Saint Michael Pilgrimages
Immersion experiences provide the deepest engagement with God and one another. At Saint Michael, we consider mission trips, and pilgrimages trips to be immersion experiences. Committing the time and money for these experiences is always a big decision, but we know that as we immerse ourselves in work, in prayer, and in friendship, the Spirit of God shapes us in significant ways. The experiences below are the current offerings through Saint Michael. Each immersion experience is geared toward a particular population, but everyone should have multiple options. Please prayerfully consider which experience is the best fit for you in this phase of your Christian journey and then join us to deepen relationships with old friends and make some wonderful news ones, too! -Chris Girata
UPCOMING EXPERIENCES
Pilgrimage: Holy Land Fall 2023
In October of 2023, the Rev. Greg Pickens will be leading a group from Saint Michael and All Angels on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Pilgrimage: Family Holy Land March 2024
In March of 2024, the Rev. Kenneth H. Brannon will be leading a group from Saint Michael and All Angels on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This pilgrimage is intended for families. Online registration is now open!
Pilgrimage: Celtic Christianity
Saint Michael and All Angels is offering a pilgrimage trip to Ireland where we’ll experience the best of Celtic Christianity. This 7-day trip, led by The Rev. Mary Lessmann, is scheduled for Memorial Day week 2024 – May 23-30.
Pilgrimage to Antarctica 2025
This pilgrimage to Antarctica is planned with two elements in mind: spiritual growth as a Christian disciple and stewardship of God’s creation. In the nature of high adventure, we will board a ship at the tip of South America, and set sail across the Drake Straits.
EXPERIENCE ARCHIVE
Pilgrimage: Family Holy Land 2022
March 10-20, 2022
A group of Saint Michael pilgrims, led by The Rev. Christopher D. Girata and Dr. Saleem Ateek, will spend 11 days following in the footsteps of Christ this March. Along the wa…
Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage Fall 2021
September 14-23, 2021
The Rev. Mary Lessmann is leading a group of 19 women to hike the last 110km of the Camino de Santiago in northwest Spain.
Walking the Camino de Santiago: A Saint Michael Pilgrimage
SEPTEMBER 2019
PILGRIMAGE: CAMINO DE SANTIGO (Spain)
Rev. Mary Lessmann and pilgrimage participants recap a very special experience walking the 72 miles of the Camino de Santiago.
Oberammergau 2022
PILGRIMAGE: OBERAMMERGAU 2022
June 12-25
Trip is full
This pilgrimage trip will also look at European Christianity in the 20th century and the church’s response. We will travel to historic Christian capitals in central Europe, including...
Pilgrimage: Holy Land March 2023
Traveling to the Holy Land, experiencing the places that are the setting for the stories of Scripture, stepping foot on the same land where Jesus walked – this has long been on the ‘bucket list’ of many a Christian. You more than likely know someone who has shared, “My trip to the Holy Land was life-changing!” At Saint Michael, we believe that pilgrimage – setting out together on a spiritual adventure – can be a means of drawing closer to God and deepening our Christian walk.
FAMILY HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE
March 2019
This trip took place over Spring Break and was geared to families with children in 3rd to 12th grade. 46 folks participated in the trip which focused on Biblical sites, such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth and Galilee.These pilgrims were awed by the experience of standing in the very places that Jesus stood.Saint Michael intends to offer a trip to the Holy Land each year.In odd years, this trip will be geared to families. In even years, it will be geared to adults.
HONDURAS & BOLIVIA EXPERIENCES
Our Tela, Honduras, Amistad Bolivia and Honduras Threads mission teams all made trips in 2019.These are ministries that have been built over many years through long-standing relationships with the local communities, nurtured by annual trips. In Tela, Honduras our missioners partner with Espiritu Santo school for education, health and nutrition ministry.Our Bolivia missioners partner with Amistad Mission and the Casa Esperanza family home whose goal is to reunite separated siblings.And our Honduras Threads team partners with embroidery cooperatives in rural Honduras to enable women to become financially self-sustaining. Over 30 SMAA members participated in these mission opportunities in 2019.
YOUTH EXPERIENCE
In July 2019, Chase Monson took 11 middle school students on a mission trip to Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Arkansas. Missioners learned about sustainability, where their food comes from and how to work on a ranch – including caring for the livestock and cleaning out their pens!
MISSION TRIP: TELA, HONDURAS
February 2020
Saint Michael missionaries returned to Tela February 8-15, 2020, partnering with Espiritu Santo, the Episcopal Church and Day School. Our group worked with local parishioners and senior class members to provide over 350 children with fluoride treatments, toothpaste and toothbrushes, fitted and distributed over 200 pairs of eyeglasses; served over 300 school lunches; and shared Bible stories through music, crafts, and laughter with more than 450 students.
