Feb 2024
The Catholic Church and Slavery
Dr. Paul Kengor
Join Franciscan University and the Ministry of the Wild Goose for a Healing Pilgrimage to Alaska
August 6 - August 13, 2024
with Heather Khym, Jake Khym, and Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR 89
8 Day Pilgrimage
Join us on an inspiring journey through Alaska, a haven of God’s breathtaking creation. Immerse yourself in an experience where the grandeur of nature beautifully harmonizes with our cherished Catholic practices.
Our pilgrimage begins with an exhilarating voyage aboard the Princess Cruise, where we’ll celebrate the Holy Mass, setting a tone of gratitude and devotion. As we journey through the vast Alaskan waters, we’ll be enveloped by the serenity of fjords and the lush green islands, reminding us of God’s immeasurable wonders. In Juneau, not only will we be met with unparalleled glacier views, but we’ll also pray at the National Shrine of St. Therese of Lisieux, the patron saint of Alaska. Here, our faith will be deepened as we come together in prayer and reflection. The rich history of places like Skagway beckons, where tales of gold seekers from yesteryears echo, and the charm of the boardwalk transports you back in time. As we sail towards Glacier Bay National Park, a United Nations World Heritage Site, we are met with a vast expanse of natural wonders. Majestic tidewater glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and an abundance of birds and wildlife will be our companions as we celebrate another Holy Mass amidst this natural cathedral.
Our voyage is as much about internal reflection as it is about external exploration. Ketchikan’s indigenous roots and its title as the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’ offers a blend of cultural immersion and tantalizing fresh seafood. As our pilgrimage draws to an end with a farewell dinner on the cruise, our hearts and souls will be filled with gratitude, having witnessed the marvels of God’s creation and having deepened our faith in His majesty. Come, be a part of this transcendent journey, where every moment is a testament to God’s magnificent handiwork and our unwavering Catholic faith.
Experience the holy sites of:
National Shrine of St. Therese of Lisieux
August 6 - August 13, 2024
Alaska Pilgrimage Cruise
Estimated Package Price
$4,199
$400 deposit due at time of registration
Enrollment Deadline: LIMITED CAPACITY - RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!
Subject to change
Tuesday, August 6
Depart for Vancouver
Wednesday, August 7
At Sea Cruising
Thursday, August 8
Juneau
Friday, August 9
Skagway
Saturday, August 10
Glacier Bay National Park Scenic Cruise
Sunday, August 11
Ketchikan
Monday, August 12
At Sea Cruising
Tuesday, August 13
Vancouver, Canada
Franciscan Univeristy has partnered with 206 Tours to journey with you on this pilgrimage.
Heather Khym
Heather is an established speaker and worship leader with over 25 years of experience. She attended Franciscan University of Steubenville where she studied Theology and Catechetics and met her husband, Jake. Currently, Heather speaks on a variety of topics, leads conferences, retreats, women’s ministry and has a podcast called Abiding Together. Her passion is in evangelization, discipleship, and creating an environment for people to have a personal encounter with God. They live in British Columbia with their youngest teen daughter. Their oldest daughter works for Renewal Ministries and their son is attending Franciscan University.
Jake Khym
Jake has a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Theology with a concentration in Catechetics. Jake has worked in various settings for over 20 years including adult faith formation, seminarian and priestly formation, diocesan evangelization, catechesis, RCIA, retreat ministry, and he ran his own private counseling practice for over 10 years. Currently, Jake teaches at the Seminary of Christ the King offering human and pastoral formation to the seminarians in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, is a consultant to Dioceses and ministries, offers an annual Men’s Retreat in British Columbia and accompanies male leaders on their journey of faith. Jake also offers inspiring workshops and retreats on a variety of topics.
Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR 89
Spiritual Leader
A solemnly professed member of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Penance, Father Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89, was ordained to the priesthood in 1996, and in May 2019, was elected president of Franciscan University of Steubenville. The first Franciscan University alumnus to assume the school’s top pastoral leadership role, Father Pivonka has also served for more than thirty years as a spiritual director, retreat leader, and formation director. As director of Franciscan Pathways, an evangelistic outreach of his Franciscan, TOR, community, and in association with 4PM Media, he hosted and produced The Wild Goose video series on developing a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, a documentary on St. Francis of Assisi titled Sign of Contradiction, and Metanoia, a 2019 video series on conversion.
Projected weather for
August 6 - August 13, 2024
63° / 50° F
Why should you go on a Catholic pilgrimage?
Our lives can become very busy. That busyness can overwhelm us, and often times, we need to intentionally set aside time to quiet our hearts and turn our attention to God.
On a Catholic pilgrimage, you will not only experience a silence and atmosphere helpful for prayer, but you will travel in community, guided by spiritual leaders and supported by fellow pilgrims.
We invite you to join the Franciscan University community as we embark on a pilgrimage of faith!
Questions? Contact us!
