Frequently Asked Questions
How accessible is the National Shrine?
All areas of the Museum, the restrooms, the Basilica, the Gift Shop, the White House, and most of the Stone House are accessible to the physically challenged. Please make us aware of any members with special needs when making your reservation.
How do I make group tour reservations?
Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis by contacting the Reservations Coordinator at 301-447-7050. Please keep in mind that Spring and Fall are especially busy times of the year. To be assured of a reservation, call as early as possible. Groups will be scheduled to avoid overcrowding and to accommodate bus parking.
How long should we allow to tour the Shrine?
Allow 1 ½ - 2 hours to tour all of the sites and to allow for lunch breaks or visits to the Gift Shop or restrooms.
Where should buses unload passengers?
Limited bus parking is available. Please enter the main driveway to the right of the Basilica at South Seton Avenue onto the property; make the first left and then another left into the bus parking lot. Buses may pull over to the sidewalk to drop off their passengers before parking, but a representative from the group must first check in with the Shrine Reception desk in the Visitor Center/Museum before the group disembarks. Please observe the "No Buses" signs at certain parts of the driveway; turnaround space there is inadequate.
Where can buses park?
Limited bus parking is available. Please enter the main driveway to the right of the Basilica at South Seton Avenue onto the property; make the first left and then another left into the bus parking lot.
What are the Shrine hours and Mass hours?
For the most up-to-date hours for visiting the Shrine as well as the Mass schedule, check online.
Can we schedule a Mass to coincide with our visit?
A Mass, Prayer Service, or Benediction may be scheduled if a group is accompanied by a priest. You must verify time and availability with the Shrine secretary at 301-447-7050. For regular Mass hours, consult the website; please call ahead to verify, especially during the Summer and at Holiday times. Remember to add approximately one extra hour to your tour schedule if you are attending Mass.
What is the admission fee to the Seton Shrine?
No admission fees are charged for entry to the Shrine. As the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton receives no regular financial support, the generosity of our visitors is gratefully appreciated. Your group may choose to send or leave a donation for the entire group, or may leave individual donations. Learn more about supporting the National Shrine.
Is there a Gift Shop?
The Shrine visitor center features a Gift Shop with a wide selection of religious gifts to commemorate your visit. You may check the Gift Shop hours or review the catalog online as well.
What should I know about bringing students to visit?
When bringing school groups, please be aware of the rules for chaperones and review the guidelines for visiting with your students. You may wish to download our learning packet for students before you visit.
What dining facilities are available?
The Visitor Center at the Shrine has a snack room with soda and vending machines that accommodates up to 36 people at a time. For groups of more than 36, we can structure your tour so that you will eat in shifts. Lunches and backpacks should be kept on the bus until they are needed. No food or drinks may be carried into any other areas of the Shrine.
Groups are welcome to eat their lunches on their bus. If you eat on the bus, please provide your own trash bags, as the Shrine does not have sufficient receptacles for large groups. There are also options to rent nearby park pavilions, and several restaurants in the area will accommodate buses. Please contact us for more details.
How may I get information from the archives?
The Daughters of Charity regret that the Archives at Saint Joseph’s Provincial House (ASJPH) are temporarily closed to the public for an extended period of time during 2008. We are in the midst of reviewing and updating collection inventories of archival holdings, computerizing finding aids, and simultaneously doing research for projects related to the upcoming Bicentennial of the foundation of the Sisters of Charity by Elizabeth Ann Seton. Please review the Guidelines for Archives Requests before submitting any inquiries.
What other attractions are in the area?
Various other attractions in the Emmitsburg area include the Shrine Grotto of Lourdes at Mount St. Mary's University and other historic sites of interest. You may find out more information at www.emmitsburg.net.
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