Norwood Catholic Group Seeks Worship Alternative Through Emmaus Community-October 15, 1971

A distinct alternative to the structured worship of the traditional Catholic parish has emerged in Norwood with the establishment of the Emmaus Community, a grassroots movement seeking a more personal and flexible approach to faith.

Comprising approximately 25 families-totaling about 100 people including children-from Norwood, Walpole, and Westwood, the group spent the summer holding masses in members’ backyards. As cooler autumn weather arrived, the community shifted indoors, alternating Saturday afternoon services in members’ homes while actively searching for a rented hall to accommodate their gatherings.

Roots and Evolution of the Movement

Far from a rejection of the parent church, members view the community’s formation as a logical evolution in the search for more meaningful religious involvement. As one participant described it, the group reflects a shared desire “to learn, to know, and to live the Gospel better.”

The community draws its name from biblical scripture—specifically the road to Emmaus, where Cleopas and another disciple met the risen Christ. Members consider themselves part of a broader national movement toward small-group religious sharing found in towns and cities across the country.

Key characteristics of the Emmaus Community include:

• Independent Leadership: The group is served by priests unaffiliated with local parishes. While some priests have formally broken ties with traditional parish structures—notably St. Catherine of Siena Parish—others continue to function within traditional roles.
• Participatory Liturgy: Members compose their own liturgy, and women take turns baking the bread used in the Communion sacrament.
• Family-Oriented Services: When two priests are present, one celebrates Mass for adults while the other leads a children’s service in a cellar playroom. School-age children also receive scripture lessons from qualified religious education teachers before rejoining their families for Holy Eucharist.

Seeking Archdiocese Recognition

Having overcome the initial hurdles of formation, the group has notified Archbishop Humberto S. Medeiros and is seeking official recognition from the Boston Archdiocese, awaiting an appointment with the chancery office.

While members have been hesitant to publicly criticize the parent church and prefer anonymity—rejecting any label as a secret or underground society—they are eager to expand their outreach. Future community goals under discussion include addressing human needs through prison ministry and assistance programs for the elderly.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger