by John Sorce
john.sorce@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Looking to deepen your faith life this new year?
There is still time to fit a trip to the Holy Land into your summer plans.
The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has partnered with the Diocese of Wichita on a 10-day trip running from June 8-17.
Internationally known singer, songwriter and music minister Steve Angrisano and his wife Jenni will be joining the group on the trip, along with spiritual director Father Dan Duling of the Wichita Diocese.
They will be joined in the Holy Land by George Stephan, who lives in Jerusalem and will guide the tours.
Angie Bittner, who coordinates rural youth ministry outreach for the archdiocese, went on a trip there with family prior to COVID.
She knew immediately she wanted to find a way to give others the same experience.
“On that trip, I just knew we needed to figure out a way to have more people experience the Holy Land,” Bittner said.
“It changes everything about how you know Jesus,” she added.
The group coordinated a trip in 2023 with the help of Lori Janak at Amazing Grace Pilgrimages. Any age is welcome, but pilgrims under 18 must be accompanied by their parent.
Bittner was eager to work with them again and arrange another trip.
“To pilgrimage with fellow Kansans who appreciate all of this is such a gift, so that’s why we wanted to book this second trip,” she said.
The group will stay at three different hotels, starting in Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee.
“I remember taking my shoes and socks off and standing on the edge of the sea,” Bittner said. “Every time you step somewhere, there’s a wonder if you are stepping right where Jesus and the disciples were.
“I think the awe of the sea and thinking about how many things took place there is really special.”
Some of the other places that will be visited include the towns of Cana, Nazareth, Capernaum, Bethlehem and Jerusalem. A full day-by-day itinerary can be found on the brochure on the website at: archkck.org/holy- land-pilgrimage-2026.
The group will also stay at hotels in Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
Another experience that stood out to Bittner in one of her prior visits was in Jerusalem.
“There was a time we did the Via Dolorosa and walked the Stations of the Cross where Jesus walked to go to Calvary,” Bittner said. “Then, we saw the stone they would have washed him on and his tomb, and we got to celebrate Mass there.
“You just cannot believe that you are actually there.”
To be able to attend Mass at so many biblical locations was hard for Bittner to put into words.
“We will be able to experience Mass at so many locations,” Bittner said. “You just understand things that you read about in Scripture and interpret as Americans differently when you get to see these places in person.
“Everything is different when you come back. You can’t explain it until you go.”
The travel package includes round-trip airfare from either Kansas City or Wichita to Tel Aviv, Israel.
People have the option to book airfare through the package or separately. The cost of $5,299 includes both land and air, while the land-only package costs $4,299.
Registration and payment will remain open until Feb. 27.
“I desire for people to live out this story and make it more than something you hear at Mass or read in Scripture,” said Bittner.
“If you experience where Jesus was and is,” she added, “it changes your heart and conforms you more to his because you understand better and have been there.
“If it’s on your bucket list and you can make it work financially, don’t wait, because this will change your life.”
People wanting to learn more can visit the website linked above or reach out to Bittner at (785) 221-2644 or by email at: ruralyouth@archkck.org.
