Fall Break

October 14-21, 2023

Holy Cross Backpacking Pilgrimage

Adirondack High Peak Wilderness & St. Joseph's Oratory, Montreal

Adirondack High Peak Wilderness

4 Days / 3 Nights in the valleys and peaks of the Adirondack High Peak Wilderness.

St. Joseph's Oratory

1 day / 2 nights for rest, prayer, and pilgrimage at the greatest shrine to St. Joseph, founded by St. André Bessette, the Miracle Man of Montreal and a brother of Holy Cross.

This pilgrimage, sponsored by the Holy Cross Office of Vocations, is intended to help young men discern God's call in their lives.

Adventure

in the beautiful wilderness of New York.

Learn

the fundamentals of wilderness backpacking.

Pray

with the wonder and awe of creation.

Experience

a community of young Catholic men.

Ask

big questions about God's call in your life.

Be Led

by Holy Cross brothers, priests and seminarians.

Above photos from the Holy Cross Backpacking Pilgrimage, Fall 2022

This is a serious backpacking trip.

7 - 10 mile days with a 25lb + pack
Rain, mud, rocks and lots of elevation change.
Cooking, water filtration, bear-proofing, camp setup and takedown.
Sweeping views, river valleys, and rocky peaks.

This is also a serious pilgrimage.

Daily Mass & Liturgy of the Hours in the outdoors.
Reflection on the Gospel of Creation.
Small group check-ins and reflections.
Day of prayer with St. Joseph at the Oratory.

Itinerary

The backpacking pilgrimage is compatible with the Notre Dame vs. USC game on Saturday, October 14.

A Passport or Passport Card will be required for entry into Canada.

Saturday, October 14

Gather after USC Game

Spend the night @ Moreau Seminary before departure

Sunday, October 15

Morning Mass & Drive to New York

11 Hours

Monday,
October 16

Finish Drive

1 Hour

Monday - Thursday

Backpack & Camp

High Peaks Wilderness

Thursday, October 19

Finish Hike & Drive to St. Joseph's Oratory, Montreal

2 Hours

Friday, October 20

All Day at St. Joseph's Oratory

Day of Rest, Prayer, and Pilgrimage

Saturday, October 21

Return to ND

12 Hours (late-night return)

Pre-Hike Preparations

2 Preparatory Hikes (Weekend of Sept 30th and Oct 7th)
2 Evening Prep Sessions (Week of Sept 25th and Oct 2nd)
2 Gear Checks (Thursday Oct 12th @ 7:00pm, Saturday Oct 14th 9:30am)
Provide your own rain-proof clothing and footwear (we will provide the rest of the gear).
$200 cost (need-based scholarships available).

Application due Wednesday, September 13th

questions? email us at kbross@nd.edu

Interested in learning more about the Congregation of Holy Cross?

Contact the Vocations Office at vocations@holycrossusa.org.

Find us online at cscvocations.org, or on social media @cscvocations.