From Joseph to Mary to Jesus.
From Shrine to Shrine (National Shrine of St. Joseph at Old St. Joseph Church on the campus of St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion in Champion, WI), the Walk to Mary winds approximately 22 miles from De Pere, WI, along the banks of the Fox River and the Niagara Escarpment to the town of Champion, WI. This one-of-a-kind Pilgrimage proves to be a physical and spiritual test in perseverance for nearly everyone. The route has been customized into segments to suit your comfort and ability. You can easily join-in at any join-in point along the way. Starts at Old St. Joseph Church at 7am.
Parking Information
NO PARKING available at St. Norbert College for event. ALL PARKING for event must be at Humana Office Complex.1100 Employers Blvd, Green Bay, WI 54344
Start at 7:00am
Shuttle Bus
Shuttle bus will transport pilgrims from Humana to Old St. Joseph Church.Shuttles run from 5:30am - 6:45am.
22 Miles START POINT
Old St. Joseph Church St. Norbert College 123 Grant St. De Pere WI 54115 Start at 7:00am14 Miles JOIN IN
St Peter and Paul Join In Point710 N Baird St, Green Bay, WI 54302
Join at 9:30am
7 Miles JOIN IN
Holy Cross Join In Point3009 Bay Settlement Rd, Green Bay, WI 54311
Join at 12:15pm
Break Area
Porta-potties, first aid, and water refill stations available every 1.5-2 miles along the entire route.
Break Area
Porta-potties, first aid, and water refill stations available every 1.5-2 miles along the entire route.
Break Area
Porta-potties, first aid, and water refill stations available every 1.5-2 miles along the entire route.
End Point
National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help
4047 Chapel Dr. Champion, WI
There are numerous masses throughout the day at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help – the normal Shrine mass is at 11:00am. There is a “children’s mass” at 12:30pm for families and individuals who are participating in the Walk with the Children. There is a mass at 3:30pm for anyone who wants to attend mass but must leave early. And, a mass at 5:15pm with Bishop David Ricken of the Diocese of Green Bay. Both the 3:30pm and 5:15pm mass count as your regular Sunday obligation.
Shuttle Bus
For safety reasons, a shuttle bus will transport pilgrims across Highway 57 to a point at approximately the intersection of Van Lanen Rd and Hemlock Rd.Break Area
Porta-potties, first aid, and water refill stations available every 1.5-2 miles along the entire route.
The pilgrimage ends at the shrine,
but starts in your heart.
The pilgrimage ends at the shrine,
but starts in your heart.
Join-In Points
The route is divided into four segments, representing the four mysteries of the rosary. For pilgrims who cannot walk the entire distance you have options to start the pilgrimage at any of the “JOIN IN” points along the way!
If you join the pilgrimage at any of the “JOIN IN” points please make sure you arrive at that point before the other pilgrims arrive. See the Walking Pace below for estimated arrival times and directions. If you are “JOINING IN” at Holy Cross Parish, please arrive early to provide enough time to enjoy your lunch before starting the pilgrimage.
Transportation for Fatigued Pilgrims
Transportation will be made available to assist Pilgrims who struggle to complete the walk. Courtesy vans are available throughout the entire route to pick up, assist, and transport fatigued pilgrims who may be struggling. The goal is to move fatigued pilgrims forward to help them eventually get to Mary at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion. There will also be buses following pilgrims the last 7 miles all the way to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion. Buses are also available to either transport fatigued Pilgrims directly from our lunch location (Holy Cross Parish) to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion or back to SS Peter and Paul Parish or Humana Parking Lot.
Walking Pace
Walking at approximately 2.5 miles per hour the Pilgrims should reach the following locations at the approximate times shown.
| Location | Time | Miles to Go | Map | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| START – Old St. Joseph Church | 7:00AM | 22 miles | ||
| St. Peter & Paul | 9:30AM | 14 miles | ||
| Holy Cross Parish LUNCH | 12:15PM | 7 miles | ||
| National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion | 3:30PM | 0 miles |
Lunch
A complimentary sandwich style lunch will be provided at Holy Cross Parish overlooking the Bay of Green Bay.
(Approximately the midway point of the pilgrimage.)
Busing & Shuttles
Shuttle buses are available starting at 5:30am – 6:45am from the parking area at Humana Office Complex to the starting location at Old St. Joesph church on the St. Norbert College campus. At the end of the pilgrimage, at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, shuttle buses will be available both before and after the 3:30pm mass and before and after the 5:15pm mass to take you back to any join-in location and the Humana parking area. Buses will run until approximately 8pm.
