A non-exhaustive list of items a participant might want to bring includes:

Bag/backpack for the below items
Water bottle
Snacks (trail mix, granola bars, etc.)
Extra clothes (shirts, socks, undergarments, pants, etc.)
Extra shoes
Toiletries
Poncho
Sunglasses
Sleeping bag/cot/air mattress/blankets
Rosary

No. Pilgrims' extra luggage should be brought with them to the starting point and it will dropped off at our overnight accommodations. Details will be shared with registrants as the date nears as to how that process will work.

However, you will have to carry anything you choose to bring with you on the walking portions of the Pilgrimage, such as a water bottle, rosary, or extra snacks. Additional drinks will be available in the support vehicle as we make stops.

The typical route from St. Joseph in Manchester to the Shrine of St. Joseph is about 24 miles of walking, with an overnight stay at St. Joseph in Clayton.

However, adjustments are sometimes made, and the length of the Pilgrimage has varied over the years.

Pilgrims should bring their own light snacks if they wish to eat during the day, including lunch on Saturday. Dinner will be provided Saturday night and a light breakfast (muffins, bagels, granola bars) on Sunday will be provided as well. Some snacks and water throughout the pilgrimage will also be available. Participants are encouraged to bring other provisions as desired or as dietary needs require.

We cannot make special accommodations for special dietary needs. If you need to bring your own food, you may leave it at our lodging location or in the support vehicle.

If you would like to make a contribution towards the cost of these meals (or other costs associated with the pilgrimage), please indicate this when you register.

Yes, confessions will be available. If a priest is able to join us during the walking portions of the pilgrimage, priest and penitent can drop back from the group for confessions as necessary. Depending on time, confessions may be heard prior to Mass at the Carmelite Monastery on Saturday, and/or the Holy Hour on Saturday evening.

No, if you want to participate in the Joseph Challenge on both Saturday and Sunday, you do not have to stay overnight, but it is highly encouraged. A major component of the Pilgrimage is the fraternity with the other men and the enduring of this challenging pilgrimage together. If one man went home to sleep in his soft bed while the others remained to sleep on the hard basement floor, some aspect of fraternity would be lost. You would also need to be back in time to depart with the group on Sunday morning, and you would be responsible for arranging your transportation home and back.

**Only applicable when an overnight component is included in the Pilgrimage itinerary

The route will be through the heart of the St. Louis metro area and will take place almost entirely on concrete or asphalt sidewalks and streets. The route will take pilgrims through some busy areas/neighborhoods, but also through some quiet parks.

Yes, any man at least 18 years old can participate in the The Joseph Challenge Pilgrimage. If you are not 18 by the day of the pilgrimage, we ask that you pray for the pilgrims attending this year and join us for next year's pilgrimage.

Family and friends are welcome (and encouraged!) to attend Mass with the Pilgrims on Sunday.

The remainder of the pilgrimage is intended to be an opportunity for the participants to "disconnect" from the world and focus on their relationship with God. In this sense, the Pilgrimage is like a retreat.

This Pilgrimage would be a great father/son bonding experience. If you want to bring your nephew, God-son, or any other man in your family, it is highly encouraged! But remember due to Archdiocesan guidelines, the age limit is strictly 18 years of age and older.

The weather in Missouri in early May can be unpredictable. The Joseph Challenge Pilgrimage will continue as planned through inclement weather, though considerations will be made if the weather is severe. We will communicate with participants as the date draws near and forecasts are available. In the meantime, pray for good weather! Since this Pilgrimage began in 2016, weather has been a significant factor only a couple of times.

That is up to individual participants. The Joseph Challenge Pilgrimage is intended to be, in a sense, a retreat. But many people use their phones for other things, such as a camera, or as a prayer book. In order to communicate with rides, or in the case of emergencies, it may be a good idea to have your cell phone. Pilgrimage organizers will have their cell phones at all times.

Also, remember that we will be walking through a densely populated area. In the case of a drastic emergency, a phone or help will not be far off.

A registration fee is not required. Contributions to help defray costs (meals, snacks, priest travel) and to support the Shrine of St. Joseph are appreciated. Knights of Columbus Ss Gregory and Augustine Council 17355 will accept non-tax deductible donations at: https://www.venmo.com/u/KofC17355

If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution, please email kofc17355@oratorysga.org

No, you do not have to be Catholic to participate in The Joseph Challenge. However, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is only offered to baptized Catholics, and reception of Holy Communion during Mass is reserved for Catholics in the state of grace. Non-Catholics may participate in all other aspects of the Pilgrimage.

No, showers are not available. This is a pilgrimage after all, which requires some sacrifice. Forgoing a shower for one night might simply mean you need to apply some extra deodorant in the morning.

A ride will be available to come pick up any pilgrim who cannot physically reach the next destination of the Pilgrimage.

This is an official event of the Knights of Columbus Council #17355 at the Oratory of Ss. Gregory and Augustine. Some organizations that have supported or collaborated with us through the years include: Those Catholic Men/Exodus 90 and the priests of Miles Christi.

Yes, you may make a contribution to the Shrine. The other locations along the Pilgrimage will also accept your donations.