Active life, active faith

TORONTO - Nature is God’s greatest cathedral for those attending this year’s Hike & Prayer.

Run by Faith Connections, the young adult ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph, the annual Hike & Prayer event allows young people an opportunity to engage their faith while being active. The hike, themed “Celebrating Summer,” takes place Aug. 22 at Edwards Gardens in Toronto, and is open to young adults, ages 18-39.

“It appeals to young people because they can be outside and active with other young adults,” said Vanessa Nicholas-Schmidt, program director at Faith Connections. “It’s a comfortable social setting, and the prayer reflection and faith really deepen the whole afternoon.”

The Hike & Prayer series has been running since 2008.

As the group hikes for up to five hours, participants meet other young adults who hope to find God through physical and spiritual activity. Along the way, they will stop to pray communally or split into smaller groups to discuss topics and questions based on the hike’s theme or on what they encounter along the way. To reflect the theme of Celebrating Summer, this year’s discussions will be about the beauty and blessings of nature and God’s creation.

“It’s new for some people to see God outdoors and in nature,” said Nicholas-Schmidt.

Faith Connections also organizes a variety of other events to meet the spiritual needs of young adults. In addition to the Hike & Prayer, it hosts Advent and Lenten retreats, as well as Theology on Tap, an ongoing series of theological teachings and social nights.

Faith Connections is also a networking resource for young people. Beyond their own events and outings, they connect young adults with other ministries that can help them develop their faith.

“The Sisters of St. Joseph are such wonderful women who I think are on the leading edge,” said Nicholas-Schmidt. “They’re so creative in meeting the needs of young people.”

For more information, see faithconnections.ca.