News

Theology on Tap: July heats up with topics for young adults

By Renae Bauer
Communications Department

Young adults will gather in seven northeast Wisconsin cities in July for the annual Theology on Tap to hear people talk about their faith and to ask them questions.

"Theology on Tap is a great way for young adults to gather with other young adults and reflect on their faith in a relaxed environment," said Rich Curran, diocesan director for Youth and Young Adult Ministry. "The popularity of Theology on Tap proves that young adults are curious about their faith and want to know more."

The free sessions are open to anyone, but the primary audience is ages 21 to 39.

Speakers include Curran; retired Bp. Robert Banks; Brian Mitchell, coordinator of communications, evangelization and young adult ministry at St. Raphael Parish, Oshkosh; Bob Atwell, president and CEO of Nicolet National Bank, Green Bay; Steve Johnson, attorney and a member of St. Matthew Parish, Green Bay; Fr. Tom Long, diocesan Vocations director; newlyweds Steve and Jacinda (religious education coordinator for St. Peter the Fisherman Parish, Two Rivers) Thiele; Dr. Tom Reynolds, professor of theology at St. Norbert College; Eden (director of Mt. Tabor Retreat Center in Menasha) and Katherine (retreat team leader) Foord; Tony Pichler, diocesan director of the Lay Ministry Formation; Sr. Mary Jo Kirt, parish director of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Hortonville and diocesan Representative for Religious.

Here is the schedule:

APPLETON -- 7 p.m. Mondays at Anduzzi's Sports Club, 403 W. College Ave.

• July 10 -- "Young Adults, Claim Your Church!" with Rich Curran.

• July 17 -- "Busy Lives, Busy People," with Brian Mitchell.

• July 24 -- "Getting Your Financial House In Order Starts with Faith," with Bob Atwell.

• July 31 -- "Why the Church Cares About Political Issues ... and You Should Too," with attorney Steve Johnson.

DE PERE -- 7 p.m. Mondays at Nicky's Lionhead Tavern, 331 Main St.

• July 10 -- "Busy Lives, Busy People," with Brian Mitchell.

• July 17 -- "Getting Your Financial House In Order Starts with Faith," with Bob Atwell.

• July 24 -- "My Life is a Vocation," with Fr. Tom Long and Steve and Jacinda Thiele.

• July 31 -- "Similarities and Differences Between Christian Faiths," with Dr. Reynolds.

KAUKAUNA -- 7 p.m. Thursdays at The Coffee Shop, 127 W. Wisconsin Ave.

• July 13 -- "A Church With Different Theological Perspectives," with Bp. Banks.

• July 20 -- "The Sexuality of Our Culture," with Katherine and Eden Foord.

• July 27 -- "Catholic Q & A," with Tony Pichler.

• Aug. 3 -- "The Changing Church," with Sr. Mary Jo Kirt.

LAKEWOOD -- 7 p.m. Thursdays, St. Mary Parish Center, 15232 County F

• July 13 -- "A Church with Different Theological Perspectives," Fr. Matthew Settle, administrator of St. Augustine Parish, Wausaukee, and St. Agnes Parish, Amberg.

• July 20 -- "The Sexuality of Our Culture," with Ben Sember, a diocesan seminarian who has been studying in Rome.

• July 27 -- "Catholic Q & A," with Sr. Marla Clercx, parish director for Immaculate Conception Parish in Florence, and Fr. Mike Betley, pastor of St. Anthony Parish, Niagara; St. Margaret, Pembine; and Sacred Heart, Aurora; and sacramental minister at Florence.

• Aug. 3 -- "Just Like Jesus," with Greg Layton, diocesan director of Retreat and Shrine Operations.

MANITOWOC -- 8 p.m. Thursdays at Tony's Pizza, 2204 Washington St.

• July 13 -- "Catholic Q & A," with Pichler.

• July 20 -- "A Church With Different Theological Perspectives," with Bp. Banks.

• July 27 -- "My Life is a Vocation," with Fr. Tom Long and Steve and Jacinda Thiele.

• Aug. 3 -- "Why the Church Cares About Political Issues ... And You Should Too," with Steve Johnson.

OSHKOSH -- 6 p.m. Wednesdays at The Bar, 825 N. Washburn St.

• July 12 -- "Catholic Q & A," with Fr. Dan Felton, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Manitowoc.

• July 19 -- "The Sexuality of our Culture," with Katherine and Eden Foord.

• July 26 -- "Getting into Scripture," with Fr. Carl Schmitt, associate pastor of St. Raphael Parish, Oshkosh.

• Aug. 2 -- "The Changing Church," Sr. Mary Jo Kirt, OSF.

STURGEON BAY -- 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Nautical Inn, 232 Kentucky St.

• July 11 -- "A Church With Different Theological Perspectives," with Bp. Banks.

• July 18 -- "Young Adults, Claim Your Church!" with Rich Curran.

• July 25 -- "My Life is a Vocation," with Fr. Tom Long and Steve and Jacinda Thiele.

• Aug. 1 -- "Similarities and Differences Between Christian Faiths," with Dr. Reynolds.

Anyone traveling outside of northeast Wisconsin during July who wants to experience Theology on Tap in another location can find complete listings at www.yamchicago.org.

In the Green Bay Diocese, Theology on Tap is partially funded by the Bishop's Appeal. For more information, contact Rich Curran (920)272-8274 or 877-500-3580, ext. 8274; e-mail rcurran@gbdioc.org.