Emmaus This Thurs. -- Redemptive Suffering

REDEMPTIVE SUFFERING

Hello Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This week at Emmaus our good friend Gerald Lamb will be speaking to us about Redemptive Suffering and its role in Spiritual Combat. Gerald has a Master's Degree in Theology from Franciscan University at Steubenville. It is sure to be a good talk, so come and learn about this important teaching of our faith! Rosary at 7pm, meeting at 7:30pm.

In Him,

Emmaus Core Team (Sean, Jen, Liz, and Russ)

This Thursday - James Beich on Evngelization and Missions!

Hello dear friends!

Have you ever felt like the Lord was calling you to do more for Him, but weren't quite sure what? It is so easy to "go with the flow", to not do anything too crazy, and before we know it, we're feeling and looking a little "slack in zeal" (Romans 12:11). But whether God is calling you to a land far away or to be a missionary to the people already around you, He IS calling you to live a life sold out and radically oriented toward loving HIM (and thus consequently, others)! This is the universal call to holiness. We are all called to love and to serve and share the Good News.

This week at Emmaus, our friend, James, will share his story - a story that includes God leading him to serve by doing missionary work in Africa! So come out for some great fellowship and discussion on how God is calling each of us to be His hands and feet (and words and heart and all those other cool body parts). I wonder if St. Therese were to have compared herself in this way instead of as a "little flower" what she would have chosen? Even an eyebrow or a toenail serve as an important part of the body and I am happy to be used in whatever small way He allows!

"There are no great things, only small things with great love"
"Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love"
- Blessed Mother Teresa

with love (and a smile :)

The Emmaus Core Team
(Russ, Liz, Sean, Jennifer)

Thurs: Saints Behaving Badly

Do you think you are the worst sinner in the world? I think I am and could probably debate with you on the point. However, after researching some of the Saints lives I realized that I would come in second or third place.

Soooo..... This Thursday we will discuss some of the Saints who lead a very very sinful life but through God's grace converted and became Saints. We will look at Saints who were murderers, seducers, satanists, alcoholics, and much more and see how they changed there lives.

So come on out, be amazed at how LESS sinful you really are compared to these HEAVY sinners, and be inspired.

In Christ,

Emmaus Core Team (Sean, Liz, Jen, Russ)

http://emmauscya.blogspot.com

Emmaus this Thurs.

Hello all,

This week at Emmaus we will be having Mass with Fr. Lam. Come early for rosary at 6:30pm. Fr. Lam will be available for confession from 6:30-7pm. Mass is at 7pm.

See you then!

Emmaus Core Team (Sean, Jen, Liz, and Russ)

Dan Mull Speaking at Emmaus thus Thursday!

Hello dear friends!

Our dear friend, Dan Mull, will be speaking to us this Thursday at Emmaus - about what you might ask? To which I say, you know it will be good, so why don't you just come and find out! For those who are newer to Emmaus, Dan is a former Emmaus Core Team member and has a Masters in Pastoral Theology from Ave Maria. He teaches Religion at Bishop Snider High School and is married to the beautiful and lovely Ann Mull (affectionately known together as D'Ann). Dan and Ann actaully found their Vocation to each other at Emmaus (ahh, sigh, applause), so that is another cool piece of trivia about them :)

On another note, my awesome roommate sent me this neat You Tube link and I thought it was pretty cool. So if you need a hug and need to give some hugs - come out to Emmaus and give your brothers and sisters some huggage! Please know that if we haven't seen you for a while - we MISS you! (and you are far overdue for a hug!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=hN8CKwdosjE

hugs,

Jennifer, Sean, Liz, Russ

Thurs: Game -Heresy Jeopardy

How do you distingush between what is right and wrong or what is Truth and Heresy?

Well this Thursday we are playing the most famously fun Heresy Jeopardy.

In this game we will learn the types of heresies that have confronted the Church and I, Sean Trebek, will test your faith skills in the Emmaus Inquisition. If you fail then you will be forced to eat flaming marshmallows. Muwah Hahaha. Just kidding.

It will be fun and I am sure you will find it fascinating and will learn a lot about the heresies that have attacked the Catholic Church.

We start at 7:30 or 7 if you want to come for the rosary.

In Christ,

Emmaus Core Team - Sean, Liz, Jen, Russ

http://emmauscya.blogspot.com/

Thurs: Bible Alone or Not

OR NOT
Have you ever had someone tell you they will not believe in the authority of the Church because they only believe in the authority of the Bible? Or how about " If it is not in the bible then I don't believe it"?

Well this Thursday we are going to have a debate between Bible Only-Sean aka Bibleman vs. Catholic Truth-Matt aka Truthman. In this debate you will learn how to defend your faith against those who do not believe in the authority of the Church and learn why we believe in the Bible's authority, the tradition of the Church, and the Church's authority to interpret the bible.

Bring your own questions as well for Sean and Matt to answer.

In Christ,

Emmaus Core Team (Liz, Sean, Russ, Jen)

http://emmauscya.blogspot.com/

Thursday: Mass & Dinner at St. Ephrem's

Hi Emmaus friends,

This Thursday, spiritual director, Fr. Ed Murphy, will celebrate mass with us at St. Ephrem’s. We’ve asked Fr. Ed to say the mass for Paul’s father. Please plan to come to offer prayers and support and allow the Lord to heal our community’s heavy hearts.

Again, we'll start 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.

Remember that if you come to Mass after the Gospel you must not receive communion so please get there on time. Also remember the hour fast before Mass.

But that’s not all…Thursday is the first-ever Emmaus Talk & Taco Night. After mass, we’ll go to the hall for a discussion with Fr. Ed and dinner brought to you by the Core Team. Come early and come hungry.

Peace and blessings, The Emmaus Core Team (Jennifer, Sean, Russ and Liz)

Thurs: Serving our Diocean Priests with a Concert

Hello dear brothers and sisters!
This Thursday for Emmaus we have the privilege of serving for a very special event in our diocese - the "Songs of Praise" concert to honor our beloved priests in our diocese! Proceeds from this concert will benefit the Priest Retirement Fund and Lumen Entertainment's Value of Life project. (Check out Lumen's website for more info on the Value of Life project - there are even clips of the animation there - it's really neat) http://www.lumen.tv/songsofpraise.html

We will help in whatever capacity needed including ticket sales/will call, directional needs (outside and inside - pointing the way to go), and general rovers assisting priests and other VIPs. There will be some hor d'oeurves, but no formal dinner, so it would be wise to eat beforehand if possible. We have 10 confirmed to make it, but we really need at least 5 more, so please let me know if you haven't already if you will be able to help.

So here's the scoop:
When: Thursday, June 3rd

Time: 5PM is desired, but we really need people by 5:30 at the latest (The concert will last until 9pm, but if you are only able to serve from 5-7, that will work too)

Where: UNF Lazzara Theatre (If you enter on UNF Drive from the Town Center, go straight through the first traffic light. Lazzara Theatre is behind the parking garage on your right and is part of the Fine Arts Center. Note: This is the same location where some of us saw "The Human Experience" put on by Focus ...it is NOT the same location at the WHC Celebration of Life)

Attire: White shirts/black pants or skirts

Cost: There is no cost because we are volunteers; however, if you are able, we certainly encourage anyone who is able to contribute to these two wonderful causes. Note, we will also be able to enjoy a wonderful concert, so it would be a good opportunity to show our appreciation and support as well. Good stewardship is an act of love and thanksgiving for our Church and the Body of Christ that actually helps us to grow in love as we sacrifice and serve with our time, talent, AND treasure.

Why: So many reasons - we love our priests who bring us Christ, we want to support Lumen and help spread the word about the dignity of every human life, we are called to serve and pray that in doing so Christ will fashion us more in his image and soften our hearts to fill them with love, and ... we desire to help our friend, Alex, whose family is suffering from the loss of his brother, in whatever small ways we can.

If you have any questions, I (Jennifer) can be reached at (904) 347-5873.
with love,
Liz, Sean, Russ, Jennifer

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/