Volunteering on Pilgrimage
The Lourdes Diocesan Pilgrimage relies on a number of volunteers to function. Volunteers provide assistance for those pilgrims with needs. Needs vary from simply requiring a wheelchair to get around Lourdes, to assisting with washing/dressing to more complex needs. The level of involvement in caring for pilgrims is appropriate to your willingness and experience. All care is supervised and led by registered nurses.
Volunteering on pilgrimage is extremely rewarding and many volunteers come back year after year.
Please note that volunteers are divided into two teams. The shift patterns are:
Early Shift 0730-1530
Late shift 1530-2230
Overnight shift 2230-0730 (we need 6+ volunteers for overnight shifts to work alongside a nurse)
Shift times can vary slightly, according to times of Services (if we have an early morning Mass, the shift may start earlier/if we have a late evening Service – Torchlight Procession, the shift may finish later) and there may be occasions when the youth service is not available and we ask both teams to be present at the same time (likely to be an afternoon overlap or evening social event).
Volunteers working overnight are not expected to work full shifts the day before or after a night shift.
We do allow time within shifts for volunteers to have breaks for meals or personal time – this should be agreed with the team leader in advance
Volunteer Roles – Clinical Team
Nurses and Doctors make up the clinical team, led by the Lead Doctor and Chief Nurse. Other allied health professionals are also invited and welcome to join the clinical team. Please contact us if you think you may be able to help on the clinical team.
Hospitality Team
Carers may work alongside the clinical team. Carers come from all walks of life, many with no background or experience in providing care at all. The most important qualities for carers include: kindness; willingness to assist others; empathy; time and energy.
Carers work alongside and are supported by nurses, assisting pilgrims with day-to-day activities – washing & showering; dressing & getting ready to go out; assisting at mealtimes and generally keeping company.
Carers may also be required to assist with pushing wheelchairs when the youth team are not available.
All volunteers work a shift system, similar to a UK care home, to provide 24-hour support for assisted pilgrims.
We ask for some volunteers to cover one overnight shift, with a nurse and at least one other carer. However, No one is expected to carry out any duty they do not feel comfortable with.
Duties begin and end at Leeds Bradford airport and you will be asked to work one shift per day.
All volunteers are self-funding and pay the same rate as pilgrims.
Other Duties
Volunteers who do not wish to be involved with providing personal care to pilgrims can assist with mealtimes, taking pilgrims to the Domain or to bars, cafes and shops. Pilgrims may wish to spend time at the Grotto or lighting candles and although the youth team are happy to push wheelchairs, volunteers often accompany youth and pilgrims or in the absence of the youth team, helping with pushing wheelchairs.
Assistance may be required with preparations for Services – positioning wheelchairs, assisting pilgrims to seats, collections etc.
Other duties may include taking an active part in the Processions, carrying banners, torches or statues.
Recruitment Process
All potential volunteers must apply to the pilgrimage office and complete the full recruitment process including:
- A satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Services check
- Two satisfactory references
- Completion of mandatory training
Mandatory Training
- An on-line training course (which takes around 2 hours to complete and can be done in stages – support is available)
- Attendance at the in-person training day (at Hinsley Hall, Headingley)
Important Dates
| New Volunteer Information Evening | 12 January 2026 1830-2000 |
| Deadline for applications | 9 March 2026 |
Pilgrim Social & Assessment Day (Hinsley Hall) – ALL INVITED | Sunday 26th April 14:00-16:00 |
| Deadline for completion of on-line training | Monday 4 May 2026 |
| TRAINING DAY, HINSLEY HALL | Sunday 17 May 09:30-16:00 |
| Pre-Departure Mass | Saturday 6 June 12:00 |
| Pilgrimage Dates | Friday 3 July – Thursday 9 July 2026 |
If you are unable to attend the training day, please contact the Pilgrimage Office as alternative arrangements may be possible.
If you cannot complete the recruitment process in full (including attending the training day in person – essential for all but especially for new volunteers), we may not be able to offer you a place on the Hospitality Team.
You are most welcome to apply for future pilgrimages.
Interested? Please contact the Pilgrimage office as soon as possible:
