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Emmaus is a University Chaplaincy. It is a community of Częstochowa undergraduate and postgraduate students as old as Częstochowa higher learning institutions themselves. For a few years now, the community has had its own church. It also happens to be the first personal parish in Poland. Fr Marek Bator and Fr Jacek Szczecina watch over the spiritual growth of the students. We meet daily in prayer, music, liturgy, and art groups. 

 

Spirituality

Students gather at the Chaplaincy for the Eucharist, the Eucharistic Adoration and formative meetings.  At the meetings we deepen our faith, sometimes even learn it anew while sharing our life testimonies with one another. In one word, much like the Disciples of Emmaus, we follow Jesus in small steps. Prayers in the spirit of Taizé are held on Mondays, Vespers are said on Tuesdays, the Holy Scripture is studied on Wednesdays, and Catholic Charismatic Renewal meetings take place on Thursdays, leaving Fridays as the day of Eucharistic Adoration. On Sundays we gather for a ceremonial Mass. All this, naturally, is done for the greater glory of God. 

 

Entertainment

Apart from spiritual development, students tend to look after the needs of their young bodies. We organise St. Andrew’s, New Year’s Eve, carnival, and Juwenalia balls and - so that we stay sharp during the year - dance classes. Each month we meet at integration meetings where we sing, play games or watch quality films together. Also, every day we can meet with others for tea at the Chaplaincy canteen. All forms of entertainment at the Chaplaincy are alcohol-free. This, in turn, paints a positive image of a substantial number of Częstochowa students.

 

Trips and Volunteer Work

Students gathered around the Chaplaincy (and their chaplains) go on trips wherever and whenever they can. Ski camps, picnics in the mountains, kayaking trips, World Youth Days, European Young Adults Meetings in Taizé - you name it. Community spiritual retreats are part of our tradition and no one quite knows (let alone is prepared for) what else we will come up with. The Chaplaincy organises volunteer work in behalf of disabled children and children from families in need. At Christmas time, we change our jeans and pullovers for Santa Claus costumes and distribute gifts to the impoverished children of Częstochowa.

 

Guests

The Emmaus Chaplaincy has a good reputation in both the city and the diocese. Frequent guests at the Chaplaincy church include: Archbishop Stanisław Nowak, vice-chancellors and research fellows of Częstochowa higher learning institutions, befriended artists, and people from outside the city whom the community invites. Also, as part of the monthly meetings of the local branch of the Fronda club, the Chaplaincy is visited by well-known figures from the Roman Catholic circles in Poland.