Welcome potential pilgrims of the Fox Valley Walk to Emmaus!  This part of our website has been created specifically for you, to provide information and to answer some of your "burning questions".  Please take a look at the information provided below.  To get back to this page at any time, just click on "Pilgrim Central" from the Main Menu.

Most people's first question when hearing about the Walk to Emmaus, is "what is it"?  In short, the Walk to Emmaus is a 72-hour (3-day) spiritual retreat in which you hear 15 talks (some given by clergy, others by lay people) relating to Christianity in your everyday life.  Combine that with fellowship with other Christians, worship, and some "good times", and you have yourself an amazing spirit-filled weekend to remember.  For more info, you can click on the "Walk to Emmaus?" option in the menu (or click here).

You may also be wondering, "Why do you keep calling me a pilgrim?".  Per Dictionary.com, a pilgrimage is defined as: "A journey, especially a long one, made to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion".  For most of you, where we hold our walks is not really that long of a trip.  The journey we are talking about here is more of a "spiritual journey".  The Walk to Emmaus is designed to help you become a better Christian leader in your local church.  Of course, we are not saying that the Walk to Emmaus is just for priests, pastors, and the head of your local prayer group.  In truth, every Christian is a leader - most of the time without even realizing it.  This journey is to help you realize this, along with helping you to become closer to Christ in your everyday walk with Him.  In short, a "pilgrim" is a term we use to describe a person who is about to embark on this journey with Christ.

If you are interested in going, you may download a reservation form by clicking here.  After you have completed filling out the form, please take this form to your sponsor.  If you do not already have a sponsor, please contact:  Nancy Hermanson  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I've read some information on the Walk to Emmaus, but what if I want to personally talk to someone about it?

A: Our Fox Valley Walk to Emmaus Lay Director is Nancy Hermanson.  Nancy oversees the Board  and generally everything for our community.  You can contact her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

A: Yes, you most certainly can!  In fact, we encourage Christians from all denominations and churches to go.  The Walk to Emmaus may have ties to the Methodist Church, but overall we are an ecumenical movement.  For that matter, many people in leadership positions within the community are from other denominations.

Q: I've heard that if I am married or engaged, my spouse / fiance is supposed to attend the same set of walks that I do.  Is that true? Why?

A: Yes, it is highly encouraged that you and your significant other attend the same set of walks.  By "set" we are referring to the same month in the same community, i.e. both of you attending in March (our next walks).  There are many reasons for this, but the most important reason is because you will save yourself a lot of frustration.  Some people come back from the Walk to Emmaus refreshed and excited, while some people come back completely changed into a new person.  You may not be able to put into words what you experienced on your Walk, and if the other person has not also gone on a Walk to Emmaus they may not understand where you are coming from.  You probably do not want a part of your Christian relationship with God to come between you and your significant other.  From past experience, it is better to both attend the same set of walks and avoid any of those potential issues. 

Q: Why do men and women attend different weekends?  Why not do it together?

A: This is another question that has many answers.  For starters, men and women were obviously created to be different from the opposite sex.  You see it in the way we think, act, talk, and how we relate to others.  It has been noticed that men or women usually feel more comfortable around people of their own gender, and having a mixed-gender environment can simply just be more complicated.  This way also takes out the distraction if you are attending the Walks with your spouse, so you do not have to worry about how they are responding to everything, or what you "should" be doing to take care of their needs.  

Q: I heard someone say that while we are on the Walk to Emmaus, we should put away our watches, cell phones, etc. - Why?

A: The reason for this is simple.  We encourage you to put away distractions like these, and concentrate on God, your thoughts, and the people around you.  In the busy world of today we are usually in a hurry to do one thing or another, how long something takes to do, or what is going to be happening at a specific time.  That adds up to a lot of wasted thought and worry, and without that you can enjoy the Walk even more.  If you have specific needs such as taking medication at a certain time of the day (or night), please let your Sponsor know when you sign up for the walk.  Once you are at the Walk to Emmaus, a member of the team will take charge of these special needs and discreetly let you know at the appropriate time.  

Q: How much time will I have to myself while on the Walk to Emmaus?

Q: If I am not ready for this next set of Walks, when is the next chance I will have to go?

A: The Fox Valley Walk to Emmaus holds one set (one Walk for men, and one Walk for women) per year. If you can't make it this year, think about it and pray about it - and try again next year.

Q: I have more questions that you didn't answer here!  Who can I ask about them?

A: Your sponsor is a great person to ask, as they have been on the walk themselves.  If they cannot answer them, then feel free to send an email to Nancy Hermanson (FVWTE Community Lay Director) at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it