Share the Journey Solidarity Pilgrimages

About the Share the Journey Solidarity Pilgrimages

Catholic Charities, in collaboration with Catholic Charities, Diocese of Brownsville, and in direct response to Pope Francis’ call to Share the Journey, has been and will continue to organizing Solidarity Pilgrimages to the Texas/Mexico Border throughout 2018 and 2019 to give Catholics in the six-county area of south Jersey the opportunity to better understand and explore the Church’s teachings on refugees and migrants.

Led by members of the Diocesan Share the Journey Steering Committee who have journeyed to the Border before, these pilgrimages allow individuals to grow in their faith and love of their neighbor through intimate experiences at the border.  Pilgrims will learn first-hand about the complexities of immigration and will grow in their understanding of key concepts of Catholic Social teaching, such as global solidarity, subsidiarity, dignity of the person, rights and responsibilities.

Through completing specific projects which enhance the lives of those we serve at the Border, they will strengthen and deepen the relationship between communities on the Border and the communities in the Diocese of Camden. This initiative invigorates and deepens the commitment of participants to works of charity and justice, both here and abroad.

We currently do not have any more pilgrimages available for 2019. If you wish to learn more about potential future opportunities, please contact: Mary.McCusker@CamdenDiocese.org.  


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Included in the Solidarity Pilgrimages

Meet Sister Norma Pimentel, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley (photo courtesy of Loyola University Chicago)

Stay at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle during the trip with other pilgrims, including a Pilgrim Leader from the Diocese who has led trips before and is familiar with the area.

Volunteer and encounter newly-arrived migrants at Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valleys Humanitarian Respite Center, where you will serve migrants as needed, meet other volunteers from the area and from around the country.

Visit the Texas/Mexico Border Wall with Sister Norma Pimentel, who will offer a tour of the wall and the Rio Grande River.

Meet, encounter, and interact with local parishes, groups, and individuals from the Rio Grande Valley who are eager to welcome pilgrims and offer their perspectives about what life is like on the Border.


Read About Previous Trips from Pilgrims

Our Call to be Missionary Disciples” by Ivan Soares; Published in the Catholic Star Herald and printed in Saint Bridget University Parish Bulletin

Christ Found me at the Border” by Vicki Mitchell; Published in the Catholic Star Herald

Quick to Respond, Blessed to Witness” by Mary McCusker; Published in the Catholic Star Herald

Talking Catholic Podcast featuring pilgrims – Listen now:  Share the Journey Pilgrimage 

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