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Reflections

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Emmaus 191 Candidate Reflection

Emmaus 191 will forever be remembered as a personal Rubicon. When Caesar crossed the Rubicon with his legionnaires he said to his troops, "Alea Iacta Es," which means "The die is cast." From that point forward they were changed men. They changed history and their lives would never be the same. That is Emmaus 191 for me. I entered the weekend knowing I needed to hit the proverbial "reset" button, evaluate my direction spiritually, personally, and professionally, as well as challenge myself to reflect on and address two deep-seated mindsets that were impeding my progress. The most rewarding aspect of the weekend for me was becoming reacquainted with the sacrament of Reconciliation. The sacrament was described to the candidates as "a conversation with your Best Friend." My conversation was a long time coming in a relationship that I had not been pulling my weight for quite some time. That specific experience was the "reset button" I was seeking. It provided closure to several chapters along with the clarity and inspiration for many more chapters to come. I look forward to becoming more active in the Emmaus community and becoming an integral part of the team that has assisted and will continue to assist so many to cross their personal Rubicons. Alea Iacta Es. This is it, the die has been cast. RISE UP and greet the 4th day!
Emmaus 190 Candidate Reflection

Ministry to the Minister

If I had a dollar for every time I heard “the minister receives more for their ministry than they give” especially throughout my seminary years. I know I had many ‘eye roll’ moments when someone would say that in a talk or seminar. But how true it is!

I have had the opportunity to live through many types of retreats in my life, some good, some, egh? When a friend told me he thought the Emmaus experience would be something I would like, I was open to it. It was a month or so later that he further explained that I would be one of the team members. My initial thought was yet another thing on my to do list, but I trusted my friend’s judgement and the Holy Spirit leading me.

Throughout the weekend many were complimentary to me for my talk, and pastoral presence, which was very kind, but more importantly throughout the weekend, the talks I heard and the pastoral presence I received from team and participants alike was unmatched.

I have been blessed to be a priest for over 20 years, and I can’t imagine doing anything else. I truly do receive far more than I feel I give, but every now and again I too need to be ministered to. I cannot express enough gratitude to the men and women of Christ who gave so generously of their gifts on Emmaus 190.

It was truly life changing.

–Fr. Paul Aveni

Emmaus 191 Co-Director Reflection

If I had to explain the journey of 191 it would be one of RISING. 191 started with a few hiccups and some curve balls but that only allowed for God's Will to preserve even more. As Friday night began, a whole group of strangers began their joint story of RISING- breaking down walls, getting to know each other and building foundations for the friendships to form.

As each of the team members shared their incredible journeys of faith throughout the weekend we got to experience their loss, their heartaches and their disappointments. BUT with that we got to experience the power of pure joy, sense of peace and a rising out of the darkness. The hearts of those on 191 that were once beating came back to life, growing as a family.

Emmaus 191 was a unique weekend that had its roller coaster of emotions. An intense night of Adoration and Reconciliation proved to be life-changing for many on the weekend that perfectly prepared us to experience all God had for us on Sunday. When I think back on my 191 Emmaus weekend the one word that comes to mind is JOY.

-Jen Linehan, Co-director
Emmaus 190 Director Reflection

During our lifetime we are presented with many gifts. For me the gift of my faith is my most treasured gift. They say in giving you receive and I have had the humble blessing to be able to share my gift of faith with so many. On Emmaus 190, I openly shared this gift and was blessed to witness others doing the same.

For over 20 years I have been truly blessed and overwhelmed by the happiness and love, the true commitment, that I see in all the people who have passed through my life on this Emmaus Journey. When I look back and remember my Emmaus experiences, the one word I would use to describe it is “joy.”

When the Emmaus 190 team was forming I asked two things of them, the first was to be vulnerable, to each other and to the candidates that God sent to us. The second was that they be “joy” and as the Emmaus 190 journey continued, I asked the same of the candidates.

I recently heard joy described as “more than happiness, deeper than happiness, it’s a peace that comes with knowing that life at its core is good.” If Emmaus has gifted anything to me, it is the living example that when Jesus is at the core, life is good. Life is Joy.

I hope and pray that all those who experienced Emmaus 190, as a team member, as a candidate, or as a community member, that you continue to live life from your core.

Live Joy.
-Kate Viveiros, Director
Emmaus 187 Candidate Reflection

I had the opportunity to participate in the Emmaus #187 retreat. My experience at Emmaus #187 was one of the most faith filling experiences I have ever had. Recently, I had felt like I was missing something in my life but I could not put my finger on it. Two of my colleagues had mentioned the Emmaus retreat and encouraged me to go. They provided me with gentle reminders as the time of the retreat came and I finally made the decision to sign up.

Friday, my first evening of the journey I was extremely anxious. I am a little shy and do not share very often, especially in group situations. I made it through that first evening a little less anxious and looking forward to the next day. Saturday was an emotional roller coaster. I prayed, I laughed, I cried and I shared. By the end of the day all of the anxiety was completely washed away. I was at peace. I had finally realized what had been missing. I had let the light of Christ dim. I needed to pray more often and love myself in order to have others see the light of Christ in me.

By Sunday evening, that light could not have been any brighter in me. I owe this to each and every witness, small group session, prayer activity, leader, and candidate who shared the journey with me. I feel so blessed to now be a part of the Emmaus community and look forward to future Emmaus gatherings to keep that light brightly shining.
Emmaus 187 Candidate Reflection

My husband and I could not let our Emmaus weekend slide into the distant past without acknowledging its impact on our lives. We woke up on our fourth day excited that the joy of that weekend was still with us. Our Walk with Jesus weekend lightened our steps, uplifted our spirits, unburdened our hearts and brightened our future. We remain forever grateful to all those who sacrificed their time and energy to make that weekend such a memorable experience. God Bless!

Emmaus Catholic Retreats

Diocese of Fall River, MA

Reflections

Emmaus 191 Candidate Reflection

Emmaus 190 Candidate Reflection

Emmaus 191 Co-Director Reflection

Emmaus 190 Director Reflection

Emmaus 187 Candidate Reflection

Emmaus 187 Candidate Reflection