The first step in planning a pilgrimage to Champion Shrine is to determine the date on which you and your group can travel. Perhaps you would like to plan a trip to the Shrine around a feast day Mass or during a special event at Champion Shrine. View a list of updated upcoming special events or feast day Masses.

If your group will be traveling by bus, contact the travel/tour bus operator in your area immediately to find out whether or not the dates chosen for travel are available. During the summer months, please keep in mind that buses are in high demand.

If you are traveling by air to come to Champion Shrine, check for your preferred airline’s flights that are available on your selected dates. Champion Shrine is within driving distance of four international airports.

Click here to learn more about your travel options.

To help us serve you better, we ask that you fill out the pilgrimage form below and let us know on what date and at what time we can expect you. In addition to basic contact information and anticipated date/s of pilgrimage, we ask that you share with us any other details about your expectations for pilgrimage. Please indicate, on the contact sheet, whether you would like help planning the event. Also, please indicate whether you would like Shrine staff to be available to assist your group by offering a guided tour, a history talk or other activities that enhance Catechesis.

Visit the Visitor Resources Page for information that will help you plan your pilgrimage. Helpful publications are available for direct download from that page, including the Shrine’s Pilgrimage Planning Guide, liturgical guide, sample itineraries, brochures, and travel info.

It is important that your pilgrimage is properly promoted to those who might wish to attend. Suggestions for promotion include:

• Publish, through your parish bulletin or online, the date and time of your pilgrimage.
• Create a poster and/or a companion flier that can be posted on your organization’s grounds, showing any special events that may occur at the Shrine during the pilgrimage; e.g: speakers, retreats, etc.
• Request Promotional Materials from the Shrine to hand out to interested pilgrims. The Shrine can provide logos, images, brochures, tour guides and itineraries.
• Have a viewing party at your local parish or prayer group of the Shrine History DVD. You can order the DVD by calling the Shrine gift shop at 920.315.0398
• Hold a presentation about the Shrine at your Parish or prayer group.

While lodging is not provided on the Shrine grounds, there are many options for affordable accommodations in the tri-county region where Champion Shrine is located. For retreats/missions and large group overnight stays, please contact our pilgrimage planning coordinators who work regularly with area hotels and schools to help you find affordable housing and accommodations. Please also visit our Lodging Page to see local accommodation options such as campsites, hotels, retreat centers, and B&Bs.

If your group will be dining at the Shrine during the pilgrimage, see our Lodging and Food Page for a list of caterers that offer a variety of food options for your group. There is also a limited menu of items available for smaller groups through the Shrine’s on-site Schoolhouse café.

If a priest will be accompanying your group and they want to celebrate Mass at a special time or concelebrate mass during the Shrine’s regular Mass times, please contact our pilgrimage planning coordinator at 920-866-2571 ext 113 to obtain the proper paperwork and submit the proper credentials from your Diocese or Archdiocese for the visiting priest.