Young Adult Ministry

Young Adult Programme 2024

The Young Adult Programme at Edinburgh Jesuit Church aims to provide a welcoming experience of the Catholic Church for 18 to 35 year olds.  Our programme is centred around The Seven – the 7pm Mass on Sundays – and includes opportunities for the deepening of prayer, development of spirituality, adult faith formation, and service of others.  Whatever your background, experience or connection to the Catholic Church, you are welcome at The Seven and whichever other activities as you would like to get involved with.

The Seven – a Mass for Young Adults
The Seven o’clock Mass on Sunday evenings is an invitation to worship together and for young adults to participate in the ministries of the liturgy: music ministry, reading, eucharistic ministers, welcome and hospitality.  This weekly Mass is the foundation and centre of our young adult ministry. There is a social gathering after the Seven to which all young adults are warmly welcomed.

First Sunday Circle
An opportunity for development in spirituality and faith for young adults on the first Sunday of each month after the 7pm Mass.  The aim of these monthly meetings is to deepen knowledge and explore topics of Catholic faith, Christian life and spirituality.  20-minutes input followed by 20 minutes Q&A and discussion. 

Retreat
Retreats offer the opportunity to discover different methods of prayer and to deepen our spiritual lives – an important part of leading a Christian life.  We offer retreat opportunities throughout the year:

  • Advent retreat in daily life – four weeks from 1 October to 5 November 2023

  • Retreat day – Saturday 25 November 2023

  • Lent retreat in daily life – four weeks from 18 February to 24 March 2024

  • Week of guided prayer – 11 to 19 May 2024

Retreats are individually guided and can be done while pursuing your usual daily routine at work or in study.  For more information or to apply for a place on a retreat, please email ejcretreats@jesuit.org.uk

Spiritual Guidance
People often find spiritual accompaniment, sometimes known as spiritual direction, helpful as they discern life-choices and major decisions, or simply negotiate the everyday path of their lives.  A regular one-on-one session with an experienced spiritual guide can be arranged for young adults.

Social Events
Throughout the year, there will be a number of social events for young adults and their guests:

  • Tuesday 13 February 2024 – Shrove Tuesday Pot-luck & Pancake Supper 7pm

  • Saturday 18 May 2024 – Pentecost Party 7pm

Pilgrimage
At Easter 2024, we are planning an overnight pilgrimage to Whithorn, site of the earliest Christian church in Scotland and burial place of St Ninian.  Pilgrimage offers the opportunity of friendship, prayer, quiet reflection, and connection with our ancient Christian heritage.

Christian Life Communities
Christian Life Communities (CLC) exist in large numbers throughout the world.  Begun 400 years ago by the Jesuits, CLC members commit to daily personal prayer, the regular meeting of a CLC group, occasional involvement in regional and national CLC meetings, and an annual retreat (in daily life or at a retreat house).  CLC groups are local and small (typically six to eight people) and meet monthly to reflect on Scripture and the following of Christ in everyday life.

Outreach
Opportunities exist to put faith into practice by serving the needs of the homeless on the streets of Edinburgh and Leith.  Each week, young adult volunteers go out with the Edinburgh City Mission /Bethany Trust care van to feed and befriend the homeless.

Social Media & Contact
You will find news of our young adult activities on Instagram. 
Please get in touch if you have questions, want to volunteer, or make suggestions: ejcyoungadults@jesuit.org.uk