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Archdiocese of Chicago’s Young Adult Engagement Ministry Kicks-off Theology on Tap Series Focusing on Social Justice Topics on Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these summer gatherings will move online to observe social distancing guidelines

Chicago - (June 23, 2020) – The Archdiocese of Chicago’s Young Adult Ministry Engagement will begin its 2020 Theology on Tap Series on Wednesday, June 24 at 7 p.m. This year’s series, “Voices on the Periphery,” will focus on social justice topics, highlighting the work of local community organizers. Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Perry, of the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Tanya Woods, executive director of the Westside Justice Center, will lead a discussion of the evening’s theme, “How Individuals Change Society: The Role of Faith in Transforming Racial Injustice.” The event will be live on Facebook. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Theology on Tap gatherings will take place online to observe social distancing guidelines.

Theology on Tap offers young adults an opportunity to discuss important and difficult topics in a non-judgmental, open-minded setting,” said Rev. Jamie Mueller, director of the Young Adult Engagement Ministry. “In response to recent events, this summer’s series will amplify the voices of those not often heard in our culture or society. It is our hope this series can offer an opportunity to help young adults in Chicago heal, grow in their faith, and transform their communities.”

Guest speakers for Theology on Tap include:

  • Wednesday, July 1: Dr. MaryClare Birmingham, executive director of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Kolbe House Jail Ministry. Birmingham will discuss how those incarcerated, their families and everyone affected by crime or the criminal justice system benefit from this ministry.
  • Wednesday, July 8: Josh Goralski, founder and CEO of Unlocking Communities, a nonprofit that seeks to empower individuals and communities in Haiti to unlock their economic potential through entrepreneurial ventures. Goralski, an active parishioner at Old St. Patrick’s Parish in Chicago, will discuss the work of Unlocking Communities, how it relates to the mission of the Church, and how we can all be missionary disciples.
  • Wednesday, July 15: Luana Lienhart, OFS. Lienhart has worked in social services and ministry in varied settings in the Chicago-metro area. Lienhart will lead a discussion how faith in God helps one to find joy in difficult times.
  • Wednesday, July 22: Rev. Ed Shea, O.F.M. Fr. Shea, a priest at St. Peter’s Church in Chicago, will discuss his parish’s ministry for the homeless and what it means to be Catholic today.
  • Wednesday, July 29: Wayne Smith, a convert to Catholicism from Judaism and Atheism. Smith will share his journey to the Catholic Church, how becoming disabled changed his life, the Church’s role in supporting persons with disabilities and opportunities to expand its impact.

Theology on Tap is a casual and welcoming setting for young adults to connect with their peers and discuss topics relevant to understanding and deepening their Catholic faith. The program originated in the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1981 as a speaker and conversation series for Catholics in their 20s and 30s, married or single. Meetings have been held in bars, restaurants, coffeehouses and church basements, often with libations available. Over the years, it has expanded to more than 40 dioceses across the country and worldwide.

For more information about upcoming Theology on Tap sessions or to register for an event, please visit https://pvm.archchicago.org/theology-on-tap/about-us