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!
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.
Counselling and support
Parishes offer free and confidential counselling with:
- Pastors
- Diaconal workers (church social workers)
They can help you with:
- Talking and emotional support
- Money problems or applying for help
- Relationships and family issues
- Addiction problems
- Confession or spiritual guidance
You don’t have to be a Church member to ask for help. Many parishes have English-speaking staff.
You can also talk anonymously online with a pastor via the Finnish Seamen’s Mission
Support for families
Parishes offer many free activities for families and children.
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Family Clubs
Parents meet other parents, and children play and learn. Held 1–2 times per week.
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Daycare Clubs (ages 3–6)
Supervised by trained teachers, usually 3 hours in the morning or afternoon.
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Afternoon Clubs (for school kids in grades 1–2)
Fun and safe place to go after school.
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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.
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
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.
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!
Pastoral care for the sick
The Church visits people who are:
- Sick
- In hospital
- At home
- In care homes
Pastors and diaconal workers can:
- Talk and pray with you
- Give emotional and spiritual support
- Help you stay connected with the Church
Hospital chaplains are specially trained, and available if you ask hospital staff.
Volunteers may also visit the sick to talk, walk with them, or run small errands.
