Emmaus Companions
Our Mission
Our mission as Emmaus Companions is to extend a warm welcome to
everyone we meet at St. James Cathedral, particularly those who have
special needs or who are in crisis. We strive to be compassionate
listeners, to provide referrals to community resources, and to
demonstrate the unconditional love of a compassionate God. Our
everyday world has little time for walking slowly together and
listening to one another. As Emmaus Companions, we are here to
listen attentively, without judging, and to honor the journey of
another person.
Who are Emmaus Companions?
We are parishioners of St. James Cathedral working with the Social
Outreach minister. As with any gathering at St. James, there are
among our group those with professional backgrounds in nursing and
pastoral care as well as those with a desire to serve and wisdom
deepened through experience. We grow together as we gather monthly
for prayer and scripture reflection.
What Emmaus Companions do
“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes
the one who sent me.” (Matthew 10:40) The aim of Emmaus Companions
is to welcome all visitors. Our primary duty is to offer
compassionate listening. We attempt to provide information about
agencies or programs that might be able to offer shelter, meals, or
other emergency assistance. We are also available to sit with those
who are seeking companionship while a loved one is at a neighborhood
hospital.
Why we are called Emmaus Companions
Our name is inspired by the true meaning of the word “companion,”
which literally means “the one with whom you break bread.” Our name
is also inspired by the Gospel story of the disciples encountering
the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus:
That very day two of them were going to a village
named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with
each other about all these things that had happened. While they were
talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went
with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. … So they
drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be
going further, but they constrained him, saying, “Stay with us, for
it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.”
So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with him, he
took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And
their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out
of their sight. They said to each other “Did not our hearts burn
within us while he talked to us on the road?” (Luke 24:13-16, 28-32)
Emmaus Companions Ministry works in collaboration with Rev. Craig
Rennebohm and the
Mental
Health Chaplaincy.
To volunteer, contact
Patty Bowman, 206-382-4515.