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There are many different types of Philadelphia spiritual trips to consider. Maybe you need a day of retreat to take time and space to connect, rebalance, recharge. Maybe you’re organizing a pilgrimage, which often happens in a group, and involves prayer and visiting a spiritual location. Maybe you’re interested in all religions and so you want to explore various synagogues, churches, mosques, and temples.
As the leader of the trip, you have so many factors to organize— permission slips, chaperones, itineraries. A charter bus rental would allow you to cross one thing off of your list: carpooling. And by keeping your group in one central location you have time to focus on what makes a great spiritual trip: prayer, community-building, and icebreakers. Spiritual trips can offer you a chance to reconnect with what matters, an opportunity to learn more about your spiritual roots, or time to serve others.
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Famous spiritual landmarks in Philadelphia
The Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter & Paul
The Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter & Paul opened in 1864 on the East side of Logan Square, in Philadelphia. It is the largest Catholic Church in Pennsylvania and is the largest brownstone building in Philly. The original designs were drawn by two priests, Mariano Muller and John Tornatore. Construction took nearly 20 years, as the bishop refused to go into debt to build the cathedral. Both Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis have celebrated papal masses at the Cathedral and today it is home to a thriving congregation.
For those who wish to learn more about the building, there are several options for tours: from self-guided to group and a few options in between. One interesting fact about the building? There was such anti-Catholic sentiment at the time (tied to an influx of immigrants) that the windows were designed to be just above where the highest rock could be thrown.
Beth Sholom Synagogue
Beth Sholom Synagogue is located in Elkins Park, a suburb of Philadelphia. It is especially noteworthy because it is the only synagogue that Frank Lloyd Wright designed. Originally, the community was located in the Logan neighborhood of Philadelphia. When it moved to Elkins Park, they commissioned Wright to design their new synagogue. Building commenced in 1953 and was completed in 1959.
The building utilizes immense amounts of natural light in the sanctuary. In 2007, the building was added to the register as a National Historic Landmark. Tours are available, however reservations are required for groups of ten or more. Beth Sholom Synagogue is a very active congregation and there are multiple options for services available.
Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is located in Center City, Philadelphia. The congregation was founded in 1794, in response to Reverend Richard Allen’s encouragement to black congregants to form their own churches after being forced to segregate in some of the city’s other churches. As such, it is the country’s oldest AME congregation. The land the church was built on (both its original building which had been a blacksmith’s shop, and its current building which was completed in 1890), is the oldest property owned continuously by African Americans. The current church structure is built in a Romanesque style. If you visit, make sure to stop in the basement crypt: it functions both as a museum of relevant items and as a burial site for Rev. Allen and his wife.
Arch Street Friends Meeting House
Arch Street Friends Meeting House was built in 1804 and expanded (the West Wing) in 1811. It is the oldest Friends Meeting House in Philadelphia that is still being used, and it is the largest meeting house in the world. The land for this meeting house was donated by William Penn, and at one point, Lucretia Mott, the suffragette and abolitionist, was a member. The Arch Street Friends Meeting House is still used today as a place of worship and meeting. The interior of the worship space is made up of wooden pews that face the center of the room and there is a gallery that overlooks the first floor. The building can hold up to 60 visitors, whoever they do ask for a reservation ahead of time.
Types of spiritual trips in Philadelphia
Missions
Mission trips are very common church group trips. Are you looking for a way to serve the communities around you? Often people think of mission groups involving distant countries. But if you stop to think about it, the communities that are closer to us are also often in deep need. Your mission trip might decide to serve at a local soup kitchen or a food bank. Other common locations to consider: nursing homes, daycares, and after-school programs.
Sunday School
Sunday School groups are generally filled with young children which can make for a boisterous time. A day trip can allow you to hone in on specific teachings you’ve been covering in class or to explore an important landmark or type of building (such as a monastery, temple, basilica). Most Sunday school groups consist of children and chaperones. When you’re all in one vehicle, it’s much simpler to ensure that nobody is left behind or has wandered off alone. A Sunday School trip can also mark special occasions, such as participation in stations of the cross or other devotional prayer.
Clergy
When the majority of your time is in service of others, it’s important to remember to take time out of your schedule to connect with your peers and to recharge. Groups of clergy, whether you’re talking about religious communities or about colleagues who work together, can find it useful to take educational trips or to take retreats and pilgrimages together. Sharing time with those who understand your unique ministry challenges allows you to return to your congregations refreshed and renewed.
Retreats
When you need time to recharge, retreats can present a much-needed respite from the day to day challenges that face us all. The opportunity to reflect on our lives, to break bread with others, to gather in prayer, is one that nourishes and rejuvenates. Retreats can occur in centers or in holy places and spiritual locations offer an anchor to the retreat time. When you retreat with a group, you get the benefit of connection with others while also having solo time in prayer and reflection. Traveling on a bus to a retreat location presents time for both individual or communal prayer.
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