Theology on Tap

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Sandi Villarreal - Tuesday, Jul 15, 2008

DePaul

As a preface, let me say that I promise not all of my blog posts about faith will involve alcohol ... but I can't help it when the Catholic Archdiocese decides to give out free beer.

Lately, I have been trying to expand my faith life understanding by visiting different houses of worship and exploring various religions. Last week, I went to a Shabbat Service and found it very rich and beautiful. Next, I'm looking into Eastern religions by visiting a Buddhist Temple.

But last night, I found an interesting lecture series put on by the Archdiocese of Chicago. This wasn't going too outside my purview as I wore the plaid skirt and saddle shoes through a good 10 years in Catholic school. But I found Fr. Pat McGrath's lecture on Finding God in All Things--something in which I have a particular interest--quite refreshing.

Theology on Tap is an Archdiocese-wide lecture series on Sunday through Wednesday evenings at about 40 Chicago-area churches. The series goes on through early August and is followed by a Mass and picnic on the DePaul University campus.

Topics vary from basic issues such as prayer and the importance of attending church to more specific subjects like marriage relationships and delving into certain sacraments.

Last night at St. Vincent DePaul in Lincoln Park, the church provided pizza, beer and other drinks. They also welcome picnic baskets and blankets.

After the lecture, the nearly 50 young adults present split up into groups to further discuss the topic and talk about their "God moments." Hearing so many 20-somethings talk so openly about their faith in the midst of the bustling city with the train interrupting their thoughts every few minutes was quite an experience.

Completely informal and casual, Theology on Tap makes for a great evening in the beautiful Chicago summer weather. For more information, visit the Archdiocese's young adult ministry Web site.