News

Theology talks tap into young adult interests

Fourth in a series on Bishop's Appeal

	STEWARD OF WIT AND WISDOM: Bp. Robert Morneau delights an eager audience of young adults at a recent Theology on Tap at BrewBakers in Green Bay. (Rick Evans photo)
	Special series on tap for Lent During Lent, Theology on Tap, the speaker series for single and married adults in their 20s and 30s, will offer a weekly series in both Appleton and Green Bay. Here is the schedule: TrimB's, 201 S.Walnut St., Appleton, 7:30-8:30 p.m. March 9 -- How Does this Generation Image the Body of Christ? By Fr. James Neilson, O.Praem., who will use slides and art. March 16 -- How do the Cultures of the Dominican Republic and the United States Exist in the Same Time Zone? by Fr. Bill Hoffman. March 23 -- Chance to Ask Any Question about the Catholic Church and Your Faith with Sr. Peg Gabik and Fr. Roy Geenan. March 30 -- How did I get to be the Director at Habitat for Humanity at age 32? by John Weyenberg. BrewBaker's Pub, 209 N. Washington St., Green Bay, 7-8 p.m. March 11 -- How do the Cultures of the Dominican Republic and the United States Exist in the Same Time Zone? by Fr. Bill Hoffman. March 18 -- Prayer: Arm Twisting or Arm Wrestling with God? by Fr. Dave Pleier. March 25 -- Your Chance to Ask Any Question about the Catholic Church and Your Faith with Sr. Peg Gabik and Fr. Roy Geenan. April 1 -- Scripture, A Catholic Approach by Fr. Tim Schillcox. April 8 -- How did I get to be the Director at Habitat for Humanity at age 32? by John Weyenberg. After Lent, Theology on Tap will continue meeting on the second Tuesday of every month at BrewBaker's Pub with Fr. John Girotti on May 13, discussing Culture of Life/Culture of Death, Looking at some Contemporary Medical Moral Issues. For more information, contact Sr. Peg Gabik at (920)437-7531 or 1-877-500-3580 (toll-free) ext. 3 or pgabik@gbdioc.org Partially funded by the Diocesan Bishop's Appeal and the Catholic Foundation.

Editor's note: The annual Bishop's Appeal supports many services to help parishes, individuals and families. Among the services it makes possible is outreach and faith enrichment for young adults through the Total Catholic Education Department.

The buzz about Theology on Tap has nothing to do with the beer being served. Rather, the buzz -- or excitement -- is about the message of faith being served to young adults.

Stepping Together in Faith 2003 Bishop's Appeal
Related articles ... from Feb. 14, 2003 issue: • Appeal helps couple make adoption possible from Feb. 7, 2003 issue: • Weekend helps couples avoid marital rocks • An Appeal based on the Gospel from Jan. 31, 2003 issue: • Stop and consider all the people Appeal helps • Pie chart showing how contributions to Bishop's Appeal are divided • TEC enriches and plants seeds

Theology on Tap is getting rave reviews from just about everybody. Young adults like having the church come to them with messages germane to their lives. Speakers like interacting with young adults. And organizers of the event like the response they're getting.

"It's all been incredible," says Sr. Peg Gabik, diocesan consultant for Adult/Young Adult Ministry. "I never in my wildest dreams thought one program could get such a positive reaction from so many people. Apparently, Theology on Tap has hit a nerve."

The evening forums are aimed at Catholic young adults (married and single in their 20s and 30s), but are open to anyone who's curious. Supported in part by the Bishop's Appeal and the Catholic Foundation, Theology on Tap normally is from 7 to 8 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at BrewBaker's Pub, 209 N. Washington St., Green Bay. But the schedule has been beefed up for Lent and includes dates at TrimB's in Appleton. (See sidebar)

Robyn and Rick Hallet of St. Bernard Parish, Green Bay, serve on the Young Adult Planning Committee, under the leadership of Sr. Gabik. Their enthusiasm is palpable.

"I really like it," says Robyn. "It's a great opportunity to talk about religion in a public setting."

Rick agrees, and adds that they bring their friends to Theology on Tap.

Bishop's Appeal: Stepping Together in Faith What: Bishop's Appeal, the Green Bay Diocese's annual fund-raiser to support diocesan programs and services offered to parishes and individuals. Where: All parishes in the diocese. When: Right now. How: Make a cash, check, credit card (Mastercard, Visa and Discover) or pledge donation. Materials have been sent to homes and also are available through parishes. Some employers offer matching gift programs, for which Catholic Charities may qualify, since it serves the general public; additional information is available through Human Resources departments. Target: $4.8 million.

On a recent icy Tuesday evening, Auxiliary Bp. Robert Morneau stands before about 60 people at BrewBaker's and engages them in the philosophy of stewardship. Drawing on 15 years of study, reflection and prayer, Bp. Morneau summarizes stewardship as "What I do after I say, 'I believe.'" He draws upon Scripture, poetry, books, life experiences and the occasional joke to paint the picture of the Christian responsibility to care for the gifts God gives each person and the responsibility to gratefully return to God what has been given. (Receive gratefully, nurture responsibly, share charitably, return abundantly, he says.)

Perhaps the most visible sign of stewardship is Zaid Jazrawi, owner of BrewBaker's Pub. The Catholic business owner doesn't charge Theology on Tap for use of his facility. He talks about his concern for people who aren't in church. How is the message of God supposed to reach them? His hope is for the program, the pub and himself to be the link.

His hope seems to resonate with others.

Thesese Schelter, youth minister at St. John the Baptist, Howard, says she likes what Theology on Tap symbolizes -- the church coming to the people and discussing relevant issues. It "is not just entertaining but you get something from it," she says.

That value perhaps why Schelter has brought a different friend to each event she's attended. This night, it's Lori Hebel, who has just moved back to her hometown of Manitowoc after six years in Atlanta. Hebel says the Archdiocese of Atlanta offers Theology on Tap (in a slightly different format) and 200-300 people regularly attend.

"It's a great way to have a beer and find God," Hebel says.