'The experience was very special' Emmaus Men’s Retreat 'perfect' for lapsed Catholic Steve

Steve Elvis, a lapsed Catholic, was not keen on attending a retreat for men, but he was impressed and renewed by what he found at the Emmaus Men’s Retreat.

Steve told CHARIS England and Wales: "I grew up in a close extended family, based strongly around Catholic Charismatic Renewal. In my adult life, I would have described myself as a lapsed Catholic, with the caveat of always having a positive spiritual experience in certain situations.

"Pete Vince was my uncle, and someone who I was very close with growing up, and who I looked up to throughout my life. From the earliest days of the inception of the retreat, Pete was always very keen for me to experience the weekend. Looking back now, I know that he had no doubt how much I would enjoy being in that environment, and the positive effect it would have on me.

"The experience as a whole was very special for me. Peter had died earlier that year, and his wife, my Auntie Angela, called me to offer me Pete's place for the weekend. From the moment I arrived, there was a warm and welcoming feeling. The opportunity to meet and talk with other men of varying ages and life experience was lovely.

"The whole group talks were extremely well put together, and the smaller discussion groups gave a more accessible setting to flesh out our individual thoughts and feelings. Added to that, the prayer and reflection times were perfect, and it was these parts that had the most profound effect on me.

"I came home feeling refreshed and happier than I had been for a long time."

If you have been moved by Steve's words, the Emmaus Weekend Men's Retreat 2026 will be taking place from 6 — 8 Nov 2026 at The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick. Cost is £238, which includes accommodation and meals. An individual en-suite room is included in the price, together with Friday evening dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch and evening meal, and Sunday breakfast and lunch.

The weekend will follow the theme “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” Becoming a Man After God's Own Heart. It will be led by David Wells, one of the Church's most respected Catholic speakers, authors, and retreat leaders. You can book your place here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/emmausmensretreat/1971426

Promoting the event, the Emmaus Men’s Retreat Team said: "Whether you are firmly established in your faith or simply seeking a deeper sense of purpose and direction, we invite you to come and join us as we explore what it means to become the men God created us to be.

"This weekend will include inspiring talks, prayer, worship, reflection, fellowship, and time to listen for God's voice amidst the noise of everyday life."

Echoing these sentiments, Steve Elvis said: "I would recommend the weekend to everyone in need of grounding and an opportunity to connect with both themselves and others on a spiritual level."