April 26th Update: Information for Pilgrims

Dear Pilgrims,

This is my first email in preparation for The Way of Stella Maris 2020, which will begin on Sunday, August 9th at Holy Cross Church, Middle Musquodoboit and end with Mass at noon on Saturday, August 15th. We learned plenty during our first pilgrimage last year so this coming year will be even better than the last. I hope you find this update helpful in these early days of preparation.

I highly recommend the full experience. Please get a ride to Middle Musquodoboit (We can help you find a ride, if necessary and we can organize free parking in Halifax for the duration of the pilgrimage and get you to Middle Musquodoboit). PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR CAR. It is very difficult to transport so many people daily back to their car so we cannot offer this option this coming summer. Plus, this is a walking pilgrimage retreat, so get away for a week, relax, pray and unplug.

The purpose of The Way of Stella Maris is:

a. To pray for the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth; and,

b. To provide a local walking spiritual retreat experience.

Registration: We have 30 registered pilgrims. Therefore, we have space for 35 more. If you are seriously considering The Way of Stella Maris, I highly recommend you register as soon as possible. To register, please click on this link:

https://www.halifaxyarmouth.org/pilgrimage/item/the-way-of-stella-maris

Here’s the plan:

Aug 9: Registration, Mass & Meet & Greet at Holy Cross Church, Middle Musquodoboit

Aug 10: Middle Musquodoboit to Meaghers Grant: 22.2km

Aug 11: Meagher’s Grant to Musquodoboit Harbour: 21km

Aug 12: Musquodoboit Harbour to West Chezzetcook: 20.5km

Aug 13: West Chezzetcook to Lawrencetown: 17.5km

Aug 14: Lawrencetown to Eastern Passage: 15.5km

Aug 15: Eastern Passage to Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Halifax: 8km / 11km / or 15km options

Here is a link for your physical preparation. I did this last year about two months before the pilgrimage began, so I hope to update it with a four month physical preparation plan by April:

https://www.halifaxyarmouth.org/images/websections/pilgrimage/Physical_Preparation_for_The_Way_of_Stella_Maris-.pdf

Here’s a typical day on The Way:

6:00am – 7:00am Wake / Pack

7:00am – 8:00am Breakfast / Lunch prep

8:00am – 4:00pm Walk

4:00pm – 5:00pm Setup

5:00pm – 6:30pm Dinner

6:30pm – 7:15pm Mass & Adoration

7:15pm – 7:45pm Group Sharing

7:45pm – 10:00pm Free time

10:00pm Lights Out

3:37am Pee break

Please join our Facebook Group: “The Way of Stella Maris” There are loads of great pictures from 2019. If you are not on Facebook, please join the WhatsApp group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GWIDc0Lnm55CxqQ5bcE06G

If you are someone, or if you know someone, who wants to participate in The Way of Stella Maris but can’t afford the $200 registration fee, please let me know and this can be taken care of confidentially. I don’t want the registration fee to be an obstacle for anyone.

For folks who have expressed an interest in volunteering for 2020, here is a list of the volunteer positions needed and the point of contact:

Prayer Team:

Please pray for The Way of Stella Maris and all the pilgrims. If you can commit to praying for us or if you have a specific prayer request, please email Tanya Noye: stellamarisprayer@gmail.com

Basecamp:

There is need for one person to help Maxine Brown at our basecamp (her RV trailer). Duties will include helping setup and take-down daily, grocery runs and venue check-in and check-out. If you are interested in this position please email Maxine: maxbrown8@gmail.com

Trail Operations and Transportation:

We need four volunteers to support Dave and Ainslea Cardinal with trail operations (signage, etc) and pilgrim transportation, in case a pilgrim cannot complete the daily section). These four volunteers must have their own vehicles (we will reimburse you for your gas). If you are interested please contact Ainslea: ainsc@live.com or Dave: halifaxcardinal@gmail.com

Water Stations:

We need six volunteers to help Sheila Kidd at the water and rest stations. These volunteers must have their own vehicle (gas will be reimbursed). For more information please contact Sheila at: Sheila_Kidd@bellaliant.net

Medical:

We need one person with medical experience at basecamp to support Lindsay Elford. If you are interested please contact Lindsay at: lindsayelford44@gmail.com

Finally, I have necessarily discussed lots of planning items above but please know that The Way of Stella Maris is foremost an opportunity for you to grow spiritual intimacy with Jesus Christ who, through the Holy Spirit, revealed to us the heart of our Heavenly Father who loves you. This pilgrimage is an opportunity for you to deepen in the amazing truth of grace. As such, I suggest you spend some time in quiet and ask God, “Why am I considering The Way of Stella Maris?” Listen to the thoughts that come to mind and the movements in your soul. You may want to take some Scripture into prayer. Here is a suggested starting place:

“Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.” -Jeremiah 6:16

I will send out monthly update over the winter. These will increase in regularity in May. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns please let me know by emailing: thewayofstellamaris@gmail.com

Sent in faith, hope and love,

Rob