PARTICIPANT'S COVENANT: As a participant in the Via de Cristo Weekend, I will:

• Complete this Pilgrim Application and pay all financial obligations before the start of the weekend. 
• Abide by the Camp's drug, alochol, and tobacco free policy.
• Abide by the rules of the State of Texas (current as of Sept. 1, 2023) concerning COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines and Recommendations for indoor and outdoor gatherings.
• I understand that photographs may be taken during the VDC weekend which may be used on a website, multimedia or promotional media existing now or in the future. I DO grant permission to TGCVDC to create, copy, reproduce, exhibit, publish or distribute my image.  If you DO NOT, please let the registrar know when arrive at the camp.
• I underestand that upon the completion of the weekend, my name, address, phone number, email and home church will be entered in to the membership/email roster of TGCVDC fro VDC use only, and will only be accessible to other TGCVDC members.

My submission indicates my agreement to the above Covenant. 

 

SPONSOR:  I AGREE TO PREPARE THIS APPLICANT FOR THE 3-DAY WEEKEND AND HELP THE APPLICANT TO CONTINUE TO GROW IN FAITH AFTER THE WEEKEND.

WEEKEND FEE IS $240.  THE APPLICANT MAY PAY A DEPOSIT OF $40 NOW AND THE REST WHEN THEY ARRIVE ON THE WEEKEND or  PAYMENT CAN BE MADE BY PAYPAL 

PARTICIPANT'S SELECTION GUIDELINES
The following guidelines are currently being used by the Texas Gulf Coast Via de Cristo Secretariat to determine the selection of New Pilgrims and the order in which applications for Via de Cristo are accepted.  The first applications (up to the maximum number determined by the space at the campsite for that weekend) received by the Registrar which meet these guidelines, will be accepted. Applicants still on the waiting lists after the weekend will be given first priority for later weekends. Sponsors will be
notified if their applicant is on the waiting list so that the sponsor may assist the applicant in reapplying to the next Via de Cristo weekend.

The Selection Guidelines are as follows:

1.  Only applications signed by a pastor & sponsor will be considered.
2.  Lay applicants must be recommended by the Via de Cristo, Cursillo, and       Walk to Emmaus, etc. clergy of their home church. Lutheran clergy             applicants must be recommended by Via de Cristo clergy.
3.  Applicants should be active members of Via de Cristo, Cursillo, Walk to         Emmaus, etc. congregations.
4.  Applicants must be mature, 19 years or older and baptized members of       a Christian church who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
5.  A deposit or a clear indication from the sponsor of the type of financial         support and source of support for the applicant is required at the time         of application. Full payment is due at or before the start of the weekend.
6.  It is highly recommended that spouses attend together (co-ed) or soon       after each other.
7.  Up to 5 participants from any one church may be accepted for the same       weekend. (3 couples for a CoEd weekend)
8.  Up to five non-Lutheran participants may be accepted for the same             weekend.
9.  Up to five men clergy and five women clergy may be accepted for the         same weekend.

10. Applicants divorced or widower will not be accepted until one year from        the date they became divorced or widowed. Those known to have                emotional problems or chemical dependencies will not be accepted.
11. Neither children nor pets can be accommodated on the weekend.

NOTE: Before you sponsor a person for the weekend, take a prayerful look            at his/her Christian Life:
             Do you see Christ in this person?
             Is this person able to see Christ in others?
             Will the person grow from the experience?
             The weekend is not the time or place to bring someone for a                          conversion. The weekend is to strengthen their walk with the                      Lord and build their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

GUIDELINES FOR BEING A SPONSOR

As a sponsor, you should feel the Lord's work through Via de Cristo is in your hands and that you are accepting the responsibility for the New Pilgrims. Your consideration of sponsorship should include serious prayer, for you will be that person's liaison. Read carefully the Guidelines for New Cursillistas (Pilgrims). Via de Cristo is not intended to resolve personal problems such as marital difficulties or alcoholism.  Explain Via de Cristo to your candidate. Be factual and truthful - especially in answering questions. Know the participant - family, church involvement, health, diet, handicaps, etc.  Be sure to explain that a continuing program is part of the Via de Cristo experience - not just the weekend.

These are some of the duties as a sponsor:
1.  Help process and track application.
2.  Make sure pre-weekend materials have been received. Keep in touch,         especially during the last few weeks before the weekend.
3.  Be prepared to help with problems that may arise during the weekend         in order to ease the New Cursillista’s (Pilgrim’s) mind on problems back       home.
4.  Bring the New Pilgrim to the weekend site or make sure other                     arrangements have been made if you cannot personally bring him/her.         When delivering them to the site, do not abandon them to visit with             friends.
5.  If spouse's letters are used - you are responsible for getting them and         delivering them - to the weekend site. Give plenty of notice for writing         and make certain they understand - the importance of correspondence.       Encourage children, relatives, and friends to provide letters or notes.           Mark the envelopes with the candidate's FULL name and if you have a         specific delivery time, please put the envelope in a baggie with the             delivery day and time.
6.  Do not assume the spouse will write or send a card. Remind him/her.
7.  Do not forget your own Palanca to the New Pilgrims as well as providing       a cup as a memorable gift from you.
8.  Check on the family during the weekend one of the spouses is attending       Via de Cristo - and be available if help is needed at home.
9.  Attend the Clausura on Sunday afternoon, bringing along family                   members or friends (not those who plan to attend the next weekend)           and see your friend home.
10. Help your friend get started in a Reunion Group and area Ultreyas.
11. Remember to keep him or her in your prayers.
12. Call, write, or e-mail him/her often to keep in touch.
(Revised 2/27/23)