This Thursday - "Before I go" discussion :)

Hello dear brothers and sisters!

This Thursday at Emmaus we will have an opportunity to discuss and delve into some of the things of life that really matter. Peter Kreeft has a prfound little book entitled "Before I Go - Letters to Our Children About What Really Matters." If you are familiar with Peter Kreeft, he is not a "fluffy" guy - he has authored many great books including The Handbook of Christian Apologetics and Catholic Christianity - A Complete Catechism of Catholic Beliefs Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Some of the short discussion topics in the book are light-hearted, some down right funny, and some speak to the depths of our souls - we'll take a look and have a chance to discuss some of each kind - some "faith stuff" and some practical "life stuff." I can't wait to see what everyone has to say. See you all Thursday at St. Ephraims!

with love,

Russ, Sean, Liz, Jen

Thur: Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces

There are many titles for our blessed mother but I only know one one that is debated more than any other and that is her title of Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces.

This Thursday Sean Wilcox will discuss what this title means for us and how many Saints have invoked her under that title. Sean knows a ton about Mary due to having lived as a friar in the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate. In that relgious order the friars take an extra vow of consecration to Jesus through Mary. Sean learned a lot from the friars and now he can teach us.

Come on out for a great discussion on Mary and her role in our lives.

In Christ, Sean, Jen and Russ.

http://emmauscya.blogspot.com/

Volleyball at Assumption this Thurs.!

Hello brothers and sisters in Christ,

This Thurs. for Emmaus we will be meeting at Assumption (note location change) in the gym/family life center to play volleyball! We will be starting a little earlier than usual. Rosary is at 6:30pm and we will play from 7-9pm. Hope to see you all there, and remember to invite a friend!

God Bless,

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

PS- In case you need directions, Assumption's address is: 2403 Atlantic Blvd.

PPS- Bring yo' "A" game!! :)

Thursday at Emmaus: Mass with Fr. Ed

Hi Emmaus Friends,
Please plan to come to mass at St. Ephrem's on Thursday. Our celebrant will be Fr. Ed Murphy. Starting at 7:00, we'll pray the rosary and Fr. Ed will be available to hear confessions. Mass will begin at 7:30.

Peace and blessings to everyone this week!

In Christ,

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

Fr. Zheler at Emmaus this Thursday!

Hello dear brothers and sisters,

This Thursday at Emmaus, Fr. Zheler will be our guest speaker and facilitator for our discussion on the topic of Vocation - in this case more of the focus will be more on marriage, but he/we will also touch on Priestly and Religious Vocations and the Universal Call to Holiness as well. So bring a friend and don't miss out on "family night" with your Emmaus family :) God loves YOU and so do we!

with love,

Liz, Russ, Sean, Jennifer


To maintain a joyful family requires much from both the parents and the children. Each member of the family has to become, in a special way, the servant of the others. John Paul II the Great

Notes on Redemptive Suffering

Hey all,

Our speaker from last Thurs., Gerald Lamb, has posted his notes on Redemptive Suffering to his blog. The link is: http://assentingcatholic.blogspot.com

May God bless you abundantly,

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

Important Novena to St.Philomena

As many of you may know St. Philomena is a patroness of Emmaus. She is a patron of young adults and is very dear to many of us. Her feast day is on the 11th of this month, therefore I encourage, everyone in Emmaus or who is a young adult to pray this novena together over the next 9 days for the intentions of the young adults in the diocese and for you own intention.

St. Philomena is a Saint who is little known but who was made a Saint because of the many miracles wrought by her intercession. She was called the "Wonder Worker of the Nineteenth Century" by Pope Gregory XVI. St. John Vianney, Curé of Ars, attributed every miracle in his ministry to St. Philomena’s intercession.

If you are struggling with having a child or you know someone with mental illness or that is sick or have any request at all pray this novena and trust in her intercession.

Patronage: against barrenness, against bodily ills, against infertility, against mental illness, against sickness, against sterility, babies, children, Children of Mary, desperate causes, forgotten causes, impossible causes, infants, lost causes, Living Rosary, newborns, orphans, poor people, priests, prisoners, sick people, students, test takers, toddlers, young people, and youth.

Copy and Print off the prayer in Word.

Novena Prayer to Saint Philomena. – Start on the 3rd –Tuesday- Ends on the 11th of August

Illustrious Virgin and Martyr, St. Philomena, behold me prostrate before the throne whereon it has pleased the Most Holy Trinity to set thee. Full of confidence in thy protection, I entreat thee to intercede for me with God. Ah! From the heights of heaven deign to cast a glance upon thy humble client. Spouse of Christ, sustain me in suffering, fortify me in temptation, protect me in the dangers surrounding me, and in particular..(mention your petition). Above all, assist me at the hour of my death. Amen.
St. Philomena, powerful with God. Pray for us.

I encourage you all to read about St. Philomena and have a devotion to her. Check out the websites below.
http://www.philomena.us/ , http://saints.sqpn.com/saint-philomena/

In Christ, Sean

http://emmauscya.blogspot.com/

P.S. On Thursday next week I will be bringing a second class relic from her for people to touch.

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