The heart of congregational life in Oulu
Common worship lies at the heart of the life of the four Evangelical Lutheran parishes in Oulu. Members of the parishes are encouraged to participate in both preparing and realising it. The service is the feast of God's people, of every member of the parish. A service with Holy Communion is called the Mass (“messu” in Finnish) and every confirmed member of the parish may participate in it. Baptized children are admitted to the Eucharist with their parents. Holy rites, i.e., baptism and confirmation, marriage and funeral services, are all important parts of this public worship. They touch the lives of most people.
Children's friend
Baptism is a door to the parish. Through baptism a child becomes the member of God's family. Most Finns are baptised as babies. The day circles of the parishes provide baptismal teaching for children under school age. Sunday school is the children's own service and is held on their terms. Children attend family circles with their mothers and fathers. For young school children the parishes organise afternoon circles during school terms. For children's families other opportunities for common assembly are offered, among which family-services and camps are most popular.
The Lutheran parishes in Oulu have many scout groups. At seven years of age a child can be accepted as a cub.
Part of the adult world
Many members of the four Lutheran parishes in Oulu meet each other in various parish groups each week. Beside the Sunday service new types of services, aimed at different groups, are offered. Music also brings many people to church.
In Oulu tens of groups for adults meet regularly. In addition, camps, trips and activities for married couples enrich the lives of many people. Volunteers are needed and trained for many tasks: to support those who are lonely, for community work, to assist with Sunday services and teach at Sunday schools. Missionary work offers members of the parish an opportunity to support people living in other countries.
Oulu is an international city. This is reflected in the life of the parishes. A service in English is held every Sunday.