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Young adult program builds faith, communityBY KARA KOCZUR, Globe staff reporter
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| What's on
Tap?
Want to learn more? Attend an info session to find out more about what Theology on Tap is and why it's beneficial to the community and the faith. Anyone interested is invited to attend. Parents of college students are also welcome to find out more information for their son or daughter. When: 6 p.m., March 30, at Cathedral of the Epiphany, Sioux City 7 p.m., March 31, in the parish hall of Immaculate Conception Church, Sioux City Theology on Tap When: April 20-Gathering time begins at 6:30 p.m. Speaker will begin at 7 p.m., followed by time for questions and fellowship. Where: El Fredo's Pizza 523 W 19th St., Sioux City What: "Meeting Christ in the Church," by Bishop R. Walker Nickless |
There's a
disconnect."
In an effort to close this gap felt by Catholic young adults lost somewhere between high school youth groups and having children in Catholic schools or CCD, this spring the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry will sponsor Theology on Tap.
Theology on Tap is a young adult ministry program that originated in Chicago. It is a national program for college-age students and young adults in their 20s and 30s, either single or married, and takes place at bars and restaurants. Each Theology on Tap session has a theology topic and a speaker, as well as a question and answer period, followed by time for fellowship.
"The purpose [of Theology on Tap] is to be a bridge between a young church and an adult church," La Fleur said. "Fewer young adults are coming to parish life, so the church must go to them."
Physically meeting young adults where they are at, in bars and restaurants, is only one way the church must go to them. She must also meet them spiritually, La Fleur said. It doesn't matter if one has been away from the church for 10 years, has a master's degree in theology or is a recent convert to the faith. Theology on Tap is for everyone.
Finding Community
When Kathryn Fairchild graduated from St. Mary's College of Notre Dame, she didn't realize the importance of the faith community she was leaving behind. In school her religious and social needs had been met because of the strong faith community she had been a part of.
"Then 'boom,' I graduated and I was like, 'Now what? I don't have anything. I don't even know where I'm going to be living in a few months,'" said Fairchild, 33, co-coordinator of Theology on Tap in Sioux City.
She returned home for her "transitional phase," and became involved with Theology on Tap in her home diocese of Joliet, Ill.
"It just kind of piqued my interest as far as realizing that you can continue to learn more about your faith even after college, even after you're kind of in that transitional phase," she said. "It made me aware that there are faith groups out there, and that it's a good way to connect back to your parish."
Helping young adults connect back to their parish and feel a sense of community and belonging are things Bishop R. Walker Nickless said he hopes Theology on Tap will do.
"We want [young adults] to know we care about them and that they're not overlooked . . . and that they're an important part of the church," he said. "They bring their enthusiasm, their questioning minds and their vigor and vitality for life."
La Fleur echoed his sentiments regarding the importance of young adults finding community and being involved in their parishes.
"Without community the theology doesn't have any meaning," she said. "We need to incorporate our faith into action."
Meant to be fun
Theology on Tap, which has had success in dioceses across the country, is not a Bible study or RCIA class. Speakers talk for only 30 minutes and then young adults get to present their questions to the speaker.
"The time frame is key for young adults-it's shorter," La Fleur noted. "It's enough time for you to get some meat, and you're responding with your peers, guided by someone who has knowledge."
"It's a great time for camaraderie and to just learn more about your Catholic faith," Fairchild said. "It's meant to be fun. It's meant to be a good time."
Theology on Tap will follow the 5 p.m. Mass at Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City. Speakers will range from local to semi-national speakers. Topics will also vary, allowing young adults to pick and choose what sessions they want to attend based on their interests, La Fleur said.
Two sessions are planned for this spring, another two for the summer, as well as into the fall. The first session will be held on April 20, and feature Bishop Nickless speaking on "Meeting Christ in the Church."
"Sometimes we have a relationship with the Lord, but it can be hard to connect it with the Mass and the teachings of the church," he said of the topic.
Bishop Nickless hopes that after hearing his talk, young adults will be able to recognize how Christ established the church as a vehicle to enter into a deeper relationship with him.
Besides learning more about the faith and finding community, Fairchild said Theology on Tap is a great way to meet people and is also a reminder about what is important in life.
"That young adulthood period is sort of a selfish time, so [Theology on Tap] sort of takes you away from your selfishness," she said. "You're very focused on your career and moving up and bettering your resumé, but there's more to life than that."
If all goes well, the plan is to extend the program beyond Sioux City and form other groups throughout the diocese.
"I'm excited about it," Bishop Nickless said. "I'm looking forward to this growing not only in Sioux City, but in other parts of the diocese as well."
La Fleur hopes Theology on Tap will be a place for young adults to deepen their faith and find community, but also that the larger church will benefit from the young adult community enhanced by the program.
"Young adults have very special gifts," she said. "They are very driven by service and giving to the community in many ways. It's one of the gifts we need to tap into."
