Go on a virtual pilgrimage with Fr. Sorgie and 39 parishioners  who flew last night to Tel Aviv!

What is a Pilgrimage? A journey you make to holy places to draw closer to God. During the Holy Year of Mercy we celebrated two Parish Pilgrimages to Old St. Patrick's and St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue. We walked through the Holy Doors, prayed for the Pope, celebrated Mass and on our own received the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession.) You can go on pilgrimage too without leaving your house!

How can I go? 
For the next 9 day, that is, during January 8-17, I will send you an email with an update of photos where the pilgrims are and the related Gospel story. You'll have a change to ponder and reflect upon these and so you'll be able to see what the pilgrims in the Holy Land see.

Eucharistic Celebrations
Each day the pilgrims will participate in the Mass at these sacred places while pondering the events in the Life of Jesus. Perhaps, you too might desire to go to during the week during this Virtual Pilgrimage.

Sacrifice 
Along any journey, there are sacrifices: break downs on the road, sore feet, hunger, pain, exhaustion, extreme weather conditions, crowds, etc… All involve self denial in order to see the holy places and reach the final destination. Suffering is not a punishment from God part of the human condition and the results of original sin. You might want to consider a sacrifice you would like to make, so that you might be empty, that is, open to receive the special graces God desires to give you. For example, refrain from gossip or having a smaller meal or biting your tongue and not having the last word...  You decide. Last of all, we unite our sufferings with Jesus who took up his cross suffering death out of love for us.

Reflection  
While journeying, a pilgrim may notice that although they are living entirely in the present, it’s not the present that matters; what matters is the distant goal. Believe it or not, we are already on pilgrimage! Our goal is heaven! As we walk these days of pilgrimage you might want to ponder where you are in your life's journey. Are you at the beginning? In the middle or towards the end? What is a stumbling block to you? You might want to share these with Jesus. You could ask for His help. Remember he taught: Ask for anything of the Father in my name and He will give it to you.  

Ask for the Grace!  
Is there some grace you really need? Ask for it! Extra graces are given to pilgrims who open their hearts to God.

Witness! 
Pilgrims are also called to be witnesses for Christ on their journey. So invite your family or friend to go on pilgrimage with you.

Share! 
Feel free to share this email with anyone you wish. Have them click below to register to receive this newsletter for the next 9 days as we go on pilgrimage with Fr. Sorgie and our sister and brother parishioners