Christ Church Cathedral is pleased to sponsor a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land from October 3 – 12, 2008. Our emphasis on this pilgrimage and study tour will be on first century (in the Common Era) Palestine: the time, place and ministry of Jesus and the Apostles. We will be looking at the context of that ministry, Hellenism, Rome, the Herods, the land, the archeological evidence, and Judaism which was radically transformed at that time and in that place. We call this a "pilgrimage" because it is also an emotional and spiritual experience. Traveling together and being in The Holy Land together can be an important bond among those who share this experience. Our guide will have been trained and certified by the Israeli government. Please click here to see the itinerary.

You will be asked to use your full $1,000 parish contribution for continuing education. The Cathedral will contribute $1,000 towards clergy expenses, which leaves $500-$700 from your personal funds. A bargain by any measure! Please click here for the application.

In terms of travel concerns, we feel that is now safe (as safe as travel is anywhere at anytime) to travel to Israel. If the situation changes we will cancel the trip and monies, minus a penalty fee as specified in our contract with World Wide Pilgrimages, will be refunded. We never cease to pray for peace in the Holy Land, but this present time may be a small window of opportunity for us to make this trip. We are organizing the trip through World Wide Pilgrimages, a part of the Diocese of Florida. There will be a lot of walking and climbing, so be fit and bring good walking shoes. Bring a bathing suit as there will be opportunities to swim in the Mediterranean, the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. We will also be celebrating the Eucharist on the Shore of the Sea of Galilee and in the Judean desert. An additional experience on this trip will involve being in Jerusalem for the highest of holy days for Jews: Yom Kippur.

Please see the flyer for details. I look forward to hearing from you.

God’s peace,

The Rev. Canon J. Allison St. Louis
Vicar, Christ Church Cathedral
45 Church Street
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 527-7231 x111
astlouis@cccathedral.org