History

Emmaus House takes its name from the story of the disciples’ encounter with Jesus on the road to Emmaus in the Gospel of Luke. Emmaus House was established in 1974 as a center for spiritual renewal within the Diocese of Des Moines by the Jesuits of the Wisconsin Province at the request of Bishop Dingman.

Jesuit Fathers Gene Merz and Gary Brophy came to Des Moines to begin their work at the first Emmaus House which was located at the corner of 15th Street and Woodland Avenue.

Sister Mary Dingman, SSSF, joined the staff in 1978, and served with other Jesuit priests until her retirement in 1998. Father Dan Krettek, a priest of the Diocese of Des Moines, joined the Emmaus staff in September of 1997. Sister Charlotte Huetteman, OSM, was named co-director with him in August, 1998 ministering until December 2005. Sister Joyanne Mueller, OSF, joined the staff and was named co-director in June 2006.

Today, Emmaus House is located in an 1890’s Victorian-style home in the historic Sherman Hill neighborhood of Des Moines.

You are invited to come to Emmaus, an oasis of prayer and quiet in the midst of the busyness of modern life. Find stillness in the chapel, and celebrate the Lord’s healing love in the Eucharist.