After Jesus’ Resurrection the disciples encountered a mysterious man while walking down the road to Emmaus. It was a lifechanging encounter as he opened their minds to the truth of Gods plan for this world and for their lives. The disciples themselves said their hearts were burning within them during this journey with the man. At nightfall the companion opened their eyes and they could see that it was none other than Jesus himself who had been walking with them, teaching and encouraging them.
This is an experience that all of Jesus’ disciples should have at some point in their lives. Sadly, in our noisy world that rarely looks beyond itself, our young men rarely have an opportunity for these transformative spiritual experiences. An authentic encounter with the Lord at a young age can do more to positively impact their life’s direction than anything else.
Emmaus Days is a summer program for young men sponsored by the Diocese of Peoria. By providing a spiritual, fun environment, we help make participants more aware of God’s presence in their lives and get them excited about living their faith. At the heart of this discovery process lies the development of a healthy masculine spirituality. Emmaus Days is full of opportunities to pray and learn, from Confession and Eucharistic Adoration to a variety of devotions like the Rosary and Scapular. Participants are also given the chance to interact with priests, seminarians and others their own age, both in serious spiritual matters and many lighthearted activities.
Please encourage your young men to come to Emmaus Days this year. Other camps, athletics, and activities will become a distant memory over the years. But what happens on the road to Emmaus is never forgotten!
This is an experience that all of Jesus’ disciples should have at some point in their lives. Sadly, in our noisy world that rarely looks beyond itself, our young men rarely have an opportunity for these transformative spiritual experiences. An authentic encounter with the Lord at a young age can do more to positively impact their life’s direction than anything else.
Emmaus Days is a summer program for young men sponsored by the Diocese of Peoria. By providing a spiritual, fun environment, we help make participants more aware of God’s presence in their lives and get them excited about living their faith. At the heart of this discovery process lies the development of a healthy masculine spirituality. Emmaus Days is full of opportunities to pray and learn, from Confession and Eucharistic Adoration to a variety of devotions like the Rosary and Scapular. Participants are also given the chance to interact with priests, seminarians and others their own age, both in serious spiritual matters and many lighthearted activities.
Please encourage your young men to come to Emmaus Days this year. Other camps, athletics, and activities will become a distant memory over the years. But what happens on the road to Emmaus is never forgotten!
Emmaus Days
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Session I: (HS Graduate/College)
Session II: (Junior & Senior HS) Sessions I and II are held at the St. John's Newman Center in Champaign at the University of Illinois. Participants are given the opportunity to deepen their faith and focus on God's will through prayer and the Sacraments. These sessions also include discussions on personal holiness, radically living the faith in the world, and vocational discernment towards marriage or the priesthood / religious life, The historic Newman Center is at the center of the University Campus. Retreatants will get to stay in the newly constructed dormitory building with onsite chapel and cafeteria. |
Session III: (Freshman & Sophomores)
Session IV: (Seventh & Eighth Grade) Sessions III and IV are held at Peoria Notre Dame High School in Peoria. They are designed to help young men get excited about living their faith. Participants will hear informational talks and participate in structured prayer. In addition, there are plenty of fun-filled activities like basketball, cookouts, bonfires, swimming, concerts, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, and card games in “the shack”. These sessions are run as a traditional summer camp. So leave the electronics behind, but bring your sleeping bag for your army cot! The days are full, but you’ll leave spiritually refreshed and energized. |
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Registration InformationFor years now the LaSalle Parishes have been leaders in sending many young men to Emmaus Days. Most who go one year will return the next. Come see why these days mean so much to our young men! Applications are available on the parish website. A video presentation is also available for the different sessions at comeandfollowme.org. The Emmaus Days fees are low, but if you need a scholarship, the parish is very happy to help with costs.
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