Save-the-date for April 29, 2023!

More information to come.

The Way of Saint Joseph is a pilgrimage between St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka and St. Joseph Catholic Church in South Bend. Join us as we honor Saint Joseph in a region that gives that name pride of place for its churches, river, and county.

For those who are unable to complete the five-mile pilgrimage at once, there are recommended access points along the way. Consider completing the journey in segments over several days.

Journeying on this pilgrimage is a time to praise God through His son’s adoptive father, reflecting on the terrific sacrifices Joseph made to be a quiet man of God and to trust God’s plans for him and his family.

Registration is strongly appreciated so we can plan accordingly.

REGISTER Route guide

Departure

The Way of St. Joseph departs from St. Joseph Parish, Mishawaka. The parish will open for 7 a.m. Mass followed by adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.

At 9 a.m., Fr. Chris Lapp will lead an opening prayer before pilgrims set out toward the St. Joseph River and its walking trails, ultimately ending up on the East Bank Trail.

ROUTE MAP

Access Points

Those who cannot walk the five-mile length of the route may join us at additional access points along the Way. Locations and expected arrival times are:

The parking lot along the river by Veteran’s Memorial Park at around 10:30 a.m. (2 miles to destination). Joe Kernan Park at around 11 a.m. (1 mile to destination). Howard Park at around 11:15 a.m. (0.4 miles to destination).

Destination

The pilgrimage will arrive at St. Joseph South Bend before an 12 p.m. pilgrim prayer service hosted at the church. That service will be a time to offer all the intentions we have carried for St. Joseph along the Way. Afterward, food will be available at low costs for lunch. Children will be able to play in the enclosed grassy area next to the church. Enjoy this time of fellowship before catching a free shuttle back to your vehicle.

Preparing for a Pilgrimage

Christians have been making pilgrimages since within 100 years of the Resurrection of Christ. It is one of our oldest forms of prayer. Many people think a pilgrimage has to be made to the Holy Land, Rome, or some other far off place, but the reality is that any journey where we set out to reach a destination and bring our prayers to God through Mary and the saints is a pilgrimage.

For that reason, it is important that each of us take time to consider what intentions we will bring to St. Joseph on the pilgrimage. Families should take time together talking with their children about what each child would like to tell St. Joseph. Children will be encouraged to bring a drawing or written intention to have brought up as an offertory during the prayer service at St. Joseph Parish, South Bend. All are welcome to carry something, such as a rock, prayer card, cross, etc. that helps in feeling connected to St. Joseph.

Looking for more?

The Way of St. Joseph between St. Joseph Parish, Mishawaka and St. Joseph Parish, South Bend is a collaboration of those parishes, the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend Young Adult Ministry and Marriage and Family Ministry, and the non-profit organization Modern Catholic Pilgrim.

Young Adult Ministry Marriage and Family Ministry modern catholic pilgrim