Students Attend Theology on Tap

A new way to discuss and experience topics of faith and theology.
Dr. Maria Poggi Johnson engages in dialogue with students at the Wine Cellar during the November Theology on Tap.
Dr. Maria Poggi Johnson engages in dialogue with students at the Wine Cellar during the November Theology on Tap.
Theology on Tap is truly answering the call of Pope Francis who is inviting the Church to ‘get out of the sacristies and into the streets.’- Fred Mercadante, Campus Minister for Retreats and Sacramental Formation.

The Office of Campus Ministries sponsors a Theology on Tap program for grad students and undergrads who are 21 years old and up.  Based on the national program of the same name, students engage in dialogue with a guest presenter on topics of faith, spirituality, religion and (of course) theology.  Our students gather at The Wine Cellar (a local bar on Mulberry St. across from the University) once per month on Fridays between 5:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m

Theology on Tap is unique in that it is not structured as a lecture. Presenters are encouraged to prompt students to first share their own thoughts on the topic of the day and then present his or her material as a response to what the students say; hence creating a dialogue. 

“The students who have participated in the program so far this semester have really engaged in the discussions,” said Fred Mercadante, campus minister for Retreats and Sacramental Formation.  “They seem to relish the opportunity to interact with each other and in particular with the presenter in ways that are very different than what they are used to in the classroom.  Theology on Tap is truly answering the call of Pope Francis who is inviting the Church to ‘get out of the sacristies and into the streets.’” 

Fr. Scott Pilarz, President of the University, presented in October on the topic of “The Church in 50 Years – Could’s and Should’s.” Dr. Maria Poggi Johnson, Professor of Theology/Religious Studies, presented in November on the topic of “Why Me?  Faith When Things Go Wrong.” 

Plans for presenters in the spring semester include Bishop Bambera, The America Magazine Jesuitical Podcast team, and Dr. Cyrus P. Olsen III, associate professor of theology/religious studies.

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