Enquiries: 01293 651147
DIOCESE OF ARUNDEL & BRIGHTON LOURDES PILGRIMAGE
28 July - 3 August 2023 by Air
27 July - 4 August 2023 by Redshirt Coach / Jumbulance / Young Helper and Helper Coach
2023 Online Application Form
Due to a high number of applications received from pilgrims requiring assistance, unfortunately, we are unable to accept any more applications from those requiring assistance this year outside of exceptional circumstances.
Applications for Helpers, Clinicians, Clergy have been extended into May - we urgently need more helpers to ensure we can take all our assisted pilgrims.
See below for price and subsidy information.
Please contact the pilgrimage office if you wish to discuss. 01293 651147
Applicants living within the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton will be given priority.
Please now read the following guidance notes, so that you enter the correct information when asked.
Please complete this Application Form for each individual pilgrim. Your application will not be processed unless you confirm, when asked on the application form, that you have read and agreed to the Statement of Commitment and Code of Conduct that is applicable to everyone on the pilgrimage and can be accessed by clicking here.
Please apply early to avoid disappointment. Any amendment or cancellation of this booking must be in writing to A&B Lourdes Pilgrimage Office, St Philip Howard Centre, 4 Southgate Drive, Crawley. RH10 6RP or by our new email address Lourdes@abdiocese.org.uk
Covid 19 Vaccination Requirements
Our pilgrimage supports the sick and vulnerable within the Diocese to enable them to travel to Lourdes and participate on the pilgrimage. As we will be living and serving alongside our vulnerable pilgrims, we request that applicants are fully vaccinated (as appropriate for your age and health category) and we ask you to provide evidence of your Covid 19 vaccination status to the pilgrimage office.
COVID-19 entry requirements for France*
From 1 August 2022, all COVID-19 travel restrictions for travellers to France have been lifted.* We will continue to monitor this information and advise applicants of any changes.
*Correct at time of writing.
Further information can be found at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements
APPLICATION CATEGORIES
When in Lourdes we offer our service to the Pilgrimage in the following ways:-
Pilgrim: You are totally independent and do not need any assistance at home, or more specifically in Lourdes or on the journey to Lourdes.
Assisted Pilgrim: You would like to join us in Lourdes but will need some help from other people with personal care, clinical support or mobility issues in getting to the various pilgrimage venues in Lourdes. e.g. Using a wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Redshirts: a young person aged 15 / 16 by 31st August 2023 (school years 10,11) who wants to explore what it means to be a catholic within a group of other young people while offering service to others.
Young Helpers: a young person aged 17 by 31st August 2023 (school year 12) who offer their service to others as a helper who does not undertake "personal care" but supports our assisted pilgrims each day, helping them access places in Lourdes by pushing their wheelchairs or acting as a companion to them. They will also come together as a group of young helpers each evening to explore what it means to be a catholic and socialise together.
Helper: adults who offer their service to others on the pilgrimage in a spirit of love and generosity. You will be expected to help our Assisted Pilgrims each day and will be allocated to a team in Lourdes. "Role of the Helper" click here. We also select our Hotel Leaders and Deputies from this category.
Doctor or Nurse: Only Doctors and Nurses who are actively working in the UK and fully registered can join us in this capacity during our week away. Retired and other Healthcare professionals have skills that can help us whilst in Lourdes, so if you are retired, please feel free to contact our Chief Medical Officer at cmo.lourdes@abdiocese.org.uk or our Chief Nurse at cn.lourdes@abdiocese.org.uk
Clergy/Religious: We are very fortunate to be supported by many Clergy and Religious and we recognise that not all priests, deacons, or religious wish to be a chaplain in Lourdes. If this is the case for you, please let the office know, and they will ensure that you are not allocated any duties using our new email address Lourdes@abdiocese.org.uk
MEDICAL INFORMATION
You will be asked to complete a brief Confidential Medical Questionnaire.
Medical information will be used to ensure that the Travel Insurance we arrange is valid for each pilgrim whilst in Lourdes and will include full support for anyone who becomes ill or must quarantine due to Covid-19.
It will be reviewed by our clinical team to ensure that we are able to allocate you the appropriate accommodation and activities during the pilgrimage.
We will not be able to accept your application if the Medical Questionnaire has not been fully completed.
APPLICATION DETAILS
1. Pilgrimage Package. Includes all travel and full board accommodation arranged by the Pilgrimage Office. This is only available to Assisted Pilgrims together with their family and/or carers, Helpers, Doctors, Nurses and Chaplains. All those asked to undertake a non-clinical Leadership role such as Assistant Chaplain and Redshirt Leaders please apply as helpers in the first instance. All those asked to undertake a non-clinical Leadership role such as Assistant Chaplain and Redshirt Leaders please apply as helpers in the first instance.
All other Pilgrims, including families should make their own travel arrangements as below. If you are unsure, please contact the Pilgrimage Office.
2. Redshirts and Young Helper Package. Includes all travel and full board accommodation arranged by the Pilgrimage Office. This is only available to those aged 15, 16, 17 (school years 10, 11 & 12).
3. Accommodation and Transfers (Independent travel to Lourdes Airport). Includes full board accommodation and coach transfers, arranged by the Pilgrimage Office, from/to Lourdes Airport to/from your hotel meeting only Ryanair - Stansted to Lourdes Flight FR522 (13:20) Friday 28th July and returning on Ryanair Flight FR523 (21:50) on Thursday 3rd August (NB: This has changed from previous Easyjet Gatwick flight as Easyjet had no afternoon flight on the date of departure). Applicants must purchase their own tickets with Ryanair. Coach seats will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please therefore contact the Pilgrimage Office prior to applying. Places are not guaranteed.
4. Accommodation Only. Includes Full board accommodation arranged by the Pilgrimage Office. You must arrange your own travel so that you arrive at the hotel you are allocated on Friday 28th July after 2pm and depart on Thursday 3rd August before lunch. Please note you must make your own hotel arrangements separately for any dates outside of this and pay the hotel direct for these. If you plan to arrive or depart on any other day, please notify the Pilgrimage office of this in your application.
THE COSTS FOR THIS YEAR'S PILGRIMAGE ARE AS FOLLOWS:-
Pilgrim Package
1. £850 - Adults (£680 after optional helper subsidy)
2. £750 - Redshirts and Young Helpers (£675 after optional subsidy)
2. £668 - Children 12-14*
3. £600 - Children 8-11*
4. £550 - Children 2-7*
Accommodation and Transfers
5. £700 - Adults
Accommodation Only
6. £630 - Accommodation Only
7. £420 - Accommodation only for Children aged 2-14* by 3rd August 2022
*Age by the end of the pilgrimage.
The costs of this years pilgrimage Single Room Supplement
7. £210 - Single Room Supplement
Please see our terms and conditions for cancellation - click here
If we have to cancel this pilgrimage following travel advice issued by the UK Government, you will receive a refund or the option to postpone.
Initial payment will be £100 non-refundable deposit for all pilgrims. We will invoice you on receipt of your application form. Please do not make any further payment until advised to do so.
There is no charge for children aged under 24 months at the date of outbound travel.
Please view your invoice for payment requirements.
Final balance due by 30th May 2023.
Monthly payment plans can be arranged - once agreed with the Pilgrimage Office and payments are regularly made, the final balance must be completed by 14th July 2023.
FINANCE
A £170 subsidy, if needed, is available for all Hospitalite (Helpers, Doctors, Nurses and Chaplains, including all Leaders). If you are travelling independently the subsidy is £85.
A £75 subsidy is available if needed for all Redshirts and Young Helpers.
If you need further financial assistance, click here to download an Additional Subsidy Application Form, please complete this and return it to the Pilgrimage Office as directed as soon as possible. This information will be kept confidential.
If you require further assistance in financing your pilgrimage, we would recommend that you also speak to your parish priest to discuss the possible support available from your Parish and in your area, from charities such as the Knights of St Columba or the SVP.
If you are aged between 16 and 25, it is also possible to apply to your local group of Catenians for financial support, each circle is very supportive of those helping in Lourdes, and they would like to help you with your expenses.
The final balance of your invoice must be paid by 30th May 2023 unless a monthly payment plan has been agreed and is up to date click here for the monthly payment plan.
Please indicate if you wish to pay the balance by monthly instalments. Details will appear on your invoice for you to arrange a standing order with your bank. Final payment of your monthly instalments must be made by 14th July 2023 (prior to travel) once a payment plan has been agreed.
PREPARATION EVENTS
Full details of each event you are to attend will be confirmed to you by email closer to the date and can also be found on the events page of our website.
NEW PILGRIM'S PREPARATION - Sunday 11th June from 10.30am
For all new pilgrims who want to find out more about what going on the Diocesan pilgrimage is all about. You will have a chance to ask some questions, explore the meaning of pilgrimage and prepare for our week in Lourdes. There will also be a time of reflection and prayer with an introduction to this year's theme based on the words Our Lady spoke to St Bernadette "...that a chapel be built here" .
CHAPLAINS' DAY - (by invitation only) Wednesday 28th June 11am.
REDSHIRTS (YR'S 10 & 11) PREPARATION DAYS. Saturday 29th April & Saturday 10th June both before 10am.
NEW HELPERS and YOUNG HELPERS Day Sunday 11th June - from 10am
Mandatory for all first time Hospitalite and Young Helpers who must attend this Induction Day. Failure to do so may mean that you will not be able to help in Lourdes.
BRIEFING DAY - Sunday 2nd July from 10am - Mandatory for All Helpers, young helpers, nurses, doctors and assistant chaplains to attend. Failure to do so may mean that you cannot help in Lourdes.
MUSIC PRACTICE - Sunday 9th July from 12.30pm to 5.30pm. All musicians and singers are respectfully asked to attend this day of preparation.
In addition to the face-to-face preparation days, helpers, young helpers, clinicians and those in other relevant roles will be required to undertake online training prepared by the British Lourdes Medical Association. Further details will be sent to you by email on how to access this training.
SAFEGUARDING
In line with the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy, all helpers including leaders, Chaplains, Assistant Chaplains and some Support roles are required to have an Enhanced DBS Disclosure Certificate. Some roles also require checks against the barred lists.
You will be sent the appropriate documentation if you do not already have an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate issued by the Diocese or another organisation within the Catholic Church of England and Wales within 3 years.
We are now unable to use existing DBS certificates from a 3rd party organisation unless you are on the online update service and are able to show us the original copy of your certificate. Please provide the information when requested on the form, and the Pilgrimage office will contact you to discuss the way forward.
INSURANCE
All UK based pilgrims are included in group travel insurance and the cost is included in the price for the pilgrimage. In addition to your insurance, you will require a Global Health Insurance Card (please see GHIC below).
All travellers are covered for the duration of the pilgrimage from the moment they join the group i.e. at the airport for package or on arrival for accommodation only. Separate personal travel cover should be arranged by those traveling independently for the duration of their journey.
Pilgrims with pre-existing health conditions will need verbal confirmation that they are not travelling against their GP's advice. Our clinical leadership team will advise you if this is required.
A copy of the Insurance Policy will be sent to you with your final travel instructions. Insurance Product Information Document (IPID) will follow shortly. Click here to view the Insurance Product Information Document (IPID)
Please note: Mobile phones, musical instruments, computers, and loss of unattended personal possessions are specifically excluded from the policy, so please make separate arrangements.
GLOBAL HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (GHIC)
ALL PILGRIMS need a GHIC. These cards are required in the event of a pilgrim needing medical attention in France. The GHIC (which is free of charge) can be obtained online at Apply for a free GHIC card - Healthcare abroad
Please note that a GHIC must be obtained to validate your travel insurance.
PASSPORTS:
You can check if you need to renew your passport before travelling in the EU (even if the dates cover the pilgrimage dates) by going to Entry requirements - France travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Your passport must be:
- Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the 'date of issue')
- Valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the 'expiry date')
Please check with your embassy and the French embassy to be sure about what you need. It is your responsibility to ensure you have valid travel documents.
Please note it is your responsibility to check that your passport / visa is valid for travel to the EU.
VISAS
If you require a visa to travel to France, it is your responsibility to arrange your visa for the duration of the pilgrimage. We will provide you with confirmation of travel and accommodation bookings upon request to assist you.
HEALTH & SAFETY:
The Pilgrimage has a Health & Safety Policy. All pilgrims are expected to follow any health and safety procedures laid down by the organisation and behave in a responsible manner for their own welfare and the welfare of others. A copy of the policy and guidelines can be viewed here Pilgrimage Health & Safety Policy - Diocesan Health & Safety Guidelines or from the Pilgrimage Office upon request.
FINAL TRAVEL INSTRUCTIONS:
Your travel instructions will be sent to you in due course. Please note, that in exceptional circumstances these may change. The Final complete travel details and pilgrimage instructions will be sent to you by the 16th July 2023. These will only be sent if full payment has been received by the 30th May 2023 or an agreed monthly instalment plan is in effect and up to date.
DATA PROTECTION ACT:
Under the Data Protection Act personal information from the booking form will be registered on a computerised database for processing applications - Click here for details of how we use your personal information
FAMILIES TRAVELLING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN will be placed into our Family Group so that they spend time with other families and have the support of our family group teams. If your family would prefer to stay in one of our other groups, please contact the pilgrimage office to discuss this.
TRANSPORTING OF EQUIPMENT
Please note: we are only able to transport a very limited number of electric wheelchairs, musical instruments and clinical equipment by land. All other items such as luggage, children's push chairs etc. must be taken by you on your journey to Lourdes.
It is helpful to have the following information with you before completing your online application:-
✔ Your Passport
✔ Your Global / European Health Insurance Card
✔ GP's contact details, and a list of your medication (if applicable)
✔ Your DBS disclosure certificate (if you have one)
✔ A photograph of yourself showing your full face for your name badge ( you can smile!), that you can either post, A&B Lourdes Pilgrimage Office, St. Philip Howard Centre, 4 Southgate Drive, Crawley, RH10 6RP or send by email click here
If there is any other information that you think will be useful for us to know regarding your application, please email us
Complete the Online Application Form