- 1 - International Pilgrimage in England 28 July 5 August 2015 (leaving after breakfast on 6 th ) The Pilgrims of Saint Francis. Some Information The Pilgrims of St. Francis is an ecumenical Christian movement with branches in 7 European countries. Each year we make walking pilgrimages, both internationally and in individual countries, always on foot.. During this pilgrimage we try to live according to the values of St Francis and St Claire of Assisi. Every year a different country is responsible for organising the pilgrimage and this coming summer the international pilgrimage will take place in England. The preparation of the pilgrimage is in the hands of volunteers. The distance each day depends on the group chosen (see the application form). Whenever possible we walk on paths avoiding main roads and crowded places. We walk in groups of 15-20, to make it easier to listen to each other and share in both the practical and spiritual life of the pilgrim group. For older people and any with physical problems, as well as families with young children we offer groups staying in one place, these are called Centres The "adventure" groups are suitable for teenagers and young people, walking apart from their parents. They may have other challenges (sometimes using tents but not this year) and sometimes have other choices of routes and daily activities. Franciscan poverty requires... usually, sleeping on the floor (this does not apply to the Senior Centre-group - they have beds) often in areas with rudimentary hygiene and comfort (often there are no showers, no equipped kitchen and only few toilets) We use schools, churches, sports halls or any place that is put at our disposal, sometimes an abandoned building. During the pilgrimage we aim to live as a gospel community, relating well with each other and with the world around us, living simply in tolerance and caring for each other. Each day there is a discussion on the theme for the year and some opportunity for simple acts of worship. The need to translate each other s words can reduce the time available to express ourselves at any depth. Eucharists are held whenever possible. The distance walked is not significant, what is important is the sharing on route. What counts is that you adapt to each other, that you integrate without discrimination, for this is the source of joy and the mark of solidarity. During the pilgrimage each pilgrim is expected to help with the cooking and other communal tasks. Some group members have a specific responsibility e.g. guardian (the leader co-ordinating every aspect of each day), housekeeper (sometimes called Mere, organising the buying and cooking of food, and those responsible for the social activities of the group (the troubadour, spiritual leader, discussion leader. They are volunteers... and they are fallible, but must always be respected for their willingness to do the task People from all sectors of European life and churches participate in The Movement of the Pilgrims of St. Francis. These do this voluntarily There are also those who are searching for a way of life. There are people of all ages, different generations, taking part. Hence the groups, as far as is possible, reflect this diversity. In order to put the groups together it is important that the Guardian of your country receives the booking form before the mentioned date. Many a problem for both organisation and participants can be prevented if this is done The composition of the groups will be announced at the place of departure.
Please note:- 1. If more than one is coming from the same address please use separate forms (make your own copies). 2. Any children named on these forms will be placed in the same group as you unless you ask otherwise. 3. Young people under 18 must be accompanied in their group by an older person who has been designated by the parental on the booking form 4. Remember to sign the disclaimer form on the back. If you have problems carrying baggage then there are other alternatives:- - 2 - The Star group is for those who cannot carry any baggage. It has 3 venues during the pilgrimage and the walks are shorter (around 8/12 Km.). The Centre stays in one place and has beds provided (this year camp-beds) no rucksack is necessary. The Family Centre stays in one place and is ideal for those with young or very young children. NB Please take great care over deciding which group to apply for, and whether to ask for help with the carrying of sleeping bag and mattress. (and children s baggage) If you have more baggage because of onward journeys then it can be left in a special secure place. If you do not ask for car space for baggage on the application form, then there will be none available, during the pligrimage. If you have asked for help with your baggage or if you have asked to be in a Star group please put those things to be carried in a car in a soft bag weighing less than 10k (not suitcase or rucksack). Whatever your choice carry the minimum. Remember the rucksack is a symbol of your commitment to travel light through the world in Franciscan poverty. Baggage which is not needed during the week can be left in a secure place. Licensed drivers may so that all share the tasks - be requested to drive the group-car. The organisers will try to ensure there are enough drivers in every group. Members offering a car for the use of a group should make sure that their car insurance provides adequate cover. Any bookings received later will be accepted entirely at the discretion of the organising team. If you have to cancel please let us know as soon as possible as there may be a waiting list. You will receive more detailed joining instructions nearer the date. The balance of your payments for events you attend must be made in CASH (Pounds) at the beginning of the pilgrimage. Costs (in s) Excluding travel Total Deposit To pay on arrival Adults (& those in the Centres) 135 25 110 Young people over 12 & unemployed 95 25 70 Children 4 12 60 10 50 Children under 4 0 Extra for the night before 3
- 3 - BOOKING FORM FOR THE INTERNATIONAL PILGRIMAGE 2015 Please fill in a separate form for each participant, adult or minor. The booking form and the deposit should be sent BEFORE May 10 2015 to the National Treasurer, Margaret Humphries, 202 Pine Rd. Charminster B mouth BH9 1ND Deposits can also be paid directly into - HSBC bank Sort Code 40 08-32 Acc. 01606751. The rest must be paid in cash (Pounds) (not a cheque), at the start of the pilgrimage. Surname Address First name Telephone Mobile e-mail (very important) Nationality Age Gender M Fem Religion (optional) (lay or ordained?) Occupation (optional) Languages spoken: F NL GB D Es P S others: I can translate from/ to I have participated in national pilgrimages of the PSF: Yes Number: No I have participated in international pilgrimages of the PSF: Yes Number: No In the group I will be willing to take the role of: We would like those Guardi an Spiritual Animator Housekeeper Discussion leader Troubadour Do not fill in if you are coming for the first time volunteering as responsibles to arrive the day before the route starts. Would it be possible for you? YES/ NO I will bring a musical instrument with me: Yes No What is it? If you choose the option carrying all my baggage, this means carrying your rucksack, sleeping bag and mat, for the whole of the pilgrimage (unless you become unwell en route). If you cannot carry any baggage then you must choose the Star group or a Centre group. I wish to be in: A walking group (I can walk between 10-20 km per day at a speed of 3km per hour) I can walk carrying all my baggage I can walk carrying my baggage except sleeping bag & mattress An adventure group (without a vehicle and carrying everything; see page 1) A star group (2 or 3 venues during the pilgrimage and walking without baggage) The senior centre group (one venue with beds for the whole time) The centre for families and young children, (one venue, very simple and without beds)
- 4 - Special needs: health, diet, vegetarian, allergies, etc.: Contact in case of emergency (name, telephone number): with the international prefix): If needed, I agree to my car being used by the group Yes; Any driver? It is:- Small Average Large No PARENTAL DECLARATION FOR UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN up to the age of 18: I wish my child to be in a group with... who has agreed to be responsible on my behalf. I.., the undersigned, authorise the person named above or the group s guardian to organise emergency medical treatment for my child......, if this is absolutely necessary, during the international pilgrimage of the Pilgrims of St Francis. Before making any decision, you should always contact me or my family doctor if possible. Date: Signature: Parents: Telephone Family doctor (GP): Telephone: I shall require car parking during the pilgrimage Yes No I have a driving licence and will bring it to the pilgrimage Yes No I will arrive on: 27/7 (the day before the start ) ( 3 extra) Yes No 28/7 (the day the pilgrimage starts) ATTENTION The first meal provided by the organisation will be in the evening of the 28/7 For adults with the responsibility for the children of other people. I accept to be responsible for........... I allow the Movement to use, in its publications and web-site, any picture of me taken on this pilgrimage. YES NO I declare I am a member of the Movement (if not we cannot be responsible for any issues regarding Public Liability) (name & age of child) INSURANCE TERMS AND CONDITIONS DURING THE STAY The Pilgrims of St Francis Movement has an insurance, which covers its own public liability within the scope of its activities. The Pilgrims of St Francis shall not be liable for any accident or damage which occurs outside the scope of its activities by reason of or through the fault of any participant or any third parties, such as injuries, damages, loss, accident, etc., which may be contemplated by their personal insurance or their own public liability insurance. Likewise, the Pilgrims of St Francis shall not be liable for any accident or damage, which may occur to any participant during the outward or return journey to or from his / her home. IN CASE OF CANCELLATION In case of cancellation, you will have to notify the organisers as soon as possible. The deposit will not be refunded because we need it to organise the pilgrimage.
- 5 - I have read and agree to the terms and conditions on this form. Signature Date: I enclose a deposit of.. made payable to The Pilgrims of St Francis )
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