Heartworks is a young adult group that meets in the Heartworks building (an old converted laundry) on the St Mary’s Towers property in Douglas Park, a homey place to escape the busyness of everyday life. The group has formed close relationships with each other, with genuine openness and willingness to bring new members into the group. 

Heartworks adopted part of the MSC constitution as their own:

Ours is a spirit of family formed by kindness and understanding, by compassion and mutual forgiveness, by gentleness, humility and simplicity, by hospitality and a sense of humour.

The Heartworks group gather on the first Friday (or Sunday) of each month to share a meal together, pray, reflect, and catch up on each other’s lives. The simple nature of sharing a meal together should not be overlooked, as it is during this time that light-hearted conversations allow for a mixing of ages and backgrounds, ensuring everyone feels welcome and included. During the reflection, the group often work through a guided discussion in which members are free to express their opinions openly and without judgement. Heartworks recognises the importance of continual questioning and challenges members to think outside the ‘norm’. It is through questioning and looking at issues through a fresh perspective that our understandings, beliefs and faith are ultimately shaped and strengthened.

Heartworks also run retreats to provide young adults with the opportunity to renew their spirituality and seek guidance. These retreats are run by young adults, for young adults in a relaxed environment with the freedom to come and go as needed. It also allows those who might be interested in participating more regularly can find out more about Heartworks.