Spiritual gathering at Christ Prince of Peace center set for April 24-26
The East Tennessee Catholic
Registration is now open for the first Men’s Emmaus in East Tennessee. The event will be at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton April 24-26.
The Emmaus Retreat is based on the Gospel of Luke, chapter 24, where Jesus joins two of His disciples as they walk from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus.
This “walk” takes these two disciples from being dejected and filled with anxiety and stress to being full of life and filled with joy after Jesus joins them and their eyes are opened to recognize Him as their Lord.
The retreat is designed for men who feel they would like to explore a deeper relationship with God.
In the early 1980s, the Emmaus Retreat, under the direction of Father David Russell, was developed at St. Louis Catholic Church in Miami as a retreat for women.
Men of the parish, seeing how the women had been transformed, worked with new pastor Father James Fetscher and modified the retreat slightly to be more in tune with what men need.
The first Men’s Emmaus was conducted in 1985.
From this humble beginning, the Emmaus Retreat has spread through the United States and throughout the world including the Caribbean, Europe, Cuba, China, and Russia.
It is estimated that 1.4 million men and women throughout the world have completed the Emmaus Retreat. For the first time, men in East Tennessee will have the opportunity to experience the Emmaus Retreat.
Although the Emmaus Retreat was developed by Catholics, it is open to all men regardless of religious affiliation and all are welcome to attend.
The Emmaus Retreat should not be confused with the “Walk to Emmaus,” a Methodist adaptation of the Catholic Cursillo. Despite its similar name, the Walk to Emmaus is a different program from the Emmaus Retreat.
At least 30 men from Florida, Tennessee, the Carolinas, and beyond who have previously experienced the Emmaus Retreat will form the team for East Tennessee.
These men share their experience, volunteer their weekend, travel to the retreat at their own expense, and pay a higher registration fee than the candidates.
As a special blessing, Jim Loretta, an original team member of the first Emmaus in 1985, will lead the team for the inaugural East Tennessee Men’s Emmaus.
The cost of the Emmaus Retreat is $195, which includes abundant food, lodging for two nights, an embroidered polo shirt, and most importantly, a closer relationship with Jesus.
Scholarships are available, and no one will be turned away if the retreat fee is a hardship. Candidates who need assistance can confidentially select the scholarship option on the application form.
To learn more about the Men’s Emmaus Retreat or to register, go to emmausretreats.org.
Questions can be directed to Michael Hart at mikehartfl1987@gmail.com or by calling 423-414-4532.
Mr. Hart participated in Men’s Emmaus No. 2 at St. Louis Church in Miami in 1987. He is a member of St. Augustine Parish in Signal Mountain.
And for those interested in attending the Men’s Emmaus or for more information:
Q. How do these retreats work?
A. Participants will hear a series of talks by other men concerning their own experiences. They will have a chance to reflect, pray, and consider the bigger, really meaningful questions of life in a place that is far enough away to separate them from the distractions of everyday life and leave knowing that they are not alone and have a community of brothers and sisters walking with them through life.
Q. What about God?
A. One way, among many, participants can help answer that question is with this Emmaus Retreat, led by men like them who have struggled with the same questions about life that they have.
The Emmaus Retreat is designed to be low-key and not “preachy.” Participants will listen to other men like themselves talk about their journey to know more about God. It is not a requirement that participants be of any particular faith or belong to a particular church.
Q. How long does the weekend event last?
A. Participants need to arrive at the Christ Prince of Peace Catholic Retreat Center, 250 Locke Lane, Benton, TN 37307 on Friday, April 24, between 5-5:30 p.m.
The weekend will conclude no later than 5 p.m. Sunday, April 26.
Q. How do those taking part dress for the weekend and what should they bring?
A. Dress is extremely casual and comfortable. Bring a change of clothes for two days and personal toiletries (toothbrush, comb, etc.). All else is provided.
Q. What about food?
A. All food and drink will be provided. When participants arrive Friday evening, there will be a light meal for those who will not have had time to grab dinner. If there are any special dietary requirements, let us know on the application form.
Q. Where will those taking part be staying?
A. We’ll be staying at Christ Prince of Peace Catholic Retreat Center in the Polk County town of Benton (dioknoxretreat.org).
Q. How much does Emmaus cost?
A. The cost of the weekend is $195, which includes the retreat, a two-night stay, food, and a retreat shirt. There are scholarships available for those who may need them. Those who do can select this option on the application form.
Q. How is the retreat fee paid?
A. After starting the application process, those registering will be directed to a secure web form where they can make payment online.
Checks can also be sent in the mail to:
Father John Dowling
St. Augustine Church
1716 Anderson Pike
Signal Mountain, TN 37377.
Make check payable to: St. Augustine Church, note “Emmaus Retreat” in the memo line of the check.