The Emmaus Catholic Young Adult Group is a Catholic ministry for the young adults between ages 20-39 in the Diocese of St. Augustine in North East Florida. The Emmaus group meets every Thursday night at Christ the King Catholic Church in the Arlington area of Jacksonville.

OUTLINE OF MEETINGS:

The meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and individual intentions. After the Rosary, we open the meetings with one or two praise and worship songs. We choose music with a worship aspect that will lift our hearts to God in song. We frequently quote St. Augustine in saying "singing is praying twice". The leader for the meeting then leads the group with an opening prayer, followed by a speaker or a video, and then allows time for small group discussion or questions. We close the meeting with worship songs and a prayer. The meeting concludes with announcements.

SPEAKERS AND TOPICS:

We choose our speakers from the local community. They include parish priests, religious and lay people. We seek speakers with enthusiasm and zeal for the Catholic Church. We also take time for small group discussion of the Catechism. Some of our most popular topics include: virtues, devotions/prayer life, evangelization, the Sacraments, liturgical seasons, famous saints, vocations and current topics effecting the Church (i.e. stem cell research, NFP).

CORE TEAM:

The role of the team leaders is essential in the success of the group. The leaders not only help coordinate the event for the evening, but are also responsible, with the assistance of the spiritual director, for the spiritual formation/direction of the group. He or she must be consistant in objectively relating the Church's position on an issue. They must strive to meet the young adults "where they are", being aware of the different spiritual needs of each member. All topics are adapted to meet the person with the most basic understanding of the faith while at the same time challenging those more mature in their faith walk

FELLOWSHIP:

With young adults coming from all over Jacksonville, Emmaus is a time to meet fellow Catholics and to develop friendships that are centered on our Faith. Following the meeting, fellowship is often continued at a local restaurant.