The Emmaus Hour: Rekindling Early Church Community Through Faith and Service

What if a simple gathering could spark a revival of authentic Catholic community? That's the driving question behind The Emmaus Hour, a faith-based event rooted in the spirit of the early Church.

It all began with friends longing for more than routine socializing. Inspired by the Gospel story of the Emmaus road (Luke 24:13-35), they set out to reimagine community life—one that values deep conversation, friendship, and the kind of service that builds lasting bonds.

The Emmaus Hour isn’t just another gathering; its name reflects a journey shared, side by side, echoing the disciples' walk. Each event blends scripture-inspired discussions with the warmth of modern hospitality.

Attendees are welcomed no matter their background. Whether connecting over a drink or joining a charity initiative, every person becomes part of something bigger—a living movement in the Catholic community that champions unity and hope through action.

How One Conversation Ignited a New Kind of Catholic Community

Many young adults of faith ask the same question: where can I find genuine, spiritually rich connection beyond church walls?

Fady Antoon and his friends recognized this gap. Their discussions weren’t about planning an event—they were about creating meaningful spaces inspired by early Church values. Out of a casual conversation grew the spark for The Emmaus Hour: a faith-based gathering designed for intentional, open dialogue.

They purposefully avoided agendas or logos. Instead, each meeting focused on stories, honest questions, and true friendship—making space not just for familiar faces but for anyone yearning for community.

This openness quickly drew others. What began over coffee or at a kitchen table soon became a movement as word spread among Catholic circles eager for authentic connections and a deeper sense of belonging.

Sometimes the smallest conversations plant seeds for growth—don’t underestimate friendly moments.

The Road to Emmaus: Scriptural Roots of the Emmaus Hour

The Emmaus Hour takes its name from one of Christianity’s most profound stories: the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-35. Two disciples, walking together in their uncertainty, invite a stranger to join their conversation—only to realize, through shared bread and open dialogue, that Christ was present among them all along.

This journey mirrors what the Emmaus Hour hopes to spark today. In gatherings grounded in honest dialogue, faith often becomes more visible, not in grand gestures but in moments of welcome and companionship.

Just as those disciples learned on the road, Emmaus Hour reminds us that God meets us in our everyday interactions—wherever we gather with trust and open hearts.

Community is sacred; faith grows wherever people walk together in trust.

Inside Emmaus Hour

On June 5, 2025, the first Emmaus Hour set out with one goal: gather 25 people committed to making faith community tangible. Instead, over 150 stepped forward, offering proof that the hunger for authentic Catholic connection runs deep.

Walking into an Emmaus Hour, you’ll sense its intentional warmth. People gather across tables—some friends, many strangers—sharing laughter, stories, and support that feels refreshingly real. Drinks are poured, but barriers quickly dissolve as newcomers are greeted as old friends.

Each Emmaus Hour blends spiritual enrichment with genuine friendship—a modern reflection of the early Church’s vibrant community life.

Feeling inspired? Start your own Emmaus-inspired gathering—community is just a conversation away!

Building a Legacy: How Emmaus Hour Turns Faith into Charity

Charity is the beating heart of every Emmaus Hour gathering. Beyond simple socializing, each event mobilizes attendees to serve—whether through food drives, winter clothing collections, or direct partnerships with local organizations.

This steady commitment to giving back reflects the core teachings of the Catholic community: faith isn’t just professed, it’s practiced together. Service projects are woven seamlessly into every Emmaus Hour, so no one leaves without having made a difference in someone else’s life.

The results are tangible. Many attendees leave inspired to start their own initiatives—proof that one charitable evening can have a profound ripple effect well beyond its beginnings.

“The measure of community is not just in fellowship, but in how we lift up others together.”

Bring people together—your next gathering could change lives in your community.