Mon: Emmaus Memorial Day Beach Party

It's time for the Emmaus Annual Memorial Day Beach Celebration on May 31st. We will be gathering from 12 - Sunset for food and beach games so bring beach chairs, umbrella's, beach toys (such as volleyballs, footballs, skim boards, boogie boards, and anything else you can think of).

We will be meeting at Atlantic Beach at 10th st close to the Atlantic Beach Pier. You can park at 901 Ocean Blvd. Atlantic Beach. Park away from the condos in the first lot on your left as you enter the condominium complex. There is ample parking spaces there. 10th Street & Ocean Blvd is the public beach access with showers at the ocean too! There is also some public parking here, probably about 8-10 spots.

If you have any questions please contact Sean at 904-307-0824 or john6bb@yahoo.com

I look forward to seeing everyone on Monday May 31, 2010!

What to bring:

Food: If your first name begins with:(A-G) bring drinks (soda, water, Gatorade, juice) (H-P) bring dessert or snacks (cookies, chips and dip, fruit or veggie trays, crackers and cheese, etc.(R-Z) bring a main dish or side dish (chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, mac and cheese, green beans, baked beans, casseroles, buns, ketchup, mustard, mayo, etc.)If someone wants to bring a table, umbrellas, canopy, and such that would be awesome as well.Please list what you are bringing when you reply

Directions to the beach are below. Look for Emmaus signs.

*From South of Jacksonville:*North I-95 to J. Turner Butler exit East (to beaches)*Exit right onto Hodges Blvd. going North through Beach Blvd. intersection to Atlantic Blvd.*East/right on Atlantic Blvd. and go over the Intercoastal Bridge*North/Left onto Sherry Dr. (look for the Radio shack on the left) * Right onto 7th st.* Left onto Ocean Blvd.* Go up to 10th st and park away from the condos in the first lot on your left as you enter the condominium complex at 901 Ocean Blvd.

From North of Jacksonville:* South I-95 to 9-A exit (past airport)* Over Dame's Point Bridge* East/left on Atlantic Blvd. and go over the Intercoastal Bridge*North/Left onto Sherry Dr. (look for the Radio shack on the left) * Right onto 7th st.* Left onto Ocean Blvd.* Go up to 10th st and park away from the condos in the first lot on your left as you enter the condominium complex at 901 Ocean Blvd.

God Bless,Sean

Thursday: Come early for mass!

Hello Emmaus friends,
This Thursday, we are blessed to have our spiritual director, Fr. Ed Murphy, celebrate mass with us at St. Ephrem’s church.

The church will be in use at 8:00 p.m. for devotions, so we’ll start at little earlier than usual: meet at 6:30 p.m. to pray the rosary and Fr. Ed will be available to hear confessions. Mass will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Christ's peace and blessings to you all this week,
The Emmaus Core Team (Jennifer, Sean, Russ and Liz)

Tues Movie: Solanus Casey- Modern Prophet

This Tuesday I will be showing a documentary on Venerable Solanus Casey. If you are interested in watching this short movie about his life then let me know. Solanus Casey was a man much like Padre Pio with many gifts of the Holy Spirit. www.solanuscasey.org Sean

Directions:

From St. Augustine or 95 south: Take the Southside Blvd. Exit 340, get on Southside blvd going south towards the Avenues Mall , make a U-turn at the first light (Square Lake Blvd.) to head north on Southside to Paradise Island Apartments. Turn right at the next light, which is Pardise Island. Go almost to the very back of the complex and turn left at a sign called "The Perserves". If you go to far you will dead end. Keep going, going over three speed bumps. After the third speed bump take a right at the next street. Go past the garbage cans and the mailboxes. I am in building 50. Apt 5004.

From 95 north: Take the Baymeadows rd. exit, go until you reach Southside blvd. Turn right onto Southside Blvd. going south towards the Avenues Mall , make a U-turn at the first light (Square Lake Blvd.) to head north on Southside to Paradise Island. Turn right at the next light, which is Pardise Island Apartments. Go almost to the very back of the complex and turn left at a sign called "The Perserves". If you go to far you will dead end. Keep going, going over three speed bumps. After the third speed bump take a right at the next street. Go past the garbage cans and the mailboxes. I am in building 50. Apt 5004.

Thurs: Marine Chaplain Fr. Ron Camarda

This Thursday we are having a special guest, Fr. Ron Camarda. Father Ron Camarda was recalled to Active Duty to serve with the Marines during the Battle for Fallujah, Iraq (2004). At Bravo Surgical (Marine equivalent to a M.A.S.H. unit) he received over 1500 casualties and 81 deaths. When he returned home he found his work was not done and he began to minister to the widows and families hurt by the war. He has written a book called Tear in the Desert and has been featured on EWTN. His priestly anniversary is this wednesday so pray for him.

We will meet at 7:00 for a rosary and begin at 7:30pm. Invite a friend to come out.

http://www.tearinthedesert.com/

In Christ,

Sean, Liz, Jen, Russ

http://emmauscya.blogspot.com

Women's Help Center Celebration of Life - This Thursday!

Hello dear brothers and sisters!

This Thursday in lieu of our regular Emmaus meeting, we will be serving at the annual Women's Help Center Celebration of Life. Even if you did not RSVP earlier, please come out to help. We need LOTs of volunteers to man the registration tables, help with the silent auction, and generally help in any way needed. They will also provide dinner for us (and it will be lots of fun!)

Please note ** attire needs to be white shirts/blouses and black pants or skirts so that people will easily be able to recognize us.

Location is at the University Center at UNF (1200 Alumni Drive, Jax, FL). You will want to go as if you are going to Emmaus at St. Ephrem's and enter UNF from the back, off of Kernan Road. From Kernan turn onto Alumni Drive and the University Center will be on your left (there is a sign).

Time - very important - if you can be there at 4pm to help, we would GREATLY appreciate your help - there is lots to do! For those who cannot be there at 4PM, please try to be there by 5:30 (we will go over the instructions for how we will handle registration at 5:30 and need at least 15 people at this time). It is very important that we are able to get people registered and through the lines very quickly.

I am thrilled that we are able to help this wonderful organization that is on the front lines of saving babies every day. The dollars raised at this function translate into real tangible help for people who are hurting and really do help save the lives of beautiful little children, our brothers and sisters. If you have any questions, feel free to give me a call (904 347 5873 - Jennifer)

with love,

Sean, Liz, and Jen

http://www.pregnancyjacksonville.com/

"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you ... " Jeremiah 1:5

Tues: Fatima 13th Day Movie night

I will be showing the recently released movie about the Apparition of Mary in Fatima called The 13th Day:The True Story of Fatima this Tuesday in commemoration of the event on May 13th. If you are interested in coming to watch the movie please let me know, john6bb@yahoo.com . I will start the movie at 7:30pm.

Synopsis: This moving drama relates the true story of three Portuguese children who were reportedly visited by Our Lady in 1917. The cousins received visitations for five months, during which they were told of upcoming world events and asked to pray for peace. Although they were threatened with torture, the pious children never abandoned their prayers and shared their story with thousands of believers, who witnessed the promised Miracle of the Sun.

In Christ, Sean

Directions:

From St. Augustine or 95 south: Take the Southside Blvd. Exit 340, get on Southside blvd going south towards the Avenues Mall , make a U-turn at the first light (Square Lake Blvd.) to head north on Southside to Paradise Island Apartments. Turn right at the next light, which is Pardise Island. Go almost to the very back of the complex and turn left at a sign called "The Perserves". If you go to far you will dead end. Keep going, going over three speed bumps. After the third speed bump take a right at the next street. Go past the garbage cans and the mailboxes. I am in building 50. Apt 5004. Look for the Emmaus signs.

From 95 north: Take the Baymeadows rd. exit, go until you reach Southside blvd. Turn right onto Southside Blvd. going south towards the Avenues Mall , make a U-turn at the first light (Square Lake Blvd.) to head north on Southside to Paradise Island. Turn right at the next light, which is Pardise Island Apartments. Go almost to the very back of the complex and turn left at a sign called "The Perserves". If you go to far you will dead end. Keep going, going over three speed bumps. After the third speed bump take a right at the next street. Go past the garbage cans and the mailboxes. I am in building 50. Apt 5004. Look for the Emmaus signs.

Sat: Party for Seminarian Adam/ Ice Cream Social

This Saturday, 15th, we will be doing a community service project at the Ceder Hills Nursing Home from 2:45- 4:30pm (directions below) followed by a celebration party for Adam Kerach for him going to seminary for the diocese. The party for Adam will start at 6:30 at the Olive Garden near the Avenues. After dinner we will go to my apartment for some games (directions to my apartment will be given at Olive Garden or via e-mail later in the week).

You don't have to know Adam to come to the party just come out for fellowship and fun.

Olive Garden: 10144 Phillips hwy Jacksonville, FL 32256
Cedar Hills Nursing Homes: 2061 Hyde Park Rd Jacksonville, FL 32210 (904)786-7331

In Christ ,

Sean - 307-0824, john6bb@yahoo.com

Saturday, May 8: Cinco de Mayo beach party!

Hi Friends,

Surf's up dudes and dudettes! That means it's time to celebrate the 5th Annual Cinco de Mayo Beach Fiesta!

Come out to start the party at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 8 at the St. Augustine Beach Pier and Pavilion (directions below). We’ll have lots of time for fun in the sun! If you have a grill and can come early to set up, that's great.

Please bring some food and drinks to share:
Last name A-G: drinks and cups
Last name H-P: snack, desserts or sides and plates
Last name R-Z: hamburgers, hotdogs and buns

Don’t forget sunscreen, towels, volleyballs, footballs and frisbees, and bring your family and friends to join in the fun!

Directions to the St. Augustine Beach Pier from Jacksonville:
Take I-95 South to S.R. 207 (exit #311)
Turn LEFT, heading North on S.R. 207 for about 4 miles
Turn RIGHT, heading East on S.R. 312
Stay on 312 to cross over the bridge into St. Augustine beach.
312 becomes A1A. You’ll see the beach on your left.
The pier, pavilion and volleyball courts are next to a big parking lot and fire station.

Saturday May 8: Mass of Priestly Ordination

Hi friends,
We have a weekend full of blessings and celebration in our diocese! On Saturday, May 8 Deacon Sal DiFazio will be ordained into the priesthood at the Cathedral Basilica. The ordination mass begins at 10:30 a.m.

Anyone who would like to go, let’s plan to meet at 10:15 outside in the little garden area on the east side of the Cathedral (on the right side if you’re facing the Cathedral from the gazebo in the downtown square).

And don’t worry about playing volleyball in your church clothes—everyone’s welcome to come to Liz’s place after mass to get ready for the beach!

Thursday at Emmaus: Fr. Wade discussion, part 2

Hello dear friends!

Back by popular demand, we will continue our discussion from last week about "The Ten Commandments of a Husband and Father" and "The Ten Commandments of a Wife and Mother" - so much good stuff to talk about to help us help each other prepare for our Vocations! Of course, for those who believe the Lord is calling you to a Vocation to the Priesthood or Religious Life, there really are so many parallels - so this discussion is for everyone! If you'd like to review and print the cliff notes from last week here is a link to Fr. Wade's profile on the Fathers of Mercy website (scroll down to the bottom for the Ten Commandments):

http://www.fathersofmercy.com/our_apostolates/missionaries/menezes

Many blessings and hugs to all!

with love,

Jennifer

Thurs: Angels and Demons

No, we are not watching the evil movie by Dan Brown called Angels and Demons we are discussing real beings called Angels. This Thursday I will show you the theology behind Angels and Demons. We will look at the Scripture and the Saints writings and discover who these celestial beings are and why God created them. We will answer questions like:

Do angels real exist? Are there evil angels and why? What is the purpose for angels? Can angels influence my free will? Can demons really kill me? Who are my guardian angels? All these questions and more will be answered Thursday night. So bring a friend and get ready to learn about the beauty of Gods creations.

We begin at 7:30pm or if you want to jon us for the rosary then come at 7:00pm.

In Christ,

Sean, Liz, Jen

http://emmauscya.blogspot.com/

Thurs: Resurrection Movie and Bible Study

This Thursday we will be watching a short video on the Resurrection of Jesus and discuss some of the bible passages about the resurrection. We will also dive into what it would have been like during those 49 days of Jesus' apperance to his disciples.

So come out at 7:30pm or 7 for the rosary and bring your bible.

In Christ,

Sean, Liz, Jen

Tues- Christian movie night

I will be showing the movie called The Final Inquiry Tuesday evening for those who want to come. I did not show it last Wednesday due to no one coming. So I figured i give it one more shot.
The movie will start this Tuesday at 7:30 at my apartment. Come out and enjoy fellowship and and a great Christian movie. Directions below.

Synopsis:In 35 A.D., following the crucifixion of Christ, earthquakes tear apart the Roman Empire and the sky turns black midday. Emperor Tiberius (Max von Sydow) calls upon investigator Tauro (Daniele Liotti) to determine the cause of this sudden upheaval. Tauro interviews treacherous governor Pontius Pilate, an insane man named Judas and poor fisherman Simon Peter and soon discovers that the strange phenomena may be linked to Christ's execution.

In Christ,Sean

Thurs: Volleyball at Christ the King Parish

Happy Easter! Christ is risen indeed and the Easter season has just begun - so let's celebrate! This Thursday for Emmaus we will NOT meet at St. Ephrem's, but instead will be playing volleyball at Christ the King. So bring your A game, a friend, and a few bucks for pizza as we celebrate Easter, all birthdays for the last quarter AND the birthday of Emmaus (at least the Emmaus story as it will be part of the daily readings this week!)

Christ the King Catholic Church
742 Arlington Road NorthJacksonville, FL 32211

with love in Christ,

Liz, Sean, and Jennifer

Thurs, Fri, Sat- Holy Week

Hello dear brothers and sisters!
We will not meet this Thursday at St. Ephrem's but instead please join us this Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday together).

Holy Thursday - The celebration of the Last Supper, the Institution of the Eucharist/First Mass, and the Institution of the Priesthood

4/1/10 - 6:00PM - at Christ the King.
Christ the King
742 Arlington Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32211

We decided to change the "official" location for us to attend Holy Thursday Mass from Assumption to Christ the King because our good Emmaus friend, Adam Kersch, will be officially recognized as they will announce his acceptance as a seminarian for our diocese and we want to be there to support him! Praise God! Adam, you and your vocation are in our prayers. Please continue to pray for us on your journey as well! How cool (and appropriate) for this to be announced during the Mass that celebrates the institution of the Priesthood.

Good Friday - The Memorial of the Death of our Lord

4/2/10 Noon ~3PM @ Immaculate Conception Parish
Immaculate Conception
121 East Duval StreetJacksonville, FL 32202

The Memorial of the Death of our Lord:
Confession, Stations of the Cross, Communion Service, Veneration of the Cross, Reflections on the 7 Last Words of Christ, Divine Mercy Chaplet

Holy Saturday - The Easter Vigil Mass:

4/3/10 8PM @ The Cathedral in St. Augustine
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
38 Cathedral Place St Augustine, FL 32084

The Easter Vigil Mass:
The Easter Celebration begins at this Mass! We all process in with candles and listen to the scripture readings that tell the story of salvation history. Brand new "baby" Catholics will join us for the first time at the table of the Lord as they receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation (candidates) and some also baptism (catechumens).

Because parking is always a challenge in downtown St. Augustine, carpooling and getting there early are highly recommended. Likely there will also be a group outing for a late night breakfast (as we also "break" our Lenten "fasts") somewhere local and celebrate His Resurrection! If you will be out of town visiting family for Easter or are unable to join us for any reason, on behalf of Emmaus, we wish you a most blessed and joyous Holy Week and Easter.

with love,
Sean, Liz, and Jennifer

Thurs- Lenten Improv Skits

This Thursday we will be having some funny and enlighting skits about lent. We will discuss almsgiving, fasting, and prayer but in skit form. Come out and participate in the skits and discussion.

See you Thursday!

In Christ,

Emmaus Core Team

http://emmauscya.blogspot.com/

Let's journey through Tridium together

Hello dear brothers and sisters!

Several people have already asked me, so mark you calendars to celebrate Holy Week together. There may be more details to follow, but this is what we know so far ...

Holy Thursday - 4/1 7:00 PM @ Assumption Parish

The celebration of the Last Supper, the Institution of the Eucharist/First Mass, and the Institution of the Priesthood

Good Friday - 4/2 Noon ~3PM @ Immaculate Conception Parish

The Memorial of the Death of our Lord

Confession, Stations of the Cross, Communion Service, Veneration of the Cross, Reflections on the 7 Last Words of Christ, Divine Mercy Chaplet

Holy Saturday 4/3 8PM @ The Cathedral in St. Augustine

The Easter Vigil Mass

I believe this actually starts at 8:30, but you will want to get there early for the procession from darkness to light

The Easter Celebration begins at this Mass! We all process in with candles and listen to the scripture readings that tell the story of salvation history. Brand new "baby" Catholics will join us for the first time at the table of the Lord as they receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation (candidates) and some also baptism (catechumens).

More details to follow, but we will likely have a grand celebration together following this joy-filled Mass, so that we can celebrate Easter together as the Body of Christ that we are!

with love,

Sean, Liz, and Jennifer

Sat- 7 Last words of Christ and Pillars of Joy Music

This Saturday come out for a lenten reflection on the 7 last words of Christ. The last seven words of Christ are words or phrases that we can cling to not only during the season of Lent, but every day of our lives. Come reflect and meditate on these powerful words with us. Deacon John will begin the evening with exposition of the most blessed sacrament. Music and meditation will be lead by Bart Price and the Pillars of Joy. This will be a special evening as our beloved Joy Pichardo will be be with us for the first time in three years.

Date and Time: Saturday March 20th at 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Assumption Catholic Church (near Bishop Kenny High School)

The 7 last words are:
Father forgive them...- Luke 23:34
Today you will be with me in paradise- Luke 23:43
Woman behold your son - John 19:26-27
My God my God why have you forsaken me - Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34
I thirst - John 19:28
It is finished - John 19:30
Father into your hands I commend my spirit - Luke 23:46

In Christ, Sean

Thurs- 40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil

This Thursday we will be standing vigil and praying for an end to abortion at A Jacksonville Women's Health Center (AJAX), 4131 University Blvd. S., Jacksonville, FL. Come out and stand for life.

We will start at 7:00PM and end at 8:00. Afterwards we will go to get something to eat.

To get more information, or to volunteer to help you can call 904/214-4908, e-mail tsmaha@bellsouth.net or visit http://www.40daysforlife.com/jacksonville

In Christ,

Sean, Jen, Liz.

http://emmauscya.blogspot.com

Thurs - Adoration of Jesus

This Thursday we will be having Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. We will pray the rosary and have some lenten reflections from the Saints. This is strickly Adoration. There will not be any Sacrament of Confession. We will begin the Rosary at 7:00.

In Christ,

Sean, Liz, Jen

http://emmauscya.blogspot.com/