Emmaus House
Find Rest & Renewal at Our Des Moines Retreat Center
Discover an oasis of quiet amid the busyness of life. Rooted in the Ignatian tradition, Emmaus House is a center for spiritual companionship and contemplation that offers resources to people of all faiths. Explore our retreats, one-on-one spiritual direction, community events, and more.
Rooted in Ignatian Spirituality.
Inviting All to Spiritual Discovery.
Celebrating over 50 years of ministry, Emmaus House invites people of all walks of life to gather with us for meditation, prayer, quiet reflection, and retreats. Our programs are rooted in the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola, which is centered on finding God’s presence in all things. We offer a variety of retreat experiences, from individual quiet time to hosted group events. All are intended to create a welcoming space and opportunity for companionship on your spiritual journey.
We are named for the encounter in Luke’s gospel between the risen Christ and two of His disciples on the road to Emmaus. Our ministry seeks to help others come to the same recognition of Christ in their daily lives.
Explore Retreats, Spiritual Direction, Parish Outreach & More
Retreats & Facility Rentals
Discover a variety of opportunities, from private retreats to group events. Want to sign up or rent a retreat room? Schedule online here.
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Direction is for anyone who desires to grow in their relationship with God and in their awareness of God in their daily life. Meet with a trained Spiritual Director to grow and deepen your relationship with God and become more aware of God’s presence in the events of your everyday life.
Spiritual Renewal
Nourish your soul through a variety of spiritual renewal opportunities at Emmaus House. Learn more about retreats, days of renewal, workshops, and more.
Parish Outreach
Are you looking for a speaker or retreat leader for your parish or group? Invite Emmaus House to your parish or community event to speak about topics like Ignatian spirituality, discernment, prayer, and spiritual direction.
Discover Upcoming Events
Hear From Those We’ve Served
Ongoing Spiritual Renewal
Opportunities
Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life
The Spiritual Exercises are a powerful experience of self-reflection and prayer. Embark on a 34-week retreat, marked by four separate dynamics or movements, to encounter God through meditations, contemplations, and prayer practices of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
Mass
Celebrate the Eucharist with us in an intimate and contemplative setting every Tuesday and Thursday at noon.
Centering Prayer
Join us for a time of silence and stillness as we invite God’s presence more deeply within us. Centering Prayer is offered in person at 5:30 p.m. on Mondays and virtually at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesdays.
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How to Support Emmaus House
We rely greatly on generous donations of time, talent, and treasure from our community. Fees for spiritual direction, retreats, and other offerings would never fully cover our stipends for priest celebrants, financial scholarships, hospitality efforts, and other operational expenses. Learn more about how to support our mission.
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