The popular young adult summer series, "Renew Theology on Tap," will begin next month in all five regions of the archdiocese.
Geared toward singles and couples in their 20s and 30s, the four-week series, beginning the week of July 15, is designed to connect young adult Catholics with each other and their church in a relaxed, social environment offering dynamic guest speakers, lively discussion and refreshments.
Sponsored locally for seven years by the archdiocesan Office of Religious Education's Young Adult Ministry, the "Tap" program began over 25 years ago in the Archdiocese of Chicago. RENEW International, the New Jersey-based Catholic organization that specializes in revitalizing parish life, officially began managing Theology on Tap in January of this year in efforts to increase evangelization to young adults in the U.S. and abroad.
"Not only has it been an opportunity for young adults to get together and learn more about the faith, it's greatly benefited peer ministry [since] it started a level of leadership for this particular group of adults that we haven't had," said Father David Loftus, Office of Religious Education adult education coordinator.
According to Ernesto Vega, archdiocesan young adult ministry coordinator, attendance at the individual sessions is "very good," ranging from 80-150 people per event. Several speakers will address the popular topic of relationships, and, new this year, a session will be offered on Christian stewardship of the environment (July 18, San Gabriel Region).
"The sessions provide Catholic theology and also a sense of community and connection for young adults with something that is relevant to their lifestyle," said Vega. "And, for some of the participants, it might be an opening spiritual experience."
All are invited to attend any of the free evening sessions, where appetizers and drinks, including beer and wine, are available for a donation. Doors open at 7 p.m. in all regions except for Our Lady of the Angels which will start events at 7:30 p.m. For information, call (213) 637-7498 or (213) 637-7382.
The schedule, listed by region with topic and speaker:
Our Lady of the Angels (Thursdays):
St. Mary Magdalene Church (parish hall), 1241 Corning St., Los Angeles.
July 19: "A Roadmap for Lasting Love and Relationships," Michael DiPaolo.
July 26: "The Secret: Discovering God's Plan for Us through Prayer," Juliette Marsh-Williams.
Aug. 2: "Tuning in to God and Rocking Out to Popular Music: Can We Find God in Music Outside of Church?" Cesar Marquez.
Aug. 9: "Finding Meaning and Fulfillment in the Work You Do," Fr. Jack Stoeger.
San Fernando (Sundays):
St. John Baptist de la Salle Church (parish hall), 10738 Hayvenhurst Ave. Granada Hills.
July 15: "The Parish: What Kind of Animal Is It?" Auxiliary Bishop Gerald Wilkerson.
July 22: "Catholicism and Judaism: An Evening of Sharing Faith," Msgr. Jim Gehl and Rabbi Jennifer Flam.
July 29: "Creating a Community of Kinship Such that God Would Recognize It," Fr. Gregory Boyle.
Aug. 5: "Say What? Communication in Relationships: Saying What You Mean and Meaning What You Say," Juliette Marsh-Williams.
San Gabriel (Wednesdays):
Holy Family Church (parish hall), 1527 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena.
July 18: "Taking Care of God's Gift of Creation," Sr. Marilyn Rudy and Sr. Maureen Murray.
July 25: "Does Your Love Rock? Understanding Healthy Relationships," Georgiana Rodiger.
Aug. 1: "Can You Handle This? Standing Up for Justice," Fr. Gregory Boyle.
Aug. 8: "Roadmap of the Catholic Faith: Highway to Heaven," Fr. David Loftus.
San Pedro (Tuesdays):
Our Lady of Refuge Church (parish hall), 5195 Stearns St., Long Beach.
July 17: "Total Fitness for the 21st Century: Body, Mind and Spirit," Fr. Alexander Lewis.
July 24: "Sharing the Faith in Love vs. Verbal Confrontation: Catholicism 101," Juliette Marsh-Williams.
July 31: "The Road to Committed Relationships: Finding Healthy and Life-Giving Relationships," Peter Canavan.
Aug. 7: "Do We Have To? Life's Tough Choices for Young Adults Today," speaker TBA.
Santa Barbara (Sundays):
Sacred Heart Church (parish hall), 10800 Henderson Rd., Ventura.
July 15: "Relationships and Love," Floy Hawkins.
July 22: "Deciding Your Purpose in Life," Fr. Jim Forsen.
July 29: "Just Because It Is Not Wrong Doesn't Make It Right. Are the 10 Commandments Still Important in 2007?" speaker TBA.
Aug. 5: "God Can You Hear Me Now?" Fr. Jack Stoeger. |