The Jesuits have been involved in working with young people for over 40 years in Ireland. What has been learned over the years is that young people need a safe place to explore and address important issues, including those of meaning, spirituality, justice and identity.

• Slí Eile was founded by the Irish Jesuits and their co-workers
• It is aimed at young people, aged between 18 and 35.
• It is based on dialogue and cooperation- people are respected for who they are
• Happiness comes from recognising that everyone has enthusiasm, skills and abilities that can be developed and used to help others
• Spirituality is about channelling this inner ‘fire’ and enthusiasm into building a better world

Background to Slí Eile

It is important to create a place where people feel listened to, involved and respected. It is essentially about bringing out the good that is already there in young people, having them reflect on their own experience, and empowering them to help make a better world.

With all the recent dramatic changes in Irish Culture in relation to consumerism, secularisation, alienation and paradoxical poverty in the midst of great wealth, there was an urgent need for a “Slí Eile” (“another way” in Irish) that would link people’s inner hopes and desires with the need to create a much more humane and fair society. Jesuit spirituality, which is very practical, active and ‘humanising’, seemed an ideal way to work with young adults and give them a helpful way of seeing and being in the world.

From small beginnings

Around nine years ago a group of Jesuits and young adults got together to try to harness the energy and enthusiasm of young people to respond to what was happening in contemporary Ireland. They were clear on the value of the Gospel message, particularly through the Jesuit focus on experience and reflection, and engaging with the Catholic Church as informed, critical and responsible young adults. They wanted to be able to engage young people “where they were at”, and work out with them what kind of groups and projects would useful. A traditional clerical approach or overly “pious” language would no longer work; it would have to be something participative, engaging and relevant.

Slí Eile began in a small office on Gardiner Street as a small initiative involving a handful of people. Right from the beginning, no one knew what would happen- the organisation emerged primarily from the energy and enthusiasm of those who were involved. What seemed to work was the combination of “saving the world” idealism,  solid personal development, a ‘humanising’ spirituality (being more aware, open and compassionate), and being part of a supportive group that was good fun too.

Developing into a community

Early initiatives included a residential volunteer community, personal and spiritual development groups, and a range of once-off activities such as pilgrimages, volunteering opportunities, theology workshops, and Easter and Advent retreats. Over time, the organisers of these activities noticed that the people who took them up had begun to form a coherent group of people who enjoyed each other's company and shared certain perspectives. It was decided to build on this developing sense of community, and so Slí Eile came – organically – into being.

Each year, more young adults (aged between 18 to 35) come along to Slí Eile to explore and discover together new ways to develop oneself as a person, connect with the Spirit and respond to the world. Essentially, spirituality (connection with the source of life) is a journey, and action for justice is an integral aspect of faith.

One very popular point of first contact with Slí Eile in recent years has been the Gardiner Street Gospel Choir Mass. This was launched in 2000, and many Slí Eile people have been involved ever since. The same holds for the Ballymun Gospel Mass. In both of these you can feel the pulsating life and energy of the Gospel music – ingredients, we hope you'll find, of all Slí Eile events.