St. Columba ParishThe years between leaving home and settling down are when many Catholics drift — not from anger, but because nobody noticed them leave. Our young adult community exists so that does not happen here. About sixty people take part; a dozen of them are on the leadership team with Marcus Lee and Fr. Nguyen.
Sunday 5:00 PM Mass & supper
The easiest way in. Sit anywhere; stay for food afterwards. The contemporary ensemble leads the music and needs singers and players.
Theology on Tap
A speaker, a question, a drink, a real conversation. Recent topics: faith and mental health, Catholic social teaching and housing, dating with intention.
Bible study
Small-group lectio on the coming Sunday's Gospel. Forty-five minutes; no homework.
Service
Out of the Cold cooking team in winter, pantry sorting, Habitat builds, refugee family move-ins.
Retreats & pilgrimages
A silent weekend in February; in summer a bus to Martyrs' Shrine in Midland or the Oratory in Montreal.
Socials
Trivia nights, hikes, skating at Nathan Phillips Square, a Christmas party. Newcomers to Toronto especially welcome.
On campus
Students at U of T, TMU, York and the colleges have Catholic chaplaincies of their own — the Newman Centre, campus ministries and residence chaplains — and we work alongside them. Many students worship at St. Columba on Sundays and on campus during the week. See chaplaincies for contacts. If you are in Toronto for a year on exchange or a work placement, you belong here for that year.
Faith, vocation, life
Some of the community are discerning marriage, priesthood or religious life; some are exploring the Church for the first time and join the OCIA group; some are engaged and preparing for marriage; some have just come back after years away and start with confession. Fr. Nguyen offers spiritual direction to young adults on Tuesday evenings by appointment.
Join
Email youngadults@stcolumbatoronto.ca or message Marcus after the 5:00 PM Mass and you will be added to the group chat and the fortnightly email. There is no membership and no fee. Coordinators this year: Priya Nair and Daniel Osei.
I'm older than 35 / younger than 18.
Under 18, see youth ministry. Over 35, everyone is welcome at Theology on Tap and service days; the parish's other groups may also fit.
I don't know anyone.
Nor did anyone else the first week. Tell the person at the supper table you are new; that is what the table is for.