Hi there,
The first week in March could be beautiful with sunshine and blue skies - or - it could be snowing a blizzard! Its unpredictable at that time of the year so listen to the locals about which routes to take and take warm clothing. You can always post it ahead to Santiago if it warms up sufficiently.
When I arrived by bus, we were herded into the office to register for the credential, then shown to our dormitory where we left all our gear on the bed (quite a shock for someone from a crime riddled country like mine!) then told to put our name down for dinner at the tavern (if we wanted it) which is in two sittings, before and after mass, then off to mass (beautiful) and then back to the albergue which had a light's out at 10pm policy.
It all works very well and before you know it you are lying on a bunk in a canvernous old mill with beautiful old wheel lighting and the sounds of the wind in the trees. (If you hear a wailing in the wind, it could be the sound of "Oliphant', Roland's horn that is said to still haunt the woods above Roncesvalles!)
Masses at Roncesvalles are: Sundays and holidays: 8'30h - 12'00h - 18'00h. (from November to June) 19'00h.; (from June to October)
Saturdays and holidays eve: 18'00h. (from November to June) 19'00h. (from July to October)
Working days (from Monday to Friday) 20'00h. (During the whole year)
The Pilgrim's blessing is given at the end of the last mass of the day, during the year, as long as the pilgrim ask for it. The confessions are heard half an hour before the mass.
The albergue Itzandegia is staffed by volunteers from Holland from end of March to November and is run by the monks in the winter. There is also a Youth Hostel and the Royal Collegiate of Roncesvalles, together with the Youth Hostel are planning to build a boarding house for pilgrims during July and August, with prefabricated units with showers, toilets, etc. It will have 80 bunk beds. Price: 5 euros.
Your friends (or any pilgrim for that matter) can collect a credential from most albergues, some churches, tourist offices and even some police stations.
The pilgrim's office was open until 9pm every day of the week in September. You will be able to check on this once you are in Galicia.
Don't worry - be happy! Go with the flow! What will be, will be! Just enjoy!