The Emmaus Retreat program has been a part of Prep since Fr. Ned Coughlin, S.J., directed our first "Emmaus Weekend" in 1977. A three-day retreat at the Mount Paul Retreat House, "Emmaus" provides students with the opportunity to examine their own spirituality and their relationship with God, form a community with fellow classmates and faculty members, and open their minds and hearts to the experiences, beliefs and feelings of others.
The Office of Campus Ministry offers eight retreats; each retreat is attended by 24 juniors and is coordinated by five faculty members and four senior team leaders. In particular, the senior team leaders are wonderful examples of the spirit of service so prevalent in the Prep community, and they truly exemplify the Jesuit ideal of being "men for others." Having already made the retreat the previous year, these seniors volunteer their time to ensure that the current juniors enjoy an experience as rewarding as their own.

The name Emmaus comes from a scripture passage (Luke 24:13-35), wherein two of Christ's disciples meet Him on the road to Emmaus shortly after His resurrection. At first, the two disciples do not recognize Jesus. However, with night approaching, they invite Him to dine with them and stay the night. It is only then, in the breaking of the bread, that their eyes are opened and they recognize Him.

This is the very essence of the Emmaus Retreats: discovery, discipleship, acceptance and growth. Whether preparing meals together, spending time in prayer and discussion, or engaging in a spontaneous game of touch football on the beach, Emmaus retreatants learn from one another the lessons of faith, respect, compassion and brotherhood.