Beyond The Destination Tours
Catholic Heartland Pilgrimage
BTDT Catholic Heartland Pilgrimage

Leave the Noise Behind

A 12-Day Catholic Pilgrimage Through the Heartland of American Catholicism

A small-group Catholic pilgrimage of prayer, sacred places, fellowship, and renewal.

September 16–27, 2026
Including participation in the Beatification of Venerable Fulton J. Sheen on September 24, 2026.

12 Days / 11 Nights 23–25 Pilgrims September 16–27, 2026 Small-Group Pilgrimage
Why This Pilgrimage Exists

A journey shaped by Fulton Sheen and the Catholic Heartland.

Some pilgrimages begin with a destination. This pilgrimage began with a desire to share the life, legacy, and spiritual influence of Venerable Fulton J. Sheen. His writings, broadcasts, retreats, and witness continue to inspire Catholics to a deeper love of Christ, the Eucharist, and the mission of the Church.

Archbishop Sheen's devotion to the daily Holy Hour, his clarity in teaching the Catholic faith, his joyful proclamation of the Gospel, and his missionary zeal became the inspiration for creating a pilgrimage that goes beyond attending his Beatification. Instead, pilgrims are invited to encounter the places, people, and spiritual heritage that helped shape one of America's greatest Catholic evangelists while discovering the rich Catholic legacy of Illinois and Missouri.

“From the day of his ordination till the day he died, sixty years, never missing it, was making a daily Holy Hour before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.”
— Dr. Peter Howard, describing Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen's lifelong devotion to the Holy Hour

As plans for his Beatification began to take shape, a desire emerged to create an opportunity for Colorado Catholics to journey together to many of the places connected with his life, legacy, and mission while also discovering the rich Catholic heritage of the American Heartland.

This pilgrimage is therefore more than attendance at a historic Church event. It is an invitation to walk through the story of Catholic America, encounter saints and sacred places, deepen friendships in Christ, and experience the spiritual legacy of Fulton Sheen in a personal and prayerful way.

The hope is that pilgrims return home not simply having visited important places, but with a renewed love for the faith, a deeper commitment to prayer, and a greater appreciation for the remarkable men and women who helped build the Catholic Church in America.

A Small Pilgrimage by Design

Not a busload of strangers. A community of pilgrims.

The Catholic Heartland Pilgrimage is intentionally limited to approximately 23–25 pilgrims because the goal is not simply to visit sacred places. The goal is to journey together as a community of faith.

Large tours can certainly be enjoyable, but they often become experiences where many travelers never truly get to know one another. Conversations are brief. Fellowship is limited. Time is spent waiting for large groups to assemble, board, unload, and move from place to place.

By intentionally keeping this pilgrimage small, pilgrims have greater opportunities to share meals, conversations, stories, prayer intentions, and experiences with one another throughout the journey.

Smaller groups also create a more personal pilgrimage experience. There is greater flexibility, easier access to many pilgrimage sites, less time spent waiting, and more opportunities for meaningful fellowship during travel days, meals, walks, and periods of reflection.

Many pilgrims begin as strangers and return home with lasting friendships rooted in a shared experience of prayer, discovery, and faith.

This pilgrimage is intentionally designed to feel less like a tour group and more like a temporary parish community traveling together toward Christ.

The Faith Beneath the Journey
“Unless souls are saved, nothing is saved; there can be no world peace unless there is soul peace.”
— Archbishop Fulton Sheen

The pilgrimage is shaped by the four pillars of Catholic life.

The journey is not built as a checklist of places. It is ordered toward the Creed we profess, the Sacraments that form us, the Life in Christ we are called to live, and the Christian Prayer that teaches us to listen.

Creed

We travel as Catholics who profess the faith handed on by the Church and witnessed by the saints.

Sacraments

Mass, adoration, confession when available, and sacred places keep grace at the center of the journey.

Life in Christ

Fellowship, patience, service, courage, and charity shape how pilgrims walk together day by day.

Christian Prayer

Silence, Scripture, Marian devotion, and reflection help pilgrims leave the noise behind and listen for God.

Four Witnesses for the Journey

Lives of prayer, courage, mission, and trust.

These witnesses are the spiritual companions who shape the journey.

Archbishop Fulton Sheen, central spiritual witness of the pilgrimage

Fulton Sheen

Truth, prayer, and a life given to Christ.

Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne, missionary courage and perseverance

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne

Missionary courage and holy perseverance.

Priory Chapel at Saint Louis Abbey for the Benedictine spirituality pillar

Benedictine Hospitality & Spirituality

Silence, hospitality, stability, prayer.

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows for Marian devotion

Marian Devotion

Beauty, entrustment, and sacred reflection.

The Journey

Twelve days of prayer, fellowship, reflection, and sacred places.

This is the pilgrimage a prospective pilgrim is being invited to enter.

Christ’s Invitation Each Day

Each day of this pilgrimage invites pilgrims into one movement of the Christian life.

Leave Answer Pray Follow Journey Abide Behold Prepare Celebrate Persevere Give Thanks Go Forth
Colorado departure day
Day 1

Leaving Home, Seeking God

Colorado departure, group flight, coach transfer to Peoria, welcome dinner, and the first quiet act of leaving ordinary life behind.

He's there, calling
Day 2

Called for a Purpose

The journey into Fulton Sheen's early life becomes an invitation to examine our own. God called an ordinary young man from Illinois to proclaim Christ to the world—and He continues to call each of us with purpose today.

Friends spending time together
Day 3

A Life Given to Christ

The source of Sheen's remarkable life was found before the Blessed Sacrament. Through silence, prayer, and the Holy Hour, pilgrims are invited to encounter the same Eucharistic Lord who transformed his life.

the interior experience of the day
Day 4

Walking with the Shepherd.

Today the journey itself becomes the teacher. Follow the Good Shepherd through prayer, reflection, sacred conversation, and encounters that unfold along the way. Trust the journey. Receive each moment as it comes.

moving toward mission
Day 5

Journey to St. Louis

Having reflected on the life that formed Archbishop Fulton Sheen, pilgrims now begin the next chapter of their own pilgrimage. The road ahead leads from formation toward mission, preparing hearts for the witness that awaits.

a monastic way of life
Day 6

Benedictine Hospitality & Prayer

For centuries, the Benedictine way of life has formed disciples through prayer, hospitality, work, and community. As pilgrims encounter Saint Louis Abbey, they discover that holiness is often found not in extraordinary moments, but in the faithful rhythm of everyday life lived for God.

Grotto of Lourdes at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville
Day 7

Sacred Beauty & Marian Hope Reveals God

From the gentle embrace of Our Lady to the breathtaking beauty of one of America's great cathedrals, pilgrims discover how beauty, prayer, and Mary's faithful "yes" continue to lead hearts toward Christ.

open paths to the pilgrim's day.
Day 8

Pilgrim's Choice

This day offers the freedom to follow where God leads. Participate in official diocesan programs and conferences, explore sacred places, spend time in prayer, or simply rest in quiet anticipation as the Church prepares for tomorrow's Beatification.

The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis for the Beatification day
Day 9

A Historic Day for the Church

Pilgrims join the Church in celebrating the Beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, giving thanks for a life that continues to inspire holiness, evangelization, and joyful fidelity. More than witnesses to history, they become participants in a moment of grace for the whole Church.

Shrine of Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne in St. Charles, Missouri
Day 10

Missionary Courage

Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne: Leaving everything familiar behind, Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne carried the Gospel across the American frontier through perseverance, sacrifice, education, and unwavering faith. Her life reminds pilgrims that missionary courage is measured not by comfort or success, but by steadfast fidelity to Christ wherever He leads.

Creve Coeur Lake walking path on a bright September day for gathering the graces of the pilgrimage
Day 11

Walking With Sheen — Gathering the Graces

Walking 3-miles quietly through God's creation and later gathering in prayer at the Shrine of St. Joseph, pilgrims give thanks for the many graces received, discovering that every pilgrimage ultimately prepares us to return home with renewed faith and purpose.

Returning to continue life's pilgrimage
Day 12

The Pilgrimage Continues

The Pilgrims return home carrying far more than memories. Strengthened through prayer, fellowship, and encounter with Christ, they are sent forth to live the Gospel with renewed faith, renewed purpose, and renewed hope in their families, parishes, workplaces, and communities.

Meet Your Pilgrimage Host

A pilgrimage led from personal faith, not packaged tourism.

This pilgrimage is hosted by Terence O'Hare, a parishioner of St. Peter Catholic Church in Monument, Colorado, and a Certified Catholic Missionary through the Pontifical Institute at Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Ontario.

Terence O'Hare, host of the BTDT Catholic Heartland Pilgrimage

Terence created this pilgrimage after years of personal devotion to the life, writings, broadcasts, and spiritual witness of Venerable Fulton J. Sheen. Sheen’s love for Christ, devotion to the Holy Hour, clarity in teaching the faith, and missionary courage have deeply shaped Terence’s own Catholic formation.

This journey was not designed as a generic tour package. It was created as an invitation for Colorado Catholics and fellow pilgrims to enter more deeply into prayer, fellowship, Catholic heritage, and the missionary spirit that marked Sheen’s life.

As host, Terence’s role is to help pilgrims travel with confidence, remain attentive to the spiritual purpose of the journey, and experience the pilgrimage as a temporary community of faith.

The hope is simple: that every pilgrim returns home renewed in prayer, strengthened in Catholic friendship, and encouraged to know, live, serve the Faith with greater courage through Jesus Christ!

Parishes, Councils & Catholic Ministries

Help Share the Catholic Heartland Pilgrimage

Catholic parishes, Knights of Columbus councils, ministries, schools, apostolates, and other Catholic organizations are invited to help make this pilgrimage known to those they serve.

Beyond The Destination provides outreach resources and offers a Ministry Partnership Donation for participating Catholic organizations whose referred pilgrims complete the pilgrimage.

Catholic Heartland Pilgrimage banner
Help Build the Inaugural Pilgrimage

Become a Founding Friend

The Catholic Heartland Pilgrimage is being built in faith as an inaugural journey of prayer, fellowship, formation, and sacred encounter.

Founding Friends help support the early commitments needed before pilgrims depart, including supplier deposits, outreach, pilgrimage resources, and the technology that helps make this journey possible.

Contributions support the development and launch of the Catholic Heartland Pilgrimage and are not tax-deductible charitable donations.

Walking with the Shepherd
Pilgrimage Questions

Common questions before reserving your place.

These answers are meant to help pilgrims discern whether this journey is a good fit before requesting a reservation review.

View Pilgrimage Questions & Answers
How much walking should I expect?

Pilgrims should expect regular daily walking at churches, shrines, museums, hotels, airports, sidewalks, pilgrimage sites, and group gathering locations. One planned pilgrim walk is approximately three miles and is intended to be gentle and prayerful.

Exact walking conditions may vary by site, weather, schedule, and final pilgrimage arrangements. Pilgrims with mobility concerns should contact BTDT before reserving so the pilgrimage can be reviewed honestly and thoughtfully.

Can I travel alone?

Yes. Many pilgrims travel independently. This pilgrimage is intentionally small so that individual pilgrims, couples, households, and parish friends can enter the journey as part of a temporary community of faith.

Can BTDT help me find a roommate?

Yes. Pilgrims may request roommate matching assistance during reservation review. Roommate matching is handled personally by BTDT and is not automatic or guaranteed.

Final rooming decisions depend on availability, compatibility, pilgrim preferences, and mutual acknowledgement of the rooming arrangement.

Will single rooms be available?

Single rooms may be available, subject to hotel availability and final package pricing. A single-room supplement may apply.

What is included?

Expected inclusions include eleven nights of lodging, group ground transportation during the pilgrimage, pilgrimage coordination and leadership, scheduled pilgrimage visits, selected group meals, access to the private Pilgrim Companion after deposit confirmation, and customary group gratuities arranged by BTDT.

Final pilgrimage materials will identify the specific meals, activities, visits, and arrangements included in the confirmed pilgrimage package.

What is not included?

Unless specifically stated in writing, airport meals, most lunches, some dinners, personal purchases, snacks, beverages, travel insurance, optional offerings, donations, devotional purchases, and optional personal gratuities beyond those arranged by BTDT are not included.

Is travel insurance recommended?

Yes. BTDT strongly recommends that pilgrims purchase appropriate travel protection. BTDT’s operating insurance does not replace individual travel insurance for pilgrim cancellation, medical needs, travel disruption, baggage, airfare issues, or personal circumstances.

How does transportation work during free time?

Scheduled transportation is provided for official Catholic Heartland Pilgrimage activities, sacred sites, group events, scheduled meals, and airport transfers included in the itinerary.

During personal free time, pilgrims are encouraged to enjoy nearby restaurants, shops, prayer sites, and local attractions using walking routes, hotel shuttle services where available, Uber, Lyft, taxis, or other personal transportation arrangements.

Transportation for optional personal activities outside the published pilgrimage schedule is generally the responsibility of the individual pilgrim unless specifically arranged and announced by BTDT.

What is the Pilgrim Companion?

The Pilgrim Companion is a private digital resource created for registered pilgrims after deposit confirmation. It supports prayer, preparation, spiritual reflection, and formation before and during the journey.

Among its spiritual resources is a Plenary Indulgence Guide for Pilgrims, offering a clear Catholic explanation of plenary indulgences, the ordinary conditions established by the Church, and practical guidance for pilgrims who desire to seek this grace during the pilgrimage.

For packing, meals, transportation, hotels, mobility, and other practical travel guidance, pilgrims should use the Pilgrim Handbook.

Why only 23–25 pilgrims?

Because the goal is pilgrimage, not mass tourism. A smaller group allows more fellowship, less waiting, easier conversation, greater flexibility, and a more personal experience of prayer and Catholic community.

Do you partner with parishes and Catholic ministries?

Yes. Through the BTDT Ministry Partnership Donation program, participating Catholic parishes, ministries, schools, councils, and organizations may help invite pilgrims into the Catholic Heartland Pilgrimage.

For every pilgrim referred by a participating Ministry Partner who completes the pilgrimage, Beyond The Destination makes a $100 Ministry Partnership Donation to that parish or ministry in gratitude for helping others encounter Christ through pilgrimage.

Learn more about Ministry Partners.

Pilgrimage Journey Overview

Catholic Heartland Pilgrimage Journey Map

See the entire pilgrimage at a glance—from Colorado to the heart of Illinois and Missouri—as our journey unfolds through prayer, sacred sites, Benedictine hospitality, Marian devotion, the Beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, and the graces gathered along the way.

Catholic Heartland Pilgrimage Journey Map

Click the map to enlarge.

Pilgrim Companion Preview

Plenary Indulgence Guide for Pilgrims

One of the spiritual resources being prepared for registered pilgrims is a Plenary Indulgence Guide, written to help pilgrims understand this grace with clarity, reverence, and confidence.

The guide will explain the ordinary conditions established by the Church, including sacramental confession, Holy Communion, prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father, detachment from sin, and the indulgenced work if officially granted and announced for the Beatification.

Catholic Heartland Pilgrimage
September 16–27, 2026
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An Invitation

Reserve a place or ask about the pilgrimage.

September 16–27, 2026 · 12 Days / 11 Nights

Reservation Process, Pricing & Deposits

Pricing is currently being finalized. Lodging, meals, and group arrangements are being confirmed. Submitting a reservation request does not commit you to payment. Beyond The Destination Tours will personally review availability, rooming preferences, and final pricing with each pilgrim before any reservation deposit is requested.

Reservation Deposit. Once your reservation proposal has been reviewed and accepted, your final pilgrimage price will be confirmed. A $500 reservation deposit is due by midnight on July 20, 2026 to reserve your place. The remaining pilgrimage balance is due by August 1, 2026.

BTDT responds personally to every reservation request with availability, rooming guidance, and thoughtful answers for individual pilgrims, households, parishes, and small groups. Registered pilgrims also receive access to the Pilgrim Companion created specifically for this journey.

Luggage Guidelines

Each pilgrim may bring one checked suitcase, one carry-on bag, and one personal item such as a purse, small backpack, camera bag, or laptop bag.

Pilgrims traveling with mobility equipment, medical equipment, or additional luggage should contact BTDT before departure so appropriate arrangements can be made.

Motorcoach luggage capacity is limited. Additional or oversized luggage may require prior approval. In rare circumstances, some items may need to remain with the pilgrim during travel.

Deposit, Cancellation, and Refund Policy

Reservation requests are reviewed personally by BTDT. A reservation is not confirmed until the required deposit has been received, reviewed, and accepted by Beyond The Destination Tours.

Reservations are reviewed in the order they are received. If BTDT invites you to submit a deposit, your place in line remains protected until your assigned deposit deadline. A later reservation cannot move ahead simply because its deposit was paid sooner.

Deposit deadline: Once BTDT sends a deposit invitation, the deposit must be completed by the deadline assigned by BTDT. If the deposit is not received by that deadline, the reservation position may be released and offered to the next eligible pilgrim or waitlisted pilgrim.

Final payment: Final remaining pilgrimage balance is due by August 1, 2026, unless BTDT provides a different written payment arrangement.

Deposit refunds: Before BTDT formally accepts the deposit and confirms space, a deposit may be refunded, less any non-recoverable payment processing fees. After BTDT accepts the deposit and confirms space, the deposit becomes non-refundable except where BTDT cancels the pilgrimage or determines that a refund is appropriate due to exceptional circumstances.

Waitlist: If a pilgrim is placed on a waitlist and space is not made available, any deposit collected for waitlist purposes will be refunded, less any non-recoverable payment processing fees unless otherwise stated in writing.

Pilgrim cancellation: Because this pilgrimage involves limited group capacity, hotel blocks, transportation planning, clergy coordination, insurance, supplier commitments, and official event logistics, cancellation requests must be reviewed by BTDT. Refund eligibility depends on the date of cancellation, supplier commitments already made, non-recoverable costs, and whether the space can reasonably be filled by another eligible pilgrim.

Cancellation timing: Cancellation requests received after August 16, 2026 may be subject to substantial non-refundable costs because lodging, transportation, insurance, event participation, and other supplier commitments may already have been made on behalf of the pilgrim.

Replacement pilgrim: If a registered pilgrim cannot attend, BTDT may permit a replacement pilgrim at its discretion. Any replacement pilgrim must be approved by BTDT, complete all required registration information, agree to pilgrimage terms, and be compatible with rooming, transportation, and event requirements.

BTDT cancellation: If BTDT cancels the pilgrimage before departure, pilgrims will receive a refund of recoverable monies paid to BTDT, less any non-recoverable third-party costs unless otherwise required by applicable supplier terms or law.

Force majeure: BTDT is not responsible for delays, cancellations, closures, schedule changes, official event modifications, weather events, acts of God, government actions, transportation disruptions, supplier failures, illness outbreaks, security restrictions, or other circumstances beyond BTDT's reasonable control. In such situations, BTDT will make reasonable efforts to adjust the pilgrimage while preserving the spiritual and operational integrity of the journey.

Airfare: Airfare: Pilgrimage pricing includes group airfare when arranged through Beyond The Destination Tours as part of the official pilgrimage package. Pilgrims should not purchase independent airfare unless BTDT gives written direction to do so. BTDT may provide preferred flight details, arrival windows, or group travel instructions to support airport transfers, pilgrimage scheduling, and group coordination. Pilgrims who choose to travel outside the official group airfare arrangements or approved arrival window may be responsible for their own transportation to the first overnight location.

Payment processing fees: Credit card, Stripe, and other payment processing fees may be non-refundable once charged.

Travel insurance: Pilgrims are strongly encouraged to purchase appropriate travel protection. BTDT’s operating insurance does not replace individual travel insurance for pilgrim cancellation, medical needs, travel disruption, baggage, airfare issues, or personal circumstances.

Pilgrim Companion access: Access to the private Pilgrim Companion is provided after deposit confirmation. Companion access supports prayer, preparation, and formation for registered pilgrims and does not create independent refund rights.

What's Included in the Pilgrimage

This pilgrimage is designed to provide a spiritually rich and well-supported journey while preserving time for prayer, fellowship, reflection, and local discovery.

Expected inclusions include:

  • Eleven nights of pilgrimage lodging.
  • Group ground transportation during the pilgrimage.
  • Pilgrimage coordination, leadership, and daily itinerary support.
  • Visits to the pilgrimage sites, shrines, churches, and locations identified in the final pilgrimage itinerary.
  • Access to the private Pilgrim Companion following deposit confirmation.
  • Hotel breakfasts throughout the pilgrimage where included by the selected hotels.
  • Welcome Dinner at the beginning of the pilgrimage.
  • Farewell / Sending Forth Banquet near the conclusion of the pilgrimage.
  • Several additional fellowship meals during the pilgrimage where they support prayer, community, schedule, and pilgrimage continuity.
  • Customary group gratuities for pilgrimage leadership, local guides, retreat-center staff, and similar pilgrimage services arranged by BTDT

Final pilgrimage materials will identify the specific meals, activities, and arrangements included in the confirmed pilgrimage package.

Personal Expenses & Travel Planning

Unless specifically stated in writing, the following are not included in pilgrimage pricing:

  • Airfare and airport-related expenses.
  • Air travel day meals and airport meals.
  • Most lunches.
  • Some dinners and personal dining choices.
  • Personal purchases, souvenirs, snacks, and beverages.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Optional offerings, donations, devotional purchases, or personal expenses.
  • Alcoholic beverages.
  • Optional personal gratuities beyond those arranged by BTDT

BTDT does not include, purchase, provide, or promote alcoholic beverages as part of pilgrimage programming.

BTDT strongly recommends that pilgrims purchase appropriate travel protection to help protect against unexpected medical, travel, weather, family, or personal circumstances that could affect participation in the pilgrimage.

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