Becoming a Pilgrim
Follow these steps to get started planning your 2024 Three Hearts Pilgrimage to Clear Creek Abbey in Hulbert, OK.
STEP 1: REGISTRATION
Select your ticket type for each person attending with you, including infants. Then register your information and select a chapter, all before making a payment.
STEP 3:
PILGRIMS GUIDE
Questions? Check the 2024 Pilgrims Guide or our Frequently Asked Questions. If you don't find an answer, then next reach out to your chapter leader. If you still need assistance, reach out to us here!
STEP 2: CONFIRMATION
You'll receive a confirmation email of ticket purchase and registration from Eventbrite. (Check spam folders!) If you don't receive one, please contact us here.
FIRST TIME PILGRIM?
Each pilgrim will select a chapter during registration. A chapter is a group of approximately 30-60 people that walk, pray, and sing together. Pilgrims will select the chapter they wish to join during our registration process. If you're not familiar with any of our existing chapter groups, then select I Don't Have a Chapter, and we'll assign you one later. Learn more about starting a chapter here.
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What are the dates for 2024?October 10th - October 12th, 2024
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Who should attend?While this is a Catholic pilgrimage, we invite any Christian families and individuals pursuing Truth, Goodness, and Beauty to join us in our sacrificial walk! The pilgrimage is centered around the preservation of the Family, and therefore we strive to be as family-friendly as possible. Although please note that it is not an easy walk, and it is not comparable to a March For Life walk - it is very rigorous at times. Many people do bring small children, but you must be prepared that the best jogging stroller may even "struggle" at times. We have tried to make it as family friendly as we can with our small team, and each year strive to improve - supporting the "family" as much as possible is part of our mission.
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What is the age limit to participate?Anyone capable of making the walk. However, we recommend that families with children ages 10 and under consider the Family Walk option on the first walking day (Friday), which concludes walking for the day once arriving at the lunch /mid-day Mass stop (Mile 10). Those choosing to fore go the second half of the walk on Friday will send at least one parent on the shuttle to that evenings Campsite (Campsite 2). This is the only difference between the Family Walk and the Full Walk; on Saturday, the Family Walk is the same as the other pilgrims. SHUTTLE SERVICE: We have a shuttle service to help pilgrims that are injured or become ill and cannot continue. This shuttle will take you to the next scheduled break stop, where you can either rest until the walk catches up with you, or if you cannot walk any further at all - you will remain on the bus until the line reaches the campsite for the night. The shuttle is not meant for taking breaks, it is only meant for those who are severely struggling or injured. NOTE It is not an easy walk, and is NOT similar to events like March For Life, it is rigorous in many areas. Many people have brought children, but you must be prepared that sometimes along the trail even jogging strollers "struggle". The pilgrimage is not handicap accessible.
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Will there be medical supplies/staff available for emergencies?We don’t recommend depending upon medical personnel being provided. There will be a number of first responders available during any emergencies that arise as well as help assist with any minor injuries. The staff will not have Epi Pens, inhalers, etc. however they can help administer any medications that you bring.
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Can I bring my pet?Pets are not allowed on the walk nor at the monastery.
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Can I register and/or pay when I arrive?No. We ask that all pilgrims register no later than October 1st, 2024. You can register here.
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Will there be cell phone reception?The camp site areas may have limited reception. There will be very limited to no reception during the walk.
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Why should I consider going on a pilgrimage?As we begin making preparations for our journey, we would do well to remember that a pilgrimage is not simply a religiously-themed vacation, but a serious endeavor undertaken for a great purpose. What are the specific reasons for making a pilgrimage? Certainly many could be given, but traditionally, there are four: 1) To make atonement for sin 2) To venerate a particular place or object 3) To request a significant favor 4) To give thanks for favors received A more succinct way of stating these would be: Atonement, Adoration, Petition, Thanksgiving. The catechized pilgrim will recognize these as the four ends of prayer. A pilgrimage considered thus becomes a prayer we make with our whole being. The faculties of body, mind and soul come together for a common purpose. Every step we take along the way is another act of adoration, another tear shed for sins, another act of gratitude for favors received, another humble request that our petitions be granted. Here is a quick take on experiencing our pilgrimage by other fellow Catholics.
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Is this pilgrimage only for Catholics?No, we invite all of our fellow Christians to walk with us.
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What is “Chartres”?The Chartres pilgrimage, also known in French as the pèlerinage de Chrétienté, is an annual 63 mile pilgrimage from Notre-Dame de Paris to Notre-Dame de Chartres occurring around the Christian feast of Pentecost. This pilgrimage was made popular by Charles Pequy in the early 20th Century and now has an attendance of more than 15k pilgrims annually. The organizers of the Three Hearts Pilgrimage have somewhat modeled this event based on experiences from the Chartres walk. More information can be found here.
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Will there be Mass each day? Will confession be available?Mass will be said for the pilgrims on Friday before lunch, and on Saturday upon arrival at the abbey. A Mass tent and altars will be provided for participating clergy-pilgrims to say their daily Masses. Priests will be making themselves available for "field" confessions along the walk.
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How far is the walk?The total distance is 35 miles. Thursday evening does not include walking. Day 1 will be approximately 22 miles. Day 2 will be approximately 13 miles.
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What if I cannot finish the walk?We have shuttles standing by to assist any pilgrims unable to complete the walk. It is common that many people need assistance during a pilgrimage.
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What should I bring on the walk?During the time you'll be on the road walking, you'll want to be sure and bring a SMALL personal backpack, to carry for both days. This can be used to carry water, snacks, hand wipes, lunch, blister care materials, and personal toiletries. Water bottles will be provided throughout the weekend. We cannot confirm if an actual water spout /source will be available at the campsites, although we will strive to have one. Review the pilgrims guide at the top of the page for more details.
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Will there be places to stop and get supplies during the walk?No. You will need to bring enough food for to fill yourself/campers when you come Thursday evening. The closest store will be 3 miles away. On Friday, there will not be any stores available. Saturday afternoon, after arrival at the abbey, the closest store is approximately 20 minutes away.
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Will there be campsites?Yes, Thursday night and Friday night the pilgrims will be camping. Camping will be in an open field with very limited facilities. Porta potties will be provided at the campsite.
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Will I need to bring my own tent?Yes, each pilgrim is expected to bring their own tent and camping gear. You will not have to carry your tent or sleeping bags and supplies during the walk. You can find out more about how this works and a list of other needed items in our Pilgrims Handbook at the top of this page.
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Will there be designated areas for tent setup?Yes, you will be assigned a designated area to set up your tent within the chapter you will be walking with.
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How will I get my large luggage and tent at each campsite?Transportation for your luggage and camping gear will be provided. Your luggage will be stacked with the other pilgrims gear. You will receive specific colored zip ties at registration to put on your items and use to identify them. YOU WILL NOT BE EXPECTED TO CARRY YOUR TENT OR BACKPACK AFTER ARRIVAL ON THURSDAY EVENING. You will want to be sure and bring a SMALL personal backpack. This can be used to carry water, snacks, hand wipes, lunch, blister care materials, and personal toiletries.
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Will there be bathrooms/toilet paper/hand sanitizer?Porta potties will be provided at each campsite and at designated break stops along the walk. We suggest that people bring their own toiletries.
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Should I bring bug spray?Yes, by this time of year many of the bugs are gone for the season, however as a precaution we recommend that you bring bug spray. Recommended Body Lotion Recommended Equiptment Spray
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List of items to packFor context and a comprehensive description of what you need, please review the pilgrims guide at the top of this page.
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What kind of weather should I expect?At this time of year in Oklahoma, the weather can be unpredictable. We recommend checking the weather closer to the time. Please be aware there could be a chance of rain. We recommend that you bring rain gear.
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Will there be accommodations at the monastery on Saturday?Only camp grounds will be available. We've reserved grounds on monastery property to be available on Saturday for pilgrims to camp after retrieving vehicles and luggage. Please reach out to tell the Monastery guest master if you intend to camp and how many people you will have: guestmaster@clearcreekmonks.org There will may be limited availability for MALE pilgrims inside the monastery cells on Saturday; clergy and religious will be given priority.) Alternatively, please check our pilgrims guide at the top of this page for recommended local accommodations.
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Will I need to bring my own food?Yes, all pilgrims will be expected to bring their own food supplies for most of the pilgrimage. The organizers will provide a soup dinner and bread Thursday and Friday evenings, and bbq after the arrival Mass on Saturday. Water bottles will be provided at each campsite, and break-stops. No food or other beverages (i.e. coffee/ tea) will be provided at breaks other than the above mentioned. Pilgrims are responsible for making sure they bring enough food to last for the duration of the pilgrimage. A list of nearby grocery stores is provided below and in the Pilgrims Guide at the top of this page. It is recommended that you bring food items that will not easily spoil without refrigeration and that do not need to be heated or cooked as there will not be access to a grill or fire pit. Recommended food items are: apples and oranges, dried or canned meats, trail mix and granola bars, sandwich ingredients, bagels, instant coffee, etc... Below is a list of local stores if you need to purchase last-minute items in Oklahoma: Dollar General 6414 OK-82, Peggs, OK 74452 (14 miles from campsite) Antique Cowboy Emporium (Gas & Convenience Store) 6250 OK-82 S toward N 440 Rd., Peggs, OK 74352 (14 miles from campsite) Wal-Mart Supercenter 2020 Muskogee Ave, Tahlequah, OK 74464 (17 miles from campsite) Reasor’s Foods (Grocery) 2001 Muskogee Ave, Tahlequah, OK 74464 (17 miles from campsite) WalGreens Pharmacy 1905 S Muskogee Ave., Tahlequah, OK 74464 (16 miles from campsite)
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Will there be food provided for lunch?No, you will be expected to provide your own lunch. Our at the top of this page will provide more info about what to pack and local stores to pick up last minute items BEFORE arriving at the campsite.
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Will water be provided?Bottles of water will be provided at each campsite and at each rest stop.
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Will there be parking for my vehicle?We will have (free) designated parking from Thursday, October 10th 2024 to Saturday, October 12th, 2024. Details will be emailed to registrants shortly before the event. PARKING AND ARRIVAL NOTE: To ensure all pilgrims can arrive to their vehicles and retrieve their luggage promptly following the end of the event, we will have ALL vehicles parking in a designated Pilgrim Parking close to the end of the pilgrimage route (near the Abbey). This will allow for a swift shuttle time and everyone may depart faster once the final Mass has ended. Please be aware that this will add an additional time to your arrival plans for Thursday. The general arrival process is: THURSDAY ARRIVAL: 1. Arrive at “Campsite 1” between the hours of 12PM-6PM 2. Check-in at Registration 3. Unload all passengers and luggage from your vehicle 4. The driver of the vehicle will be given directions on Pilgrim Parking 5. The driver will depart with the personal vehicle and head to the designated Pilgrim's Parking location (this is about 35-40 mins away) 6. Upon arrival at Pilgrim Parking, all drivers will be shuttled back to “Campsite 1”
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Can we bring an RV or similar type motor camper?No, unfortunately we will not be able to accept or accommodate any type of motorized camper units along this years pilgrimage. Please bring a car to park and leave at the designated parking spot, and plan to camp along the route with the other pilgrims.
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Can we drive our vehicle or van along the route?No, unfortunately this is not an option due to safety reasons and accommodating our medical teams and route patrol staff. You do not have to walk the entire pilgrimage - we have made picking up pilgrims an option, and family routes to make this easier to attend, but we cannot have pilgrim vehicles following the route or coming half way through the journey to campsites. Please reach out to us if you have any foreseen issues to inquire about.