Dear reader, you may already have noticed that the articles in Fides can also be read on our website in English (fides.katolinen.fi/en) and in Swedish. Below we briefly present some of the articles included in this issue. As Christmas approaches, we hope that you and your family will find time to explore the faith and life of the Church.
We would also like to encourage you to take part in developing Fides by sharing some of your own experiences as a Catholic in Finland – or in your home country. Please feel welcome to contact us at: fides@katolinen.fi.
One of the central articles introduces the renewed Charta Oecumenica. It describes how representatives of the Catholic Church and other Christian communities gathered at the Tre Fontane monastery in Rome, where the signing took place at the site traditionally linked to the martyrdom of St Paul. The article quotes the reflections of church leaders: the Charta calls Christians to walk humbly, confront past failures, heal wounds and “work together to respond to war, forced migration and the ethical challenges of new technologies.” It also underscores that despite remaining differences in ecclesiology and sacramental understanding, “what we share is deeper than what separates us.”
The report on the Jubilee Pilgrimage of Consecrated Life gives a vivid account of the experience of three Finnish participants among nearly 16,000 pilgrims in Rome. They describe passing through the Holy Door, joining the liturgy presided over by Pope Leo XIV, and encountering consecrated persons from around the world. The article captures their spiritual impression: a sense of belonging to a vast, diverse and joyful communion of those who have offered their lives to God.
The update on the Catholic school presents concrete details about the new educational project in Lauttasaari. It notes that the school will open in August 2026 beside the Church of Saint James the Apostle and will begin with pupils in preschool and grades 1–3. The article emphasises that the school’s strength is its scale — “like a small village school in the middle of the city” — where teachers can focus on teaching, pupils can focus on learning, and all families are welcome regardless of religious background.
A catechetical article explains in practical terms what a confirmation sponsor is expected to be. It stresses that a sponsor must be a practising Catholic who can accompany the confirmand not only on the day of the sacrament but also through ongoing spiritual friendship. The text highlights the sponsor’s task of giving credible witness and supporting the young person as they grow in mature Christian life.
The theological reflection on euthanasia sets out the Church’s position by grounding it in the dignity of human life. It explains why euthanasia cannot be reconciled with Catholic anthropology, and why true palliative care — supporting the whole person, relieving suffering and providing loving presence — is the morally responsible alternative. The article clarifies how the Church distinguishes between disproportionate treatments, ordinary care, and morally unacceptable actions that intentionally end life.
Finally, the opinion piece Pilgrim in Catholic Ostrobothnia offers an on-the-ground portrait of Catholic life in a geographically wide and culturally diverse region. Travelling with Fr Leonard Wobilla Shwei, the author visits communities in Vasa, Seinäjoki, Jakobstad and Kokkola. The article describes the historical background of the region — including its conservative traditions shaped by the jägar movement, the Civil War and early 20th-century nationalism — and contrasts it with today’s multilingual, international Catholic presence. It highlights the remarkable pastoral dedication required in an area where distances are long yet the sense of community is strong.
Together these articles – and many more – showcase a Church that reflects, unites, teaches, accompanies and bears witness — from Rome to Lauttasaari and to the plains of Ostrobothnia.
This issue highlights three books that illuminate different dimensions of Catholic life, spirituality and Finnish culture:
Fr Jacques Philippe’s classic Aikaa Jumalalle (Time for God) is presented through a reflection by Eeva Vitikka-Annala, who interviewed Bishop Raimo Goyarrola about the book’s significance. He recalls first encountering the work a decade ago and being struck by Philippe’s clarity, simplicity and concrete spiritual guidance. The text highlights prayer as God’s action within us and resonates with the spirituality of St Teresa of Ávila, St John of the Cross and St Josemaría Escrivá. Long used among Finnish lay Carmelites, the book encourages readers to begin the path of prayer or remain faithful to it.
Matti Sankamo’s Eihän noin saa sanoa! (You Can’t Say That!)—reviewed by his brother Juho Sankamo—examines freedom of speech and religion in light of the Päivi Räsänen case. The review cites the author’s claim that the prosecution attempted to construct “a textbook example of criminal hate speech, even by inventing content for it.” It argues that the case has profound implications for Christian communities and is an important contribution to Finland’s ongoing public debate on what a believing person may lawfully say.
Lemmikki Louhimies’ fact-based novel Pyhän Henrikin taivaskorvat (Saint Henry’s Heavenly Ears) offers a creative reconstruction of St Henry’s and King Eric’s 12th-century mission. Inspired by archaeological finds at Ravattula, the work portrays Christianity arriving into a living world of pre-Christian beliefs rather than an empty landscape. Through both historical figures and the fictional Oskari, the book depicts a culture shaped by spirits and fear — and shows how the light of the Gospel begins to enter that world with hope, truth and conversion.
And finally, the story “A Four-Thousand-Euro Gift” illustrates the generous voluntary work that supports parish life alongside regular membership contributions. One July morning, a group of fourteen Vietnamese parishioners, led by Lien and her husband from Reipas Siivous Oy, gathered in Turku to clean the church from top to bottom: windows, walls, pews, radiators, floors — even the altar carpet. Working joyfully and without charge, they offered what would have cost the parish roughly four thousand euros. The text highlights how such acts of service strengthen the community, express living faith and remind us that the Church is built not only by financial support but also by shared dedication and love.
The bishop’s Christmas greeting (Visit an external site. The link opens in a new tab.) appears on p. 6. You are also warmly invited to read his Advent message online (Visit an external site. The link opens in a new tab.).
Happy reading!
Message from the Bishop and the Parish Priests (Advent 2025)
Dear Catholics, thank you to all of you who, by paying the parish membership fee, take care of your parish. At the same time, we remind you how important this shared support is.
In Finland we are accustomed to regular contributions
In Finland it is customary to support the activities of parishes on a regular basis. The Lutheran and Orthodox Churches receive their funding through the church tax. Other religious communities, such as the Catholic Church, do not have this possibility, and therefore we must together take care of the finances of our parishes by paying the membership fee.
Take care of the needs of the Church
The fifth precept of the Church urges us to take care of the needs of the Church. This need is very concrete: parishes require funds for daily activities, for the maintenance of church buildings and other facilities, and for new projects in our growing diocese.
Why do we need support?
In our parishes we gather for Mass and devotions, and we receive teaching and guidance. Visits are made from the parishes even hundreds of kilometres away, so that those who live far from our churches may still experience the Church’s presence. Churches and other premises must be heated and maintained. Priests, deacons, religious and lay employees work for the good of all of us, and they must be given the proper conditions to carry out their ministry.
What is the membership fee?
The membership fee is the contribution paid by every adult Catholic to their own parish. The amount is 1.5% of one’s gross income. The membership fee is paid monthly into the parish’s membership-fee account using reference number 90010. If paying is difficult, you may discuss it with your parish priest. The obligation to pay the membership fee is based on the Church’s community regulations.
How else can one help?
The membership fee is the primary way of supporting the parish. In addition, one may participate in collections, give donations, make a bequest, or help as a volunteer in various parish tasks. All support — financial and in time given — builds up our common Church.
With gratitude for your support and prayers,
and with blessings upon you and your loved ones,
Your Bishop Raimo
and the parish priests of the Catholic parishes in Finland
– Further information about the membership fee can be found on your parish’s website (Visit an external site. The link opens in a new tab.).