Were you surprised to walk into a church full of people at the end of your weekend?  Now you can be one of those people and help welcome the new pilgrims into the Via de Cristo community.

You do not have to be sponsoring anyone to attend a closing.  Like a send-off, the more people there are at a closing, the greater is the bond of love and community shown to the new pilgrims.  The newsletter and website (www.SonshineVDC.org) will give the time and location of the closing.  The rector or rectora tries hard to keep on schedule, but be considerate if the closing doesn't start quite on time.

A closing is not only a time of celebration, but also one of worship.  It is a time to recall your own weekend and the impact it has had on your life, and it is a time to show support for the new pilgrims.  When they receive their crosses, it may be a good time to pray for each new pilgrim.

Because the atmosphere of a closing should be one of worship and also because the service may be long, it is recommended that children be left at home.  If this is not possible, a babysitter is provided for children five and under.