Checklist

Obtain passports as early as possible. The dates below are deadlines, not recommended target dates.

  • New PassportsThu January 1st, 2026

    Recommended deadline for new passport applications. Apply earlier when possible.

  • Placeholder FormsMon May 18th, 2026

    Final deadline for placeholder forms.

  • Renew PassportsWed July 1st, 2026

    Recommended deadline for renewals. Oratory assistance and out-of-pocket amounts confirmed; fundraising continues through Spring 2027.

  • First PaymentSat August 1st, 2026

    For families whose flights are booked through the Oratory: out-of-pocket airfare per traveler due by check or Venmo.

  • Assistance DeadlineSun November 1st, 2026

    Last date to receive flight-purchase assistance. Submit receipts for self-booked flights to sfds@institute-christ-king.org for reimbursement.

  • Last Call to JoinSun January 31st, 2027

    Final opportunity to join at your own expense. All travelers must have passports in hand.

  • Passport RenewalSun April 25th, 2027

    Latest date to apply for standard renewal and receive the passport before departure.

  • Expedited RenewalWed June 30th, 2027

    Latest date for expedited renewal; expedite fees are not covered by Oratory assistance.

  • Depart U.S.Fri July 30th, 2027

    Departure. All travelers must have passports in hand.

Cost

Copay of $125.00 per chorister, payable to St. Francis de Sales Oratory, August 1, 2026. Below, please see the breakdown of what is included.

Flight

Does not include:

  • Adult Flights
  • Airport parking. The Oratory will coordinate carpool shuttling to and from the STL airport to avoid daily parking fees.
  • Passports or checked luggage fees.
  • Purchases made in the airport (snacks, travel luxuries).
  • Custom airline or seating choices.

Meals

It is recommended that parents budget for one week's worth of typical grocery costs per yourself and per participating child. Meal-prep and dining areas are provided by overnight accommodations properties, and overnight locations have been strategically selected to be near supermarkets Dunnes (while in Limerick) and Lidl's (while in Ardee). Prices are comparable to Schnucks/Dierbergs.

Accommodations

  • Overnight in Limerick (granting access to Cork and Galway via coach bus) provided by Mary Immaculate College covered by the ChoIreland Fund.
  • Overnight accommodations in Ardee (granting access to Belfast, Dundalk, and Drogheda via coach bus) provided by House of Our Lady of the Rosary, Sister Adorers at no cost to you.

Ground Transportation

Once in Ireland, participants will get around by coach bus for long distances. Count on contributing $5–$10 dollars per household towards bus rental with the ChoIreland Fund covering the balance. Independent transportation (car rental, Lyft, Uber, Taxi) are not included in assistance.

Restaurants/Pubs

The Oratory has planned this musical pilgrimage such that participants have access to grocery stores and are not at the mercy of expensive eating-out costs. However, participants may patronize a restaurant or pub ad lib, but these outings are not included in assistance.

Additional Info

What if I prefer to choose my own flight/airline?

All participants must be in Limerick by July 31, 2027, so independent purchasers are strongly, strongly recommended to choose flights that arrive at Shannon Airport (SNN) in Limerick. If you choose a flight that arrives in Dublin (DUB), you must also arrange your own bus or rental car from Dublin to Limerick (a 2-hour ride). Whatever the arrangement, all participating singers must be in Limerick by no later than July 31 and do not depart sooner than August 6.

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