The following information may be beneficial for all pastors/chaplains and all parishioners within the archdiocese to welcome the faithful to their pilgrimage sites, as well as for those who are not Catholic who may be interested in this unique and historic experience.
To prepare as a Pilgrimage Site for the Jubilee Year 2025, the archdiocese recommends forming a Jubilee Task Force Team that will be responsible for assisting the pastor/chaplain with different aspects of the Jubilee celebration. Pilgrimage sites should prepare now to be ready to welcome pilgrims between December 29, 2024–January 6, 2026. Each Pilgrimage Site is asked to do the following:
If the church has been designated as a Pilgrimage Site for the Jubilee, the pastor/chaplain ensures its proper preparation. Select a space or area for Pilgrims to gather upon visiting, ensuring it is accessible and creates an environment for prayer and reflection. During the year of Jubilee, 2025, each designated Pilgrimage sites open hours will be publicized on the microsite/website. Ideally the church/school will be a regular duration seven days per week.
The interior and exterior of the church may be adorned with symbols of the Jubilee, such as banners, icons, or other visual elements reflecting the year’s theme (e.g., mercy, forgiveness). Special attention is given to creating a welcoming and prayerful environment. A sign of being welcoming is to ensure that the prayer space is well lit, and well decorated in keeping with the liturgical season.
Pastors/chaplains often provide clear signage and informational materials to guide pilgrims. This includes directions to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, schedules of Masses and confessions, explanations of how to gain indulgences, and additional logistical signage such as the parish office and bathrooms.
Pastors/chaplains may organize and celebrate Jubilee Masses, which might include additional services or special liturgies dedicated to the Jubilee themes. These Masses often include prayers and readings aligned with the spiritual focus of the year.
Given the emphasis on penance and forgiveness, pastors/chaplains often increase the availability of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, sometimes holding communal penance services or extended confession hours.
Pastors/chaplains might organize periods of Eucharistic Adoration, inviting pilgrims and parishioners alike to spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, deepening their spiritual reflection during the Jubilee Year.
Each Pilgrimage site pastor/chaplain is to work with the pastors of all the parishes within your Deanery to prepare and celebrate the 24 Hours for the Lord Liturgy at your site on Friday, March 28, 2025. This can include the celebration of Holy Mass as well as times of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Reconciliation, perhaps Anointing of the Sick.
In lieu of the annual Archdiocesan Assembly, Pilgrimage Sites will offer a day of Prayer and Reconciliation for all the faithful on October 25, 2025. More information will be forthcoming.
Pastors/chaplains use their homilies, parish bulletins, and other communication channels to educate the faithful about the significance of the Jubilee Year. They may focus on the theological and spiritual themes, such as mercy, justice, and reconciliation, and explain the meaning and process of obtaining indulgences.
Some pastors/chaplains organize retreats, spiritual talks, or workshops to help parishioners and pilgrims engage more deeply with the themes of the Jubilee. These events may include guest speakers, prayer services, or study sessions on relevant scriptural and doctrinal topics.
Pastors/chaplains coordinate hospitality efforts to warmly welcome pilgrims. This might include setting up welcome centers, offering refreshments, providing accommodations for large groups, and ensuring that volunteers are available to assist with questions and guidance.
In line with the spiritual themes of the Jubilee, pastors/chaplains often initiate or encourage acts of charity within the parish. This could include organizing food drives, visiting the sick and imprisoned, or supporting local or international charitable projects.
Pastors/chaplains may extend the spirit of the Jubilee beyond the parish by engaging with the broader community. This might involve interfaith activities, community service projects, or collaborative events with other local organizations to embody the Jubilee’s call to mercy and justice.
Pastors/chaplains are encouraged to work closely with the archdiocese, following guidelines and participating in archdiocesan-wide events related to the Jubilee Year. They ensure that their parish’s activities align with the broader initiatives of the local Church.
Pastors/chaplains use their parish’s various communication tools—parish websites, social media, newsletters, bulletins, pulpit announcements—to promote Jubilee events and inform the faithful about opportunities for spiritual growth and participation.
Please provide your pilgrimage site activities, liturgies, and hours of availability to welcome pilgrims by sending your information to [email protected]. The Archdiocese will publish your pilgrimage site information on our website.
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