Register Now” button or go to the specific location page and find your desired pilgrimage, then click the red “More Details” button to read more about the pilgrimage. On this page, you can then click the “Register for this Pilgrimage” button. Either of these last two procedures will automatically enter the destination and dates for you when you click the pilgrimage-specific registration link.
Alternatively, you can either look on our “Upcoming Pilgrimages” (link) page and click the red “Register Now” button or go to the specific location page and find your desired pilgrimage, then click the red “More Details” button to read more about the pilgrimage. On this page, you can then click the “Register for this Pilgrimage” button. Either of these last two procedures will automatically enter the destination and dates for you when you click the pilgrimage-specific registration link.
While the exact details of what is included may vary based upon the personalization of each pilgrimage, in general: daily Mass, all accommodation (double occupancy), airfare (from a designated city), taxes and service charges, breakfast and dinner daily, tour manager/city guides, all entrance fees as per itinerary, arrival and departure transfers, porterage of luggage at airports and hotels, and whisper headsets, are all included.
Lunches are generally not included because people have varying needs and we don’t want to force people into a third large meal if that isn’t their preference. We will have lunch out during the day and people are free to purchase as much or as little as they want. In addition, gratuities are not listed in the base price, but will be included in the final invoice. We include gratuities at this time in order to make things easier on the pilgrimage – so you won’t need to worry in the day-to-day activities of the pilgrimage. However, gratuities at lunch are not included, as those meals are on your own.
Sometimes there may be other exclusions, which will be noted in the brochure. For example, if the priest who helped plan the itinerary has requested dinners out on the town on a couple of the evenings, those would also not be included in the price.
Sometimes there may be other exclusions, which will be noted in the brochure. For example, if the priest who helped plan the itinerary has requested dinners out on the town on a couple of the evenings, those would also not be included in the price.
If you would like to set up a payment plan, please call our office after you register, as this is set up on an individual basis. You will receive your final invoice via email approximately 3 months before departure, with final payments due about 2 weeks after invoicing (90 days prior to departure). The timing of the invoicing may vary by a few days. All payments must be received before we are able to finalize airline tickets and other reservations for your group. Therefore, it is important to be prompt when making your final payment.
Flight Arrangements And Airline Tickets
All efforts are made to ensure family members sit together. However, when flying with the group seats, no specific seat requests are guaranteed. Seats are assigned at the discretion of the airlines and will be assigned upon check-in at the airport. If you need a specific seat assignment (aisle, window, bulkhead, etc.), you must purchase your own flights and travel as a “land-only” pilgrim.
The group seats are for regular economy seats only. Occasionally, they may be upgraded after purchase for premium economy or an exit row. However, that is not a guarantee. If you need extra legroom or wish to fly anything except basic economy, you must purchase your own flights and travel as a “land-only” pilgrim.
If you wish to make your own flight arrangements, please let us know as soon as possible so we can free up a group seat for another pilgrim. Any changes to/from group seats within 90 days of departure will incur a $100 minimum airline penalty.
Once you have confirmed your decision to purchase your own ticket, you will be designated as a “Land-Only” pilgrim and will therefore receive a reduction on the cost of your pilgrimage in the amount equal to the price of the group airline ticket.
If you are making your own flight arrangements, we will give you the flight numbers/times of the group flights for you to work around. Please do not book your personal airline tickets until we have confirmed with you that the minimum group size has been met. In order to use the group transfer from the airport upon arrival, you must arrive prior to the group. The motor coach will not wait for late pilgrims. Likewise, upon departure, the motor coach will not leave early for those pilgrims not on the group flight, so please book your flight to depart at the same time or after the group.
Occasionally, the group flights may change before departure. In the instance that you miss connecting with the group, you will be responsible for making your own arrangements (at your personal expense) to connect with the group.
Once you have confirmed your decision to purchase your own ticket, you will be designated as a “Land-Only” pilgrim and will therefore receive a reduction on the cost of your pilgrimage in the amount equal to the price of the group airline ticket.
If you are making your own flight arrangements, we will give you the flight numbers/times of the group flights for you to work around. Please do not book your personal airline tickets until we have confirmed with you that the minimum group size has been met. In order to use the group transfer from the airport upon arrival, you must arrive prior to the group. The motor coach will not wait for late pilgrims. Likewise, upon departure, the motor coach will not leave early for those pilgrims not on the group flight, so please book your flight to depart at the same time or after the group.
Occasionally, the group flights may change before departure. In the instance that you miss connecting with the group, you will be responsible for making your own arrangements (at your personal expense) to connect with the group.
If you are flying on the group flights, your e-ticket receipt will be included in your final packet, which will be sent out approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure.
Practical Information
Your final packet will contain a cover letter, your e-ticket receipt (if you are on the group seats), luggage and name tags, and a booklet full of valuable information about packing, preparation, international travel, and your pilgrimage destination(s), as well as your flight and hotel information. Please sign into your account to double-check that we have your correct mailing address, so you receive your packet in a timely manner.
There will be a packing list included in your final packet. In general, it is best to “pack light” and dress for comfort – especially in regards to your choice of shoes. You are limited to one checked bag, plus one carry-on that can fit in the overhead compartment of the airplane. In addition, you can also pack a small backpack, bag, or purse that can fit under the seat in front of you on the airplane and is easily carried on and off the bus.
Click here for a more detailed suggested packing list.
Though there can be some slight variation in carryon and personal item sizes for the airlines, all checked luggage must weigh less than 50 pounds. The dimensions cannot exceed 62 linear inches (when you add the length + width + height). A good rule of thumb is: if you’ve flown with it before and it fit, it should be fine for your pilgrimage. For more information, please click here.
You can find historical records of typical weather for your location by doing a quick internet search along the lines of “What’s the weather like in (destination) in (month of pilgrimage)?” This will give the historical temperature averages and the likelihood of precipitation.
In addition, you may want to look at the weather for your destination right before leaving to determine any last-minute packing needs. If, for example, your pilgrimage destination is experiencing unseasonably low temperatures, you’d want to be prepared with warmer layers.
In addition, you may want to look at the weather for your destination right before leaving to determine any last-minute packing needs. If, for example, your pilgrimage destination is experiencing unseasonably low temperatures, you’d want to be prepared with warmer layers.
Please click here to see the descriptions for each of the activity levels of our pilgrimages.
The amount of walking will vary depending upon the destination and the activities of the day. You can certainly expect at least a little bit of walking every day, and some days, in some locations, you may walk upwards of 3-4 miles!
There will be varying levels of terrain as you explore and encounter the various sites. You may experience cobblestone roads, dirt and gravel paths, and uneven surfaces. Some of the sites were built hundreds of years ago, which adds great depth to the experience of our faith as you grasp the magnitude of the history of our Church, but also lends itself to rough and uneven ground. In addition, there may be areas with many stairs and no elevator. If this may be a challenge, consider packing a walking stick, or just make plans to take things at your own pace.
Some destinations, such as the Holy Land and Italy, have days where adaptations can be made if you feel you are unable to walk very far. On those days, there may be opportunities to sit in a church or at another holy site for a while while the rest of the group continues walking or explores around the area. Your tour manager/guide is well aware of the physical demands of each day/location and can more accurately answer your questions in the moment or perhaps the evening before, in order to prepare you for what is to come.
A pilgrimage is not a race. Please walk at your own pace, and inform your guide/tour manager if you are struggling to keep up. While there are certain activities that are scheduled (such as Mass times, certain tours, and public transit), others have a little flexibility, so spending a few moments longer walking between sites is permitted, as long as you are not wandering off from the group and getting separated.
We always recommend bringing a comfortable pair of walking shoes and ensuring they are broken in before departure. It will be no fun to end up with blisters on the first day of a much-anticipated pilgrimage!
The amount of walking will vary depending upon the destination and the activities of the day. You can certainly expect at least a little bit of walking every day, and some days, in some locations, you may walk upwards of 3-4 miles!
There will be varying levels of terrain as you explore and encounter the various sites. You may experience cobblestone roads, dirt and gravel paths, and uneven surfaces. Some of the sites were built hundreds of years ago, which adds great depth to the experience of our faith as you grasp the magnitude of the history of our Church, but also lends itself to rough and uneven ground. In addition, there may be areas with many stairs and no elevator. If this may be a challenge, consider packing a walking stick, or just make plans to take things at your own pace.
Some destinations, such as the Holy Land and Italy, have days where adaptations can be made if you feel you are unable to walk very far. On those days, there may be opportunities to sit in a church or at another holy site for a while while the rest of the group continues walking or explores around the area. Your tour manager/guide is well aware of the physical demands of each day/location and can more accurately answer your questions in the moment or perhaps the evening before, in order to prepare you for what is to come.
A pilgrimage is not a race. Please walk at your own pace, and inform your guide/tour manager if you are struggling to keep up. While there are certain activities that are scheduled (such as Mass times, certain tours, and public transit), others have a little flexibility, so spending a few moments longer walking between sites is permitted, as long as you are not wandering off from the group and getting separated.
We always recommend bringing a comfortable pair of walking shoes and ensuring they are broken in before departure. It will be no fun to end up with blisters on the first day of a much-anticipated pilgrimage!
The amount of money you bring with you will vary based upon your purchase habits. For all destinations, we suggest the equivalent of $15-$20 per day for lunch. In your pilgrimage packet, we will explain more about the type of currency to bring with you, or if you should wait and take money out of the ATM upon arrival, as this varies from location to location.
With all destinations, we do suggest bringing a credit card for larger purchases, as this adds a layer of protection on your purchases and you receive the best exchange rate this way. Please call your credit card companies and/or your bank prior to travel to let them know you will be using your card overseas, so they do not suspect fraudulent activity.
There will be further details about money specific to your pilgrimage destination in your pilgrimage packet, which you should receive approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure.
With all destinations, we do suggest bringing a credit card for larger purchases, as this adds a layer of protection on your purchases and you receive the best exchange rate this way. Please call your credit card companies and/or your bank prior to travel to let them know you will be using your card overseas, so they do not suspect fraudulent activity.
There will be further details about money specific to your pilgrimage destination in your pilgrimage packet, which you should receive approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure.
There is no specific dress code, but shoulders and knees must be covered when entering most holy sites. This applies to both women and men. NOTE: We have had male pilgrims told to wrap a scarf around their waists when their shorts were too short (scarf provided by the keepers of the site). If you will be traveling during the warmer months, bringing something you can throw over your shoulders is recommended, as is planning to wear pants, longer shorts, capris, or a longer skirt.
For all destinations besides Medjugorje and the Holy Land, we recommend either exchanging some money prior to departure (most major banks and AAA offices offer this service) or taking money out of an ATM upon arrival. Local currency is helpful to have on hand for smaller purchases as some small local businesses don’t want to pay credit card fees on these purchases.
Medjugorje and the Holy Land accept the American dollars everywhere and we actually advise not to take out the local currency as it can be hard to exchange if you have any left over.
Medjugorje and the Holy Land accept the American dollars everywhere and we actually advise not to take out the local currency as it can be hard to exchange if you have any left over.
Anything you bring overseas that requires a plug will need an adapter to fit it into the local sockets. These can be found on Amazon and in the travel aisle of many stores. If your device uses a USB cable to charge, you can find adapters with the USB socket in addition to a normal plug. A common example is here: https://www.amazon.com/Universal-TESSAN-International-Worldwide-Converter/dp/B0B2PD7VW4?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1
If your device is dual voltage (mobile phones, laptops, ipads, etc.), this is all you will need.
If your device is single voltage (electric toothbrush, hair dryer, curling iron, etc.) then you would also need a voltage converter. Keep in mind that even with a voltage converter, it can affect the performance of your appliance.
More information can be found here: https://www.tektonministries.org/travel-adapters/
If your device is dual voltage (mobile phones, laptops, ipads, etc.), this is all you will need.
If your device is single voltage (electric toothbrush, hair dryer, curling iron, etc.) then you would also need a voltage converter. Keep in mind that even with a voltage converter, it can affect the performance of your appliance.
More information can be found here: https://www.tektonministries.org/travel-adapters/
Troubleshooting and Insurance
From a practical and material standpoint, we have a 24-hour emergency line while you are on pilgrimage. These numbers will be in your final packet and we will be able to assist with airline/baggage issues, insurance concerns, and any adjustments along the way. We also strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover any costs due to delays or mishaps.
There is also a spiritual response to any challenges that may arise. One of our priest leaders, who has led multiple pilgrimages with us, sent this reminder to his pilgrims: “Remember that part of a pilgrimage is actually GOING on pilgrimage. That means that when you leave your house on pilgrimage, it’s all in God’s hands. Whatever happens, God will be with you and He will be actively working in your heart and soul. So, if there are flight delays or the like, that’s all part of the pilgrimage experience. Offer it to the Lord and be confident that He is at work in all circumstances. I’ve experienced delays on a couple of my personal pilgrimages, even to the point of missing a day of pilgrimage, and looking back, it did not have an effect on the power of the pilgrimage at all. It’s frustrating in the moment, but continue to trust that God is in charge of your pilgrimage experience. The purpose of our pilgrimage is to meet Him and to be very open to Him. You can do this just as much during travel as you can on the ground.”
There is also a spiritual response to any challenges that may arise. One of our priest leaders, who has led multiple pilgrimages with us, sent this reminder to his pilgrims: “Remember that part of a pilgrimage is actually GOING on pilgrimage. That means that when you leave your house on pilgrimage, it’s all in God’s hands. Whatever happens, God will be with you and He will be actively working in your heart and soul. So, if there are flight delays or the like, that’s all part of the pilgrimage experience. Offer it to the Lord and be confident that He is at work in all circumstances. I’ve experienced delays on a couple of my personal pilgrimages, even to the point of missing a day of pilgrimage, and looking back, it did not have an effect on the power of the pilgrimage at all. It’s frustrating in the moment, but continue to trust that God is in charge of your pilgrimage experience. The purpose of our pilgrimage is to meet Him and to be very open to Him. You can do this just as much during travel as you can on the ground.”
Trip insurance information is available on this page. As part of the registration process, you will receive information about travel insurance and the various options. Tekton Ministries is not an insurance agency, but we have a close relationship with CSA Travel Protection and they have reliably assisted our pilgrims for many years.
While not required, it is recommended. Greater detail about information requested by the insurance application will be sent out with the final invoice (approximately 3 months prior to departure). The total cost of your trip insurance will vary based upon the amount of insurance needed and the age of the traveler.
For more information, please see our page on travel insurance.
While not required, it is recommended. Greater detail about information requested by the insurance application will be sent out with the final invoice (approximately 3 months prior to departure). The total cost of your trip insurance will vary based upon the amount of insurance needed and the age of the traveler.
For more information, please see our page on travel insurance.
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