Are you a young adult interested in discovering more about contemporary issues impacting society and the Church?
If so, Clapham First Saturdays hosted by Jesuit Young Adult Ministries (YAM) is a great way to explore this.
What are Clapham First Saturdays?
Held on the first Saturday of each month, they bring young adults (aged 18-35) together to think about and discuss a particular faith-themed topic.
They take place at the Jesuit House on Clapham Common in south London between 11am and 4pm.
There’s a relaxed and informal atmosphere, with time given to developing and deepening friendships. Newcomers are always more than welcome.
A free vegetarian lunch is served – those taking part can contact the YAM organisers with any dietary requirements.
What sort of things are discussed?
When the initiative was launched in 2018, it was intended to give young adults the opportunity to explore big issues in a more in-depth manner.
There have been sessions on the Crucifixion, Pope Francis’s Laudato Si’, racial justice, and women in the Church.
Recently guests have been discussing the impact of Vatican II, taking a look at the various documents published by the council.
Speakers in the past have included journalist Austen Ivereigh and theologian Theodora Hawksley.
Earlier this month, Jesuit Missions’ Director Paul Chitnis led a discussion on Vatican II document Gaudium et Spes (‘Joy and Hope’), which examines the Church’s role in the modern world.
How did Paul find it?
He said: “I welcome very much the initiative by the Young Adult Ministry team to make the documents of Vatican II better known and to encourage young adults to delve into what it means to be a Catholic in the 21st century.
“I was pleased to be able to talk about Gaudium et Spes to the group and to receive such an enthusiastic endorsement of the need to be fully immersed in the world though not of it.”
Want to find out more?
For more information, contact yam@jesuit.org.uk, or visit their Instagram page ‘jesuityam’ where you can send direct messages to the organisers.
Discover more about the Jesuits in Britain at jesuit.org.uk and learn about Jesuit Missions and our work at jesuitmissions.org.uk.
More news
Great Big Green Week 2024: The view from Madagascar
General Election 2024: Our votes affect our international partners
We’re hiring! Jesuit Missions is on the lookout for a new Fundraising Manager
