What We Want Our Community To Be

Our History

Emmaus was founded in 1970 by a small group of families who sought a progressive, involving church community in the spirit of Vatican II. The “founders” were welcomed by the Trinitarian priests at the Shrine of St. Joseph, known officially as the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity.

Our Masses are currently celebrated in the chapel at 9:45 on Sunday.

The name ‘Emmaus’ comes from our desire to walk with Jesus, as the apostles did on the road to Emmaus. We offer an alternative to the traditional parish, which is usually bound by geography; our members come from many towns and cities. From the beginning, we have offered a ‘dialogue homily.’ Following a short homily by the celebrant, worshippers have an opportunity to express their interpretations and thoughts. Our liturgy may be a bit longer than the traditional Mass, but we feel it is more meaningful.

Our Mission And Vision

The Emmaus Christian Community, modeled on Pope John XXIII's spirit of acceptance and inquiry, is an inclusive, Eucharist-centered, intentional Catholic community. We are built on the cornerstones of liturgy, prayer, community and service, all which nurture our Christian faith.

As the intentional Emmaus Christian Community, we commit ourselves to:

  • Developing community and responding to the needs of our world with justice.

  • Living a faith-filled life, enriched by the Eucharist, enlivened by friendship and deepened by service to others.

  • Respecting each individual's faith journey.

  • Engaging prayerfully and with mutual respect in participative liturgies where all have the opportunity to dialogue about the homily and scriptures.

  • Contributing our time, treasure and talent to support and energize our ministries and programs.

  • Committing to one another, growing in our apostolic life, and continuing our service to others.

Let us build upon our roots of 50+ years as a means to empower our community to:

  • Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help us evolve and reach out in ways limited only by imagination and resources.

  • Support and energize our ministries and programs, including liturgy, music, sacraments, pastoral care, outreach and social.

  • Harness the latest technologies to bring our faith to more people.