Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

The Emmaus Institute for Biblical Studies in Lincoln is offering parish missions as a way for local parishes to experience spiritual renewal. These missions are designed to give parishioners, catechists, parents, and clergy time away from daily routines to focus on prayer, reflection, and Scripture.

A typical parish mission lasts one to three days and includes daily sessions of about 90 minutes to two hours. According to the Institute, each session centers on a biblical theme and aims “to help the whole parish encounter Christ through his Word, and then to live out that encounter in a renewed way.” The program’s goal is not academic study but rather a retreat-like atmosphere that encourages personal encounters with Christ.

Each session concludes with personal reflection, adoration, and prayer around selected biblical passages or themes. The Institute emphasizes that these missions are meant as “a spiritual moment in a parish’s journey,” rather than just another event or program.

Quoting from the end of Luke’s Gospel—“Did not our hearts burn within us… while he opened to us the Scriptures?”—the Institute highlights its purpose: reigniting faith among participants by encountering Christ in Scripture.

Parishes can choose from various mission themes such as “Encountering Jesus on the Road to Emmaus,” “The Father Who Speaks: Praying with Scripture,” “Psalms at the Poles of Life,” or seasonal topics like “What Shall We Call Him?” for Advent or “Behold, the Lamb” for Lent.

Any parish interested in scheduling a mission or learning more about available themes is encouraged to visit the Emmaus Institute’s website at https://emmausinstitute.net/ under the ‘For Parishes’ section.