Washington DC Catholic Heritage

Overview

Discover the foundations of Catholic heritage in Washington DC, beginning at the first Catholic parish founded in the Federal City of Washington DC, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Go on an educational tour at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine through the permanent exhibit, A Gift of Love: The Life of Saint John Paul II. In Frederick County, visit The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, who was the first American- born person canonized by the Catholic Church. Experience an immersive journey at the Museum of the Bible, and then visit the woodland sanctuary of the Benedictine monks at St. Anselm’s Abbey. Get to know the local community in a service learning activity with a Catholic charity group.

Engage students in a hands-on learning experience of U.S. history foundations and landmarks. On a tour of the memorials, students are invited to reflect on the sacrifices of brave soldiers who have defended American ideals and freedoms. Explore the origins of American independence at the National Archives, viewing the Bill of Rights, U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence. Engage in the evolution of U.S. history on a scavenger hunt at the Smithsonian Museums. In Arlington National Cemetery, witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Visit the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial to see the statue of six Marines raising the American flag. Daily Itinerary (6 Days)

DAY 1 TRAVEL TO WASHINGTON DC • Tour the Catholic University of America – SYMBOLS OF DEMOCRACY • Guided tour of the Franciscan Monastery Arrive at the U.S. capital, starting off with sightseeing along • Pilgrimage to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine Embassy Row and stopping for a photo op in front of the White • Explore the Basilica of the National Shrine of the House. Tour the Memorials in the evening and put history Immaculate Conception lessons into context. Check in to local accommodations, where • Celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine students stay for the next five nights. of the Immaculate Conception • Travel to Washington DC • Visit the Rosary Shrine of St. Jude • Sightseeing tour along Embassy Row • Go to Arlington National Cemetery and watch the • Photo op in front of the White House changing of the guard • Evening tour of the memorials • Stop by the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial • Check in to hotel DAY 4 WASHINGTON DC AND FREDERICK COUNTY DAY 2 WASHINGTON DC – HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS – NATIONAL HERITAGE Explore the historical landmarks of the National Mall. Start at Spend the morning in Frederick County, starting with a visit to the Capitol, taking in grand architecture in the Crypt, Rotunda The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, who was the and National Statuary Hall. Tour Capitol Hill, stopping in at the first American-born person declared a saint by the Catholic Visitor Center by appointment, see the Library of Congress Church. Next, go to the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of and climb the steps of the Supreme Court. View the National Lourdes, walking the gardens, viewing the shrine to Mary and Archives to see the documents that U.S. independence and staying to celebrate Mass. Stop in Frederick County to eat lunch rights are built upon, including the Declaration of Independence, during some free time. Return to Washington DC this afternoon the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Discover history hands-on in to visit the National Cathedral, for an opportunity to reflect a scavenger hunt at the Smithsonian Museums. Before the day amongst the stained glass windows and sculpted gargoyles. In is done, visit the nearby St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. the late afternoon, walk through the Kennedy Center to see the • Go to the U.S. Capitol Building Hall of Nations and the bust of President John F. Kennedy. • Explore Capitol Hill • Travel north to The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton • View the National Archives • Visit the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes • Smithsonian Museums Scavenger Hunt • Celebrate Mass at the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady • Visit St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Lourdes • Free time for lunch in Frederick County DAY 3 WASHINGTON DC AND ARLINGTON • Return to Washington DC to visit the National Cathedral – CATHOLIC PILGRIMAGE • Kennedy Center visit in late afternoon Go on a campus tour of the Catholic University of America this morning, in the heart of Washington DC. Enter the churches DAY 5 WASHINGTON DC – SERVICE LEARNING and see the catacombs of the Franciscan Monastery of the Begin the day on an interactive journey through exhibits on Holy Land of America on a guided tour. Take a 20th-century Biblical stories at the Museum of the Bible. Afterwards, visit the pilgrimage to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine with a tour woodland sanctuary of the Benedictine monks at St. Anselm’s of the exhibit, A Gift of Love: The Life of Saint John Paul II. Abbey and join them for midday prayer. For the rest of the day, Celebrate Mass amongst the beautiful architecture and sacred engage in a service learning activity with a Catholic charity art of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate group in Washington DC to get to know the local community. Conception. Visit the Rosary Shrine of St. Jude at St. Dominic’s • Immersive tour of the Museum of the Bible Church, where the Dominican Friars lead prayers to the saints • Visit the St. Anselm’s Abbey throughout the year. At Arlington National Cemetery, observe • Engage in service learning with a local Catholic charity the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and see the Kennedy gravesites. End the day with a stop at the DAY 6 WASHINGTON DC TO HOME – TRAVEL DAY Marine Corps Memorial, also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial. Check out of the hotel in Washington DC and begin the journey home.

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