Announcements, week 35

• The Ursuline Sisters have served in Finland for 50 years. They warmly invite everyone to join them for a Mass of Thanksgiving on Wednesday, August 26, at the cathedral, followed by coffee and fellowship in the parish hall.
• Welcome to the YoungCaritas afternoon retreat (for young adults) on Saturday, August 29 from 2 to 5 pm at St Henry’s Cathedral Parish! We will pray about and reflect on the social teaching of the Catholic Church, seeking personal understanding and hope. Registration link is on diocese’s website. (Visit an external site. The link opens in a new tab.)
• An OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) course in English is starting this autumn for adults who are interested in becoming Catholic and entering into full communion with the Catholic Church. OCIA is a journey of faith and catechesis that prepares adults for the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. The course is also open to Catholics who have not yet received one or more of these sacraments. The first meeting will take place on Saturday, August 29, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm in the parish hall of St James the Apostle Church in Lauttasaari. More information on the notice board and website.
• Also starting this autumn is an Alpha course, intended especially for seekers and skeptics who would like to explore questions about life, faith and God. If you have been wondering how to talk to someone you know about your faith, why not invite them to join you for Alpha? It is a welcoming opportunity to explore the Christian faith and discover more about Jesus together. The Alpha course will begin on Tuesday, September 1, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the parish hall of St Henry’s Cathedral. More information on the notice board and website.
• Our First Communion and Confirmation classes for children and young people in English will begin on Saturday, September 5, at 4:00 pm at St James the Apostle Church. More information and registration instructions can be found on the notice board and on the website.
• First Communion and Confirmation classes in Swedish will begin in
  St. Henry’s Cathedral Parish in October. For more information, contact
  Deacon Marko Pitkäniemi (marko.pitkaniemi (at) katolinen.fi or 041 318 7826)