Scottish Catholic Observer

These Frequently asked Questions (FAQs) will further clarify information detailed in the Pilgrim Passport.  Any questions that are not covered by this information should be taken up with the Pilgrim Leader of the parish who will contact the Office of the Papal Visit as necessary.  Further information can be found at http://www.bpsconfscot.com (click on the Papal Visit tab) and http://www.thepapalvisit.org.uk

Q: What will Pilgrims receive before the Papal visit?

A:  Each Pilgrim will receive a Pilgrim Pack and a Pilgrim Pass.  The Pilgrim Packs will be delivered to the parish, care of your Pilgrim Leader and Packs can be distributed to Pilgrims as soon as possible after receipt.  It is very important that the Pilgrim Passes are not distributed until September 16.

Q: What will be in the Pilgrim Pack?

A: The Pilgrim Pack contains:

• Pilgrim Passport which includes instructions for the day (to be read in conjunction with these FAQs)
• CD of prayers, hymns, messages, information
• Pilgrim postcard
• Pilgrim Rucksack which will be useful for carrying your things to the Mass
• Mass details (please collect your copy of the Magnificat Mass book from your parish separately)
• Pilgrim Pass (these should not be distributed by Pilgrim Leaders until the day of the mass)

Q: What is a Pilgrim Pass?

A:  The Pilgrim Pass will be in the form of a wristband and will be the pass used to gain entrance to Bellahouston Park. Your wristband should be worn at all times, from your departure in the morning until the end of your journey home at night.

Q: Will I be able to gain entry to the Mass if I lose my Pilgrim Pass?

A:  No.  If you lose your Pilgrim Pass you will not be able to gain entrance to Bellahouston Park.

Q: Do all Pilgrims (including children) need a Pilgrim Pass?

A:  Everyone will require a Pilgrim Pass to gain entry including children of all ages.

Q: Can my Parish request additional Pilgrim Packs/Passes?

A: Any requests for additional Pilgrim Packs/Passes should be directed to the Office of the Papal Visit as soon as possible.  Any requests received after 12 noon on Monday 6th September cannot be guaranteed. Please send this request by email to [email protected]

Q: Do all Pilgrims have to pay £20 for a Pilgrim Pack and transport?

A: Parishes are being asked to contribute £20 per person.  It is at the discretion of the parish how these contributions are raised.

Q: What are the responsibilities of the Pilgrim Leaders within their Pilgrim Group?

A: Pilgrim Leaders are asked to:

• Compile and maintain information on all Pilgrims, including name; address, contact/mobile number, email address. This information does not need to be submitted to the Office of the Papal Visit. Concelebrating Priests and Deacons should be included on your list.
• Identify Pilgrims who are permanently confined to wheelchairs and those who use sign language to the Office of the Papal Visit by the deadline specified.
• Identify people in the Parish who can assist them on the day.
• Distribute Pilgrim Packs prior to the event and Pilgrim Passes on the day of the Mass and keep the group informed.
• Inform Pilgrims of the parish travel arrangements.

Q: What if the Pilgrim Leader is unwell and cannot attend the Mass?

A: The Pilgrim Leader will need to arrange cover by one of their helpers. Pilgrim Leaders should think about appointing a Deputy Pilgrim Leader to take over in the event of problems arising in advance of the Mass.

Q: When/ How will the travel arrangements be notified to the Pilgrims?

A: Specific travel arrangements for each parish will be sent separately to the Pilgrim Leader by our travel partners by letter or email.  The Pilgrim Leader will inform the Pilgrims of travel arrangements.

Q: What will happen if I miss the Parish transport?

A: It is essential that that you meet with your parish group at your parish church or other designated departure point as this is when your Pilgrim Leader will distribute the Pilgrim Passes.

Q: How will I travel to and from the Mass site?

A:  All travel arrangements will be made by the transport provider who will inform each Pilgrim Leader of arrangements for their group.  Some parishes will travel by bus, others by train or underground.  Your return journey will be by the same mode of transport as your outward journey.

Q: What if I become separated from my group travelling to the Mass?

A: As long as you have your Pilgrim Pass wristband you will be able to gain entry to Bellahouston Park.  Make sure you know what zone you will be gathering in before leaving. Zoning information will be distributed to Pilgrim Leaders in due course.

Q: Do Pilgrim Leaders need to travel with the Parish Pilgrims?

A: It is preferred that you travel together.

Q: Are Pilgrims expected to walk any distance to Bellahouston Park?

A: Each drop off/pick up point will be within walking distance of the park but please note, this could be up to 1.6 miles.  Pilgrims should be prepared by wearing sensible and appropriate footwear and not bringing any heavy items to carry.

Q: Are alternative arrangements being made for the disabled?

A: Pilgrims who are wheelchair bound should notify their Pilgrim Leader who should notify the Office of the Papal Visit so arrangements can be made as soon as possible and no later than 12 noon on Friday 10th September.  Please note that places are limited.

Q: Will Pilgrims who have difficulty walking be dropped off closer to the park?

A: No, unfortunately this will not be possible for safety and security reasons.  Pilgrims who have difficulty walking but are not wheelchair bound are advised to bring a wheelchair if it would assist them with the journey to and from the Park and arrange assistance from a member of their parish.  If you are having difficulty, there will be staff/Wayfarers present to offer assistance and a limited number of wheelchairs to try and make the journey as easy as possible for pilgrims travelling on buses that terminate at the M77 bus park.  These Pilgrims should make themselves know to a steward on leaving their bus.  As there will be very large numbers travelling to the Mass, it is recommended that you come prepared rather than relying on the limited staff and facilities that will be available.

Q: Will there be multiple entrances to Bellahouston Park?

A: Entrances to the Park are via Mosspark Boulevard.  Pilgrim Leaders will be informed of which numbered entrance to use and which zone your parish have been allocated.  You must remain in your allocated zone apart from when accessing the facilities or if directed by stewards.

Q: Can a Pilgrim from another parish join my parish to travel to Bellahouston?

A: Yes but they will have to be registered with that parish – if you wish to travel with another Parish please get in touch with the Parish Priest of the Parish you wish to travel with.

Q: Are there separate travel arrangements for Priests and Deacons?

A:  Priests and Deacons will travel with their Pilgrims unless they have been informed of alternative travel arrangements.

Q: Are there separate travel arrangements for those taking part in the Mass (Concelebrants, readers, singers, musicians etc)?

A: Those people taking part in the liturgy will be informed of their travel arrangements.

Q:  Will there be toilet facilities for the Pilgrims?

A: Yes.  Signage will be in place to identify locations.  Please note that queuing will be necessary.

Q: What other facilities will be available at Bellahouston?

A: Facilities including the following will be available:

• Food outlets catering for a wide variety of tastes and hot and cold drinks (before and after the liturgies)
• Access to standpipes for drinking water – please bring your own plastic cup or bottle to collect the water and drink plenty to stay hydrated.
• Toilets
• First aid provision
• A welfare point to deal with enquiries and general information
  • Official merchandise (should only be purchased from authorised traders within the park)

Q: Will there be adequate speakers to allow all Pilgrims to hear the Mass?

A: Yes.  Please be aware that sound levels may exceed 96 decibels.

Q: When will the Mass take Place?

A: Some key provisional times (subject to change):

Gates Open – 10am

Pre Mass Entertainment Starts – 1.30pm

Gates Close – 3pm (all Pilgrims to be in the Park)

Pre Mass Entertainment Finishes – 4pm

Procession of clergy – 4pm

Papal Mass Begins – 5.15pm

Post Mass entertainment will take place following the Mass.

For public safety it will not be possible for all Pilgrims to leave the park at once and so there will be a gradual departure by zone.  Pilgrim Groups will be advised when to leave by announcement.  Your co-operation and patience is much appreciated.

Q: Will everyone have an un-interrupted view of the Altar?

A: No.  There will be large screens with the intention of providing a view of the Altar.  Pilgrims are requested not to use umbrellas, banners or flags during the Mass to prevent restricted views for others.

Q: Will the Pope travel round the Park?

A: Yes

Q: Will there be seats at Bellahouston?

A: No.  We recommend that you bring a folding chair if you require a seat as it will be a long day.

Q: What should I bring?

A: You might wish to think about bringing:

o      Food/drink (no alcohol or glass containers – food and drink outlets will be available in the Park)

o      Folding chairs

o      Picnic Rug

o      Cushions/kneelers

o      Waterproofs, Sunscreen – clothing for all weathers

o      Sensible and appropriate footwear

o      Camera

o      Torch

Please ensure all items brought to the Park return with you on departure or are disposed of in the bins provided.

Please note that you may be subject to search as a condition of entry.

Q: Will there be covered areas if it rains?

A: No.  It will be a long day outside so please dress appropriately for the changeable Scottish weather.

Q: Will I be allowed to bring my umbrella?

A: You will be allowed to bring an umbrella to use on the journey to and from the Park.  Use of umbrellas will not be permitted in the Park to prevent restricted views for others.  Pilgrims are advised to dress appropriately for changeable weather and bring waterproofs.

Q: How long will Pilgrims be in Bellahouston Park?

A: The length of time Pilgrims will spend in the Park will depend on their arrival and departure time. Pilgrims should expect to be in the Park for a minimum of 5 hours.  For public safety it will not be possible for all pilgrims to leave the park at once and so there will be a gradual departure by zone.  Pilgrim Groups will be advised when to leave by announcement.  Your co-operation and patience is much appreciated.

Q: What should I do if I get lost?

A: You should arrange a meeting point in case you get lost.  Please note at large gatherings, mobile coverage may be unreliable so don’t rely on using your phone to find your group.  If you are separated from your group on the journey you will be able to gain entry as long as you have your Pilgrim Pass wristband.  Make sure you know what zone you will be gathering in.

Q: Do I need to bring ID?

A: Photo ID will not be required as a condition of entry to the park in addition to the Pilgrim Pass, however we strongly recommend that pilgrims bring some form of ID in case it is required to assist the security operation.

Q: Will banners and flags be allowed in the Park?

A: Yes but please note these should not be used during the Mass as they will restrict the view of others. Pilgrims can wave flags/banners when the Pope is travelling through the Park.

Q: Will there be disabled toilet facilities?

A: Yes.  There will be a disabled toilet at each toilet block.  Pilgrims who have a medical condition which requires quick toilet access will also be granted access to these toilets by showing their Can’t Wait Card or Radar Key as proof of their medical condition.  Pilgrims who are on crutches and so are unable to use the regular toilets will also be granted access.

Q: Will the Mass be signed for the Deaf?

A: Yes.  Pilgrims who wish to have access should notify their Pilgrim Leader who should notify the Office of the Papal Visit so arrangements can be made as soon as possible and no later than Friday 10th September.  Please note that places are limited.

Q: Can my guide dog travel with me and come into the Park?

A: Yes

Q: Will there be medical facilities at Bellahouston?

A: Yes.  If you are feeling unwell and need medical attention please make yourself known to the stewards or first-aid teams.  If you have a long term condition please bring any medication you need with you and we ask as a precaution that you carry on your person a note of your full name, date of birth, details of the medical condition, any medication you are taking, any allergies and your GP contact details.

Q: What is the lost property procedure?

A: There will be a temporary police office in the car park at Bellahouston Sports Centre on the day which will also manage lost property.  All recovered property will be retained at Strathclyde Police Custodians Department for six months after the event.

Q: What should I do if I see something suspicious or in the case of an emergency?

A: In the event of an emergency please follow the directions of the stewards at all times. If you see anything suspicious, please report to a steward, police officer or member of staff.