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Activities

Your local parish is much more than just Sunday worship. It offers many ways to learn, get help, and be part of a community.

The best way to learn more is to visit your parish office or check this website!

A young boy is looking into the camera.
Big group of multiracial young student people smiling, gesturing and looking at camera.
Elderly woman with her caregiver at nursing home.
Group of active elderly people having fun playing football on the lawn in the backyard,

Learning and faith classes

Parishes offer classes for

    • children, teenagers, and adults
    • preparation for confirmation or baptism
    • people who want to learn more about Christianity (even if they don’t join the Church)

 

Parishes also have

    • Bible study groups
    • Alpha courses (basic introduction to the Christian faith)
    • sometimes private teaching (often free)

Confirmation classes are open to both young people and adults.

Several people are sitting in a circle discussing.

Support for families

Parishes offer many free activities for families and children.

  • Family Clubs

    Parents meet other parents, and children play and learn. Held 1–2 times per week.

  • Daycare Clubs (ages 3–6)

    Supervised by trained teachers, usually 3 hours in the morning or afternoon.

  • Afternoon Clubs (for school kids in grades 1–2)

    Fun and safe place to go after school.

  • Sunday School

    Children learn about faith through stories, songs, and crafts. The whole family is welcome! Great place for children to learn Finnish and make friends.

Young people and students

Parishes help young people with

    • friendship, guidance, and fun events
    • talking with youth workers when life feels difficult.

Our youth work offers something for everyone.

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Adults

You don’t need to speak perfect Finnish to join! You’ll learn along the way.

Activities for adults include

    • Bible studies and prayer groups
    • Alpha courses offer a practical introduction to the basics of Christian faith
    • adult confirmation classes
    • retreats for quiet reflection
    • faith groups like the Catechumenate
    • pilgrimages and spiritual travel.
Father holding his newborn baby.

Elderly people

Parishes welcome seniors warmly! You can

    • volunteer and help others
    • join language-specific groups
    • go to day groups with coffee, talks, or gentle exercise
    • join discussion groups for new retirees.

There are also concerts, prayer groups, and religious programs on TV and online.

An elderly man is sitting opposite a younger woman. They are holding hands and laughing.

Other ways to get involved

Volunteering

You can help in many ways, even if you’re new to Finland:

  • Visit and support elderly or sick people
  • Help at church lunches, events, or camps
  • Be a “grandparent” figure to a child
  • Join flea markets or activity teams

No experience needed – you will get training and support.

Camps, courses, and trips

Parishes organise:

  • Camps for all ages
  • Courses in art, writing, self-awareness, and family life
  • Nature camps, hiking, or birdwatching
  • Travel, even abroad

Examples of course topics:

  • Drawing or painting
  • Genealogy (family history)
  • Christian marriage
  • Crafts and recycled art
  • Music and drama
Music

Music is very important in Finnish churches!

Parishes offer:

  • Choirs for kids, youth, and adults
  • Brass bands, vocal groups, even orchestras
  • Special musical services like:
    • Taizé services
    • Choral Masses
    • Metal or Pop Masses

Want to sing or play music? The parish cantor would love to hear from you!