'Pilgrims' - A pioneering ministry
The future of Pilgrims... & the planned Celebration Pilgrimage!
In May 2023 we launched a new ministry initiative called Pilgrims, which has been a wonderful and fruitful experience for many. Inspired by the UK-spanning Via Beata pilgrimage and the All Hallows’ Convent in Ditchingham, Pilgrims has invited companions to explore together the spirituality of pilgrimage and the monastic life of prayer, considering how these approaches to the Christian journey can inform life as a follower of Jesus today.
Pilgrims has formed an important part of the curacy I have been serving since July 2022 - and now, with my curacy into its final phase, I am able to share details about my next step in ministry. This summer, Lizelke and I will be relocating to the North East, where I will serve as the first Director of the Cuthbert Centre for Pilgrimage and Prayer at Durham Cathedral. It is an amazing opportunity, which you can read more about here. We will live in neighbouring Sunderland, where Lizelke will serve her own curacy.
As we prepare to move on, there is excitement about what is to come, as well as sadness at the prospect of saying goodbye. To celebrate all that we have shared together across the last 2 years, we'll be staging a Celebration Pilgrimage on Saturday 31st May 2025, about which you'll find full details below. Beyond this, it is hoped that Pilgrims will continue under the banner of the Earsham Benefice, about which I'll offer a further update in due course.
Revd James Shelton, 11.04.25
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'Pilgrims' in May
Celebration Pilgrimage
Saturday 31st May 2025, 8.30am - 5.00pm, departing from All Hallows Convent (NR35 2DZ)
We'll gather for a special day of celebration, to include Morning Prayer, a pilgrim walk, a simple service of Communion and a bring-and-share afternoon tea!
The Convent Chapel has been undergoing renovations in recent months, though it is hoped we will be able to gather here for Morning Prayer (with nearby Ditchingham Church as our back-up). After saying Morning Prayer together, we'll head off for a 7-mile circular walk, which will incorporate the delightful Bath Hills route. Upon our return, we'll congregate at Ditchingham Church for a simple Communion service, followed by a bring-and-share afternoon tea to round off the day.
Parking is available at Ditchingham Church, with overflow capacity at the former day-nursery next to the Convent site (please don't park at Emmaus, as this will also be a trading day for them). Bring a packed lunch for the pilgrim walk and dress for the anticipated weather (we'll be praying for celebration sunshine!)
If you're planning on coming, please tell us by signing up
here,
where you can also indicate your bring-and-share contribution.
Is pilgrimage any different from walking...?
Pilgrimage is more than simply going for a walk - it is profoundly spiritual and speaks into the everyday life of faith and discipleship. For example, the pilgrim learns to sift through their possessions, carrying only what is necessary and letting go of burdens that weigh down. The simplicity of each day creates space to pay attention, noticing the beauty of the surroundings and in every moment. Meanwhile, fellow travellers become a gift for mutual sharing and generosity. Walking long distances is also a significant test of physical, mental and spiritual perseverance – and this inevitably prompts the pilgrim to consider the source of their security and dependence.
Jesus said:
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11.28-29)
God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit We give thanks for the many lives changed and transformed by an encounter with you whilst on pilgrimage. Give us the wisdom to draw on your ancient ways in our lives today and bless ‘The Via Beata’; that it would truly be ‘A Way of Blessing’ for many.
Amen
