EMMAUS
of North East Florida
THE NEXT NORTH EAST FLORIDA RETREAT FOR MEN:
September 26-28th
St. Anastasia Catholic Church in St. Augustine
Address: St. Anastasia Catholic Church, 5205 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Accommodations: Quality Inn & Suites, 901 A1A Beach Blvd, St Augustine Beach, FL 32080
Painting by Fracois Verdier
WHAT IS EMMAUS?
"Emmaus" is a retreat weekend designed for men who feel they would like to explore a deeper relationship with God. Every one of us has considered the questions, “Does God really exist?” or “How should God’s existence affect my life?” Unfortunately, we are all very busy and don’t allow ourselves enough time to explore the answers. That’s what the Emmaus retreat is for.
The men organizing and hosting the Emmaus retreat are regular guys who will not try to convince you of their answers; instead they will share their own experiences with you and let you draw your own conclusions. We are not men born Holy, and we have each led very different lives. But, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we have found our way back to the Lord and would like to tell you about these life-changing experiences. For many of us, it was during an Emmaus Retreat that our hearts were touched and opened by God.
The food is abundant, the place is calm and peaceful, and we know it will be a weekend that you will NEVER forget. Your time invested will pay huge dividends!
Invest a bit of your time. Rethink, refocus, reflect, and find your way.
If you don’t have time to make a retreat like this, it means you NEED a retreat like this!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q. What is and who serves this ministry?
A. This Emmaus retreat was started over 40 years ago at St. Louis Catholic Church in Miami, FL by lay women and men. It has since spread around the world even in countries like China and Cuba. We are doing our third Men’s Emmaus retreat in North Florida and the team will be made up of men from St. Augustine and Jacksonville as well as from Miami, Tampa, Spartanburg (SC), Pittsburgh and a few other cities.
Q. How do these retreats work?
A. You will hear a series of talks by other men concerning their own experiences. You 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 you from the distractions of everyday life, but close enough that you could be home in a matter of minutes.
Q. What about God?
A. One way, among many, you can help answer that question is with this Emmaus Retreat, led by men, like you, who have struggled with the same questions about life that you have. The Emmaus Retreat is designed to be low-key and not “preachy." You will listen to other men like yourself talk about their journey to know more about God. It is not required for you to be of any particular faith or church.
Q. How long does the weekend last?
A. You’ll need to arrive at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, 5205 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080 - Friday, September 26th, 2025 between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM. The weekend will conclude no later than 5:00 PM on Sunday, September 28th, 2025 (more detailed directions will follow).
Q. How do I dress for the weekend and what should I bring?
A. Dress is extremely casual and comfortable. Bring a change of clothes for two days and your personal toiletries (toothbrush, comb, etc.). All else is provided as you will stay at the Quality Inn & Suites (901 A1A Beach Blvd, St Augustine Beach, FL 32080) - a few miles from the retreat center.
Q. What about food?
A. All food and drink will be provided. When you arrive Friday evening there will be a light meal for those who will not have had time to grab dinner. If you have any special dietary requirements, let us know on the application form.
Q. Where will I be staying at?
A. We will be staying at the Quality Inn & Suites (901 A1A Beach Blvd, St Augustine Beach, FL 32080).
Q. How much does Emmaus cost?
A. The cost of the weekend is $235.00, which includes the retreat, a two-night stay, food, and a retreat shirt. We have scholarships available for those who may need them, you can select this option on the application form if needed.
Q. How do I pay the retreat fee?
A. After starting the application process, you will be directed to a secure web form where you can make payment online. Checks can also be sent in the mail to: John Lobo 309 Coconut Grove Court St. Augustine, FL 32084 Make the check payable to: "Cathedral Parish" and please note "Emmaus Retreat" in the memo line of the check.
