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8:30AM to 4:00PM

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St. Maxamilian Kolbe
1441 Spear Street
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Phone: 941-743-6877
Fax: 941-743-9176

Come And Experience Emmaus

Sister Patricia Redmond, Director

Call to Ministry




  • The Emmaus Weekend, under the aegis of Faith Formation, is a parish based retreat led by lay parishioners for the men and women of the parish based on the scripture reading taken from the 24th chapter of Luke's gospel. The two disciples in that reading, in the depths of despair, had a life transforming encounter with Jesus on their journey to Emmaus. Their despair was turned into joy and their lives forever changed.
  • Similarly, the thousands of men and women who have attended Emmaus retreats acknowledge the same experience after their encounters with Jesus on their personal journey to Emmaus. The retreatants gather to be ministered to by other members of the parish to experience God in a new way for personal and spiritual growth.
  • The Emmaus weekend was developed at St. Louis Parish in Miami in the late 1970's as a retreat for women. The result of those weekends was so powerful, the pastor organized a team of ten men to develop a similar retreat for the men of the parish in the early 1980's which ultimately had the same impact as the women's retreats.
  • From St. Louis parish the retreat spread to other parishes, both in and outside the Diocese. In 2002, two St. Max parishioners, former member of St. Louis Parish, introduced the Emmaus Weekend to St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish.




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  • Is this another of those programs for "saints?"

  • No. Any person, "saint," "sinner," or any place in between, who wishes to grow closer to God and experience God's touch and comfort will enjoy the weekend.


  • Is this one of those "preachy" retreats?

  • Absolutely not. The retreat leaders simply share where they were in their relationship with God and how their lives were transformed after their personal encounters with Jesus. The attendees are free to their own assessments and judgments.

  • What are the benefits of attending an Emmaus Weekend?

  • Everyone benefits in a personal way. Some have experienced tremendous healing of relationships, physical healing, lifting of burdens, reconciliation with family and friends, and a renewed faith to mention a few.

  • Where is the retreat held?

  • Our Lady or Perpetual Help retreat center in Venice, about a thirty minute drive from St. Max. In a peaceful setting on the banks of the Myakka river, the accommodations consist of modern double rooms, each with its own bath.

  • What is the cost of the retreat?

  • For more information call Sid Glaser 941-764-9812 or Bill Lacone 941-743-8350

  • When is the next retreat?

  • Mens Retreat date :December 9 -11, 2011 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice, FL

  • Women's Retreat date: February 17 - 19, 2012 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice, FL