WE ARE READY TO ASSIST YOU
Free Group Pilgrimage Planning Checklist for Parishes
Brought to you by Trinitours, San Diego’s trusted Catholic pilgrimage organizers, with experience leading pilgrimages around the world.
AN INSPIRING JOURNEY
GETTING STARTED
A MEANINGFUL WAY TO SUPPORT YOUR PARISH
Consider organizing a group pilgrimage as both a spiritual journey and a fundraising opportunity.
Funds raised can support your parish, diocese, seminary, school, or nonprofit organization.
Discuss the idea with your parish priest, bishop, or finance council.
Choose a destination first, so you can promote a clear vision to your group, Trinitours can help you decide based on spiritual focus, timing, and affordability.
Select a general time frame and be mindful of seasonality: summer in Europe - more expensive, more tourists; fall or early spring - more affordable, less crowded
Ask your group travel provider about free passenger incentives — these are often available for group pilgrimages and can help offset leadership travel costs.
CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION
POPULAR ROUTES
Already have something in mind? Trinitours can fully customize your pilgrimage, adjusting duration, stops, and structure to fit your group. Explore popular Catholic pilgrimage routes and affordable, enriching options.
Holy Land
Rome & The Vatican
Marian Shrines
Turkey
BUILD YOUR GROUP
INSPIRE PARTICIPATION
- Aim for at least 30 travelers, the more people, the better the pricing and flexibility.
- Invite parishioners, school families, ministry leaders, and nearby communities.
- Promote the trip through Mass announcements, interest cards, or parish events.
- Designate a point person or team to manage communication, logistics, and registration.
PLAN A SAMPLE ITINERARY
ENJOY THIS EXPERIENCE
At Trinitours, we are experts in organizing pilgrimages worldwide, and we will gladly help you craft a spiritually rich and well-paced itinerary tailored to your group. Consider the types of experiences your group may want to include:
Daily Mass
Confessions and Adoration
Visits to sacred and historical sites essential to the destination
Time for prayer, reflection, and cultural exploration
PROMOTE THE PILGRIMAGE
- Announce the trip through parish bulletins, after-Mass announcements, social media, email, and diocesan communication.
- Host an information night or virtual Q&A session.
- Emphasize: Deep spiritual renewal, community bonding, a meaningful way to raise funds for your mission.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GET PREPARED
Planning a pilgrimage involves many details and we’re here to make the process easier. Below are answers to common questions about organizing, promoting, and traveling with a group. Feel free to reach out, we’re happy to help!
How do we handle sign-ups and payments for our group?
✔️ Appoint someone to collect participant information, deposits, and payments.
✔️ During registration, ask pilgrims to indicate:
• Room preference (single, double, or triple).
• Roommate(s), if applicable.
✔️ Note: Single room requests usually carry a supplement.
✔️ Trinitours can provide templates and best practices to help your group stay organized.
What should our group do to prepare before we travel?
✔️ Provide a packing list and dress code reminders for visiting sacred sites.
✔️ Offer tips for passports, travel insurance, and group travel etiquette.
✔️ Host a pre-departure meeting to go over logistics and prepare the group spiritually.
✔️ Two weeks before departure, Trinitours will send your group an information package that includes:
• Weather forecasts
• Currency exchange guidance
• Travel tips for your destination
(This information is essential no matter who you travel with.)
What can we expect during the pilgrimage itself?
✔️ We suggest beginning each day with Mass, but this can be modified based on the type of group and the structure of the itinerary.
✔️ Take group photos, invite pilgrims to journal or reflect, and gather testimonials for future use.
What should we do after we return from the pilgrimage?
✔️ Host a post-trip event to share photos, stories, and spiritual impact.
✔️ If fundraising was part of the trip, share how much was raised and what it supported, transparency builds trust.
✔️ Highlight the experience in your parish bulletin, diocesan communication, or school newsletter.
✔️ Encourage the idea of making this a recurring pilgrimage tradition for your parish or community.
NEED HELP?
WE ARE READY TO ASSIST YOU!
- Custom, faith-based itineraries rooted in Catholic tradition.
- Worldwide experience across the Holy Land, Europe, Turkey, and beyond.
- Clear guidance on what to expect and how to prepare.
- Local support from San Diego and trusted partners around the world.