Frequently Asked Questions

Please note that in 2022, there will be no buses allowed over Divine Mercy Sunday.

 

 

BUS GROUPS: All bus registration packets will be mailed by the middle of April regardless of when you registered. No bus parcels will be mailed out earlier, so please do not request them. Bus packets are typically mailed THREE WEEKS before the event

(1) What is the GPS address of the National Shrine?

2 Prospect Hill Road, Stockbridge, MA 01262.

(2) What time should we arrive?

Certainly, you will want to arrive prior to the 3 o’clock Solemn Chaplet of The Divine Mercy on Saturday and prior to the 1 pm Liturgy on Sunday. The majority of buses arrive between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Sunday; slightly later on Saturday. On Saturday, the Mercy Weekend Conference begins at 10:00 a.m. (advance registration required) and on Sunday, music and spiritual presentations begin at 10:00 a.m. We suggest you arrive in Stockbridge no later than 11:00 a.m. on Sunday so that you make the 1:00 p.m. Divine Mercy Sunday Mass. All buses will be parked onsite.

(3) If we arrive early, can we leave early?

All buses depart our lot at approximately the same time, one after the other, on Sunday. Depending on how many buses there are on Saturday, this may also apply. No buses are permitted to leave Eden Hill early on either Saturday or Sunday, so plan for a departure time around 5:30 p.m. or later. We will know closer to the end of registration and you will be notified. Our traffic control volunteers, workers, and the local Police departments do a wonderful job of keeping everyone moving. We ask that you treat them with respect as they are doing their best to ensure each and every pilgrim is safe.

(4) What is the weather in the Berkshires like during April?

Expect anything and everything from mud to snow and ice, freezing temperatures, rain showers, wind, and sometimes, beautiful sunny weather. The weather in the Berkshires can change rapidly, even in one day. In addition, you will be outside all day so be ready for anything! Please be prepared! We suggest that you keep an eye on the weather forecast the week before Mercy Sunday and during the weekend.

(5) How should we dress?

It is recommended that you dress in layers so that you are warm enough. You can shed outerwear and sweaters should that become necessary in afternoon sun. Comfortable clothing is best.

(6) What type of shoes should we wear?

Shoes that will give you traction and prevent sliding in the mud…rubber soles, boots, certainly comfortable shoes. Ladies, please do not wear heels! It is not recommended that you wear your favorite pair of shoes to this event as they may get ruined by the elements.

(7) What is the terrain like at the Shrine?

You will walk ¼ of a mile up a slight incline on a paved walkway, then down a somewhat steep, grassy, uneven hill to our outdoor Shrine where services take place. The ground in April is often muddy, especially in the tent areas, so please be prepared for this kind of terrain when you arrive.

(8) What handicapped transportation/services are available?

Due to the large volume of pilgrims this weekend, unfortunately there is NO handicapped transportation for the elderly or disabled during Mercy Sunday Weekend. Pilgrims should bring their own wheelchairs. We highly recommend that you have a companion with you, especially if you are using a mobility service. However, we do provide a handicap section with volunteers for the Mass. A handicap ramp is available for those in a wheelchair, and handicap accessible restrooms are available.

(8) What is the toilet availability for the weekend?

Port-o-Potties will be available in various locations around the property. Due to the large volume of people, indoor restrooms will not be available to the public.

(9) Are food and beverages available?

Yes, a food vendor is available throughout the weekend to provide both food and beverages for pilgrims. The food court is located behind the cemetery near the St. Joseph/Holy Family Shrine.

(10) May I sell food on the property?

Vendors are contracted by the Marians and must be licensed in the tri-town area of Stockbridge and agree to an onsite inspection by the local health department before being allowed on Eden Hill to sell their product. As a result, no food items may be sold on the property during the weekend.

(11) Are there places to cook or reheat food?

For safety reasons, we do not allow any cooking or reheating of food on our property for the weekend.

(12) Can we sell or distribute our own materials?

There is no selling or distribution of any materials on the property without the express permission of the Shrine Rector. There is a gift shop tent available with many products for purchase, as well as other tents giving out free literature for pilgrims.

(13) Will we need any money?

Other than to purchase food, you may wish to bring a small amount of money to light candles, give an offering at Mass, Mass enrollments, and/or to purchase items from the gift shop tent. We accept cash, checks, and credit cards for purchasing items at our gift shop tent, food tent, all of our candle shrines, Mass offerings and enrollments, and St. Faustina’s oil.

(14) Is there a Saturday morning Mass at the Shrine?

Due to the large number of pilgrims arriving on Eden Hill, there is no early morning Mass available on the weekend. However, the Shrine church and Adoration tent will open for pilgrims at 9:00 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

(15) May I bring my pet to the Mercy Weekend events?

Pets are not allowed anywhere on the premises during Mercy Weekend out of consideration for the safety of all pilgrims. However, service dogs to assist individuals with a handicap are allowed. The service dog must be wearing a service dog vest to be allowed on the property.

(16) Where can I pick up the Divine Mercy Weekend program booklets?

Pilgrims may pick up one per family at the following locations:

Saturday: either of the two Information Tents

Sunday: same as Saturday; also at the Prospect Hill shuttle bus locations & the corner of Vine & Pine Sts.

(17) How can I volunteer for Mercy Sunday?

Please visit our Volunteer page or email [email protected]. There are many areas in need of volunteers. Our volunteers are very important to us. This event would not be possible without their assistance. If you are not volunteering, please treat our volunteers with kindness and respect as they are helping us out of the goodness of their hearts during the weekend.

 

May God bless you and may He and Our Lady watch over you and keep you safe.