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 (if applicable). 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.

Typically, this is a walking pilgrimage of 20 miles or more in total, with an overnight stay.

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. Dinner will be provided Friday night and a light breakfast (muffins, bagels, granola bars) on Saturday will be provided as well. It's possible we may have a dinner at the conclusion of the pilgrimage on Saturday evening. 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 heard Friday evening and Saturday morning before Mass. 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.

No, if you want to participate in the Joseph Challenge on both Friday and Saturday, 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 Saturday 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.

Family and friends are welcome (and encouraged!) to attend the Masses that will be offered.

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.

Any man or boy of any age who wants to participate is encouraged, including any family members.

If an overnight component is included, we ask that participants be over the age of 18 for the overnight portion; any minors will not be allowed to stay overnight.

This Pilgrimage would be a great father/son bonding experience, for example. If you want to bring your nephew, God-son, uncle, or any other man in your family, it is highly encouraged!

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.

Anyone of any age is welcome to participate in the non-overnight components of the Pilgrimage.

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!

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.

We are not asking participants to pay a registration fee. Contributions to help defray costs (meals, snacks, priest travel) and to support the Shrine of St. Joseph are appreciated. The Shrine makes use of volunteers to support our time and celebration of Holy Mass. Please indicate when you register that you are willing to make a contribution and organizers will contact you.

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.

Some organizations that have supported us or collaborated with us through the years include: Those Catholic Men/Exodus 90; The Knights of Columbus; and the priests of Miles Christi. This was not an official event of any organization from 2016-2023.

In 2024, the Joseph Challenge Pilgrimage became an official event of the Knights of Columbus Council #17355 at the Oratory of Ss. Gregory and Augustine.

If we have Mass at the Shrine of St. Joseph, then yes, during the Offertory you should consider giving generously to the Shrine. They stay open beyond their normal hours so that we can celebrate Holy Mass in the church.

The other locations will also accept your donations.