Hospitalité Membership

HOW TO JOIN, COMMITMENTS, ACTIVITIES AT AND OUTSIDE LOURDES

There are two levels of membership within the Hospitalité: ‘ordinary’ and ‘full’. This is not to encourage a hierarchy within the organisation, but to allow experienced helpers to make a deeper commitment to serving pilgrims in Lourdes.

All helpers on the Catholic Association Pilgrimage to Lourdes may apply for admission to ‘ordinary’ membership of the CA Hospitalité on conclusion of their first pilgrimage with the Catholic Association.

After working with the Catholic Association Pilgrimage for a further two years as ordinary members, pilgrim-helpers may apply for admission to ‘full’ membership of the Hospitalité.

Application forms for both ordinary and full membership can be requested from the Secretary of the Hospitalité and must be submitted to him or her by 1st January of the following year, having first been signed by a Head of Service. For this purpose, Heads of Service are defined as: Chief Handmaid, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Brancardier, Chief Nurse, and leader(s) Glanfield Children's Group. Other helpers on the pilgrimage not directly in these services (such as clergy) should have their forms signed by the President of the Hospitalité.

Applications are submitted to the Hospitalité Council for approval in the February meeting. Following approval by the Council, applicants will be admitted to the appropriate level of membership during their next pilgrimage to Lourdes by making an Act of Consecration before the Patron, Chaplain and President of the Hospitalité.

All new applicants for ordinary membership, actively serving on the pilgrimage, should first – through their head of service – have completed a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.

The CA Hospitalité Council may, at its discretion, invite Assisted Pilgrims who have frequently participated in the Catholic Association Pilgrimage to become full members of the Hospitalité. These pilgrims are also required to undertake the responsibilities of membership, spiritually if not physically. These ‘Prayer members’ shall usually be admitted to the Hospitalité by making the usual Act of Consecration before the Patron, Chaplain and President at the annual Hospitalité service in Lourdes (rather than at the Hospitalité mass).

Membership of the CA Hospitalité is outwardly exhibited by the wearing of badges. These badges are not decorations, but dedications; a sign of the member’s commitment to service.

We are always looking for new members willing to offer their time and energies.