Young Adult Ministry and University Mass

Young Adult Ministry and Sunday 7PM University Mass (September to April)

At St. Joseph’s Parish we have a particular outreach to young adults. Those in their late teens, twenties and thirties are an important part of the community and are involved in all aspects of parish life. Young adults gather together for events and programs as well as serve in many ways during the Sunday Liturgies, at our social outreach programs (Supper Table and Refugee Outreach Committee) and assist with faith formation for the children and teens of the community.

 

College and University Students:

Given the proximity to the University of Ottawa, we are delighted to journey with so many students who call St. Joe’s home while they are studying. We also have students from Carleton, Saint Paul University and Algonquin College.

 

Sunday Evening 7PM University Mass (September to April) and University Mass Choir:

Although young adults participate in all of our weekend Liturgies, the Sunday evening University Mass is a dedicated time for students and other young people to gather and worship together. It is a low-light, peaceful and contemplative liturgy, aimed at taking a break from the busy-ness of life and resting in God. Young adults serve in all liturgical ministries and choir is lead and consists of students. After each mass we gather for a reception at the back of the Church for food and drinks.

Young Adult Ministry Weekly Email Update:

All young adults are invited to sign on to our young adult list to receive our weekly email update. Through this list young adults stay informed of all the events listed below. This list can be found at the Welcome Desk at the church entrance during masses or you can get on the list by emailing Andrew (contact at the bottom of this page).

Young Adult Health and Nutrition Programming:

Cooking Class – We come together each Saturday afternoon to cook a large vegetarian meal for the St. Joe’s Supper Table (our outreach meal-program for the poor). When we are done we sit and eat together. There is also enough to feed our young adults at a reception at the end of each University Mass.

Swim Group – Tuesdays and Thursdays we head to the pool at Ottawa U for their open-swim between 11-2PM.

Young Adult Dinners and Reflection Evenings During Advent and Lent:

Once a week during Advent and Lent we come together and share a meal while reflecting on a chosen topic related to our Catholic journey. These usually take place on Thursday evenings.

Teacher Gatherings:

Each Fall and Spring we host a gathering of teachers and student-teachers where we share our experience on the vocation of teaching. The first part of the gathering is a reflection exercise while the second half is a question round where students get answers about the career of teaching (applying for jobs, the different school boards, LTO lists and supplying).

Young Adult Ministry CORE Team:

The core team consists of older young adults (often Graduate Students, new teachers and young working professionals) who lead the ministry. They plan events and coordinate positions at the University Mass. We are always looking for CORE Team members so contact Andrew if you are interested in learning or contributing in leadership, planning, and collaborative ministry.

Time commitment:

From greeting at a University Mass to cooking or setting up for an event, you are free to choose how or when you want to help.

 

Skills/Qualities: Dependent on position and events of interest

Training: None needed, but guidance provided based on need and comfort level

Interview: let’s chat

Contact: Paul Dansereau    613-231-6722, ext. 235 or pdansereau@st-josephs.ca

An inclusive community of faith