The Oratory’s group for young adults (aged 18-35) meets monthly, usually on Thursday evenings.
Meetings take place in St Wilfrid's Hall, the entrance to which is in the forecourt of Oratory House.
The hall opens at 7.45pm, with a talk at 8pm, and a social afterwards (with hot snacks and drinks) until 10pm.
Please note the age range for this group (18-35); if you are outside this bracket, there are many other parish groups and opportunities available, which are listed here.
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Upcoming Events
Thursday 17th July, 8pm: Why Catholics Can Know The Bible (But Protestants Can’t) - (Peter D. Williams, Catholic Apologist)
Talk summary: What are the Holy Scriptures? How do we know what texts are ‘inspired’? (E.g. Why are the four Gospels included and not other claimed Gospels?) Why do Catholics have 73 books in their Bibles and Protestants only 66?
Catholic apologist Peter D. Williams will argue why Catholics can know with confidence what texts are authentically inspired by the Holy Spirit, and why only those who hold to Sacred Tradition as Divine Revelation – and not Scripture alone – can truly claim to ‘know’ the Bible.
Speaker Bio: Peter D. Williams has spent over a decade defending the Catholic Faith in the public square and engaging in advocacy on contested social and moral issues. He has engaged in multiple moderated public debates on topics such as the existence of God, the reality of the Resurrection, the Marian Dogmas, Indulgences, abortion, assisted suicide and same-sex marriage. He currently serves as Director of the Family Education Trust and Media and Communications Advisor to the Anscombe Bioethics Centre, having formerly worked as Executive Officer of Right To Life.
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Meetings will then pause for the summer and resume in the autumn.
The following meetings for later in the year are already scheduled:
Thursday 25th September, 8pm: Relics and their significance through the centuries - (Dr Jesse Harrington, University College Cork, Ireland).
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Thursday 30th October, 8pm: Pilgrimage: Walking Toward God in a Restless World (Lauren Heithaus, Hidden Catholic)
Talk Summary: This talk explores the meaning and power of pilgrimage in the life of a Catholic today. We'll look at how pilgrimage has shaped the Church throughout history, from medieval journeys to holy shrines to modern-day spiritual travel, and why it still matters. I’ll share key pilgrimage destinations in the UK and abroad, reflect on my own transformative experiences as a pilgrim, and offer insight into how these sacred journeys can awaken faith, deepen identity, and foster community. I’ll also introduce some of the pilgrimages I now offer through my company, Hidden Catholic, created to help others encounter the beauty and depth of our Catholic heritage through travel.
Speaker Bio: Lauren Heithaus is the founder of Hidden Catholic, a company that offers immersive Catholic tours and pilgrimages across the UK. Originally from the U.S., she now lives in London with her husband and two sons. Her work weaves together history, travel, and faith, helping others rediscover the beauty of Catholicism through the lives of the saints, sacred places, and stories often hidden in plain sight. Lauren speaks and writes on Catholic heritage, pilgrimage, and spiritual motherhood, and hosts a regular segment on Radio Maria England.
Subscribe to the mailing list via the button above to receive notifications of future meetings.
Please subscribe to the mailing list via the button above to receive details of forthcoming meetings.