South Side Theology on Tap Pours into the Village Sunday

for a third year to engage young adults in provocative conversations about life.

The free, four week Catholic speaker series allows people from 18 to 40 years old to experience a fun and innovative way to talk about their faith.

“TOT has allowed me to be part of the ‘younger’ community in my parish,” said Tom McNamara, 26, a South Side TOT committee member, “I love all of my volunteer work at St. Bernadette, but I look forward to TOT all year because it allows me to connect with other young adults in my parish.”

Theology on Tap was founded in Chicago in 1981 by Father John Cusick, the director of Young Adult Ministry for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

According to Renew Theology on Tap, the umbrella organization over the series of events, the concept was created after a priest from Chicago-based St. James Parish spoke with a young man who was starting a new chapter in his life after college. The young man did not know exactly where he fit in with the world and wondered about the meaning behind his job, God, love and what it means to be a Catholic. 

Since that conversation TOT has had many similar conversations about these topics for the past 30 years. As long as they receive the same support that they have from colleges and parishes around the world they will continue to join people together in their search for meaning. 

The preferred age group is focused on adults in their 20’s and 30’s, single or married. Involving this age group is important to their mission since these individuals are coming into their own and are beginning to understand the pressures that come with adulthood. This part of their lives means major responsibility, which can be both exciting and stressful.

“In past years, young parishioners from St. Bernadette, St. Barnabas, Christ the King, St. Walter, St. Cajetan, St. John Fisher and St. Gerald have served on the TOT committee,” McNamara said, “TOT gives me an opportunity to get to know young adult Catholics both inside and outside of my own parish community.”

These surrounding Chicago parishes have shown support to the upcoming event by encouraging young adults from their communities to take part in this unique way to talk about faith.

On the plus side, free food and free beer is also provided.

So, is beer a religious thing? According to the Chicago TOT’s Facebook page, it just might be.

The page quotes St. Arnold of Met, who said “From man's sweat and God's love, beer came into the world."

It’s a good quote. But perhaps the real point that TOT has made is that they are open to providing a modern twist for an event that explores a religious outlet for younger members of the Church. 

“Our goal in having free food and drink is so that we can provide a hospitable, welcoming, and fun environment for all that attend,” McNamara said.

This series allows people to let loose, talk with like-minded people and even roast some smores.

Here is a list of the upcoming speaker series:

July 10: Eucharist: Pathway to Transformation, Healing, and Discipleship with Dr. Mary Amore 

July 17: Living Authentically in the Here and Now with William Droel

July 24: The Roman Missal: What’s Changing and Why? with Dr. Kate DeVries

July 31:  Truth Telling in Relationships—What a Concept, What a Gift with Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson

St. Bernadette Parish is located at 9311 S Francisco Ave, Evergreen Park. 

For more information or updates on South Side TOT please visit: http://southsidetot.wordpress.com/