Emmaus Eparchial Youth Group Begins with First Gathering

What does it mean to recognize Christ in everyday life? How can young people grow in faith, ask honest questions, and build friendships in a welcoming community?

These questions are at the heart of Emmaus, the new Eparchial Youth Group for teenagers ages 12–17 across the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton.

Emmaus takes its name from the Gospel of Luke. After the Resurrection, two disciples were walking on the road to Emmaus when Christ began walking with them. They did not recognize Him at first. Through their journey, conversation, and the breaking of bread, their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus.

The story of Emmaus expresses the purpose of this new youth ministry: to help young people recognize Christ in their everyday lives and grow closer to Him through prayer, friendship, conversation, and learning about the faith.

Each gathering offers a space where teenagers can come as they are, meet other young people, ask questions, and discover that the Church is a community where they are known, welcomed, and supported.

A joyful beginning at St. Nicholas Parish

On September 27, 2026, the first Emmaus gathering took place at St. Nicholas Parish in Edmonton. Nineteen young people joined for an evening of prayer, friendship, games, food, and fellowship.

We were especially grateful to welcome Bishop David. He prayed with the group and offered his blessing for the beginning of this new ministry and for the Emmaus youth group. His presence and encouragement were a meaningful sign of support as the young people and organizers began this journey together.

The evening introduced participants to Emmaus and the meaning behind its name. It also gave everyone time to get to know one another and take part in activities together. The young people shared food and played the Ukrainian game “What, Where and When” (Що? Де? Коли?), creating a relaxed setting for conversation, laughter, and new friendships.

Parents were also able to join the gathering, making the first evening an opportunity for the whole community to come together and support the growth of this new ministry.

A place for faith, friendship, and honest questions

Emmaus is organized by seminarian Marko Koval as a monthly, bilingual youth gathering for teenagers from across the Eparchy of Edmonton. Young people from every parish are welcome. They do not need to already know someone in the group, belong to a particular parish, or have all the answers about faith.

The format is simple and engaging. Gatherings combine prayer, short faith-based conversations, opportunities to ask questions, activities, games, food, and time to connect with other young people. Some questions about faith can be difficult to ask in everyday settings. Emmaus offers a supportive community where teenagers can explore those questions openly and continue growing in their relationship with Christ.

For many young people, the group can also be a meaningful way to spend a weekend evening: going out, meeting friends, sharing a meal, and being part of a faith community that encourages them to grow in the right direction. Whether someone is deeply involved in parish life, beginning to explore faith, or simply curious, there is a place for them at Emmaus.

Looking ahead

We are grateful to everyone who helped make the first Emmaus gathering possible, especially Bishop David, seminarian Marko Koval, the young people, and their families. Their presence and support have helped begin a community where young people can encounter Christ, make new friends, ask meaningful questions, and grow together in faith.

The next Emmaus gathering will take place on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Holy Spirit Seminary in Edmonton. The gathering is free, and no registration is required.

Come to the next Emmaus gathering and discover a place to grow in faith, find your people, and walk together with Christ.

https://eeparchy.com/events/emmaus-youth-group