Churches from across the diocese will be able to learn about how pilgrimages can help them engage with their communities and beyond at a Pilgrimages Day at Ripon Cathedral on Friday, January 30.
Organised in collaboration with Faith in the North, the morning event is open to all in the diocese and will offer people opportunities to hear from churches that are already using pilgrimage routes to build relationships, as well as learning about the Pilgrim Places initiative and the resources available to support pilgrimage.
The morning event will begin with input from people at Ripon Cathedral and from Faith in the North, before hearing from representatives from churches in Marske, Arkengarthdale and the Fountains benefice about their experiences using pilgrimage in their contexts.
There will also be an introduction to the Faith in the North Pilgrim Places resources, before the event ends at midday.
The Revd Caroline Pinchbeck, Diocesan Rural Change Enabler, said: “Pilgrim Places is really important resource and network provided by Faith in the North.
“For our small rural churches, it adds to the many ways in which we can extend our welcome to enable pilgrims and visitors to encounter God and deepen their own spirituality.”
Pilgrim Places is Faith in the North’s initiative to encourage people to become pilgrims exploring churches as special places, taking time to pause, reflect and find peace, hope, comfort, and understanding to take back into the everyday pilgrim journey of life.
Any church, in any context, can become a ‘Pilgrim Place’ – somewhere welcoming, and peaceful which offers time to relax and reflect.
The Pilgrim Places resources, including trails, prayer cards, signage and toolkits, are designed to support all churches, whether on an existing pilgrimage route or walking trail; looking to develop their own trails; or just wanting to find fresh ways to welcome visitors and local people.
To sign up for the event, please click here.
You can find out more about Pilgrim Places by clicking here.