A new and exciting opportunity has arrived in the Diocese of Sioux City for our young adult Catholics.  Theology on Tap is a program for Catholic young adults and their friends, in their 20s and 30s, married and single.  They meet in parish halls, coffeehouses, restaurants, or local bars to listen to a speaker, share in conversation and fellowship, and to gain new insights of faith.  Sessions begin with 30 minutes of presentation on a topic relevant to young adults, followed by reflection and conversation.  The rest of the evening is set aside for fellowship.

Theology on Tap is a national program that has had great success in many different settings: urban and rural, casual and formal, big and small.  It began in Chicago in the early 1980s, lead by a priest.  Today, Theology on Tap continues to bring young adults together in small faith sharing communities which are sustained by active participation in the Eucharistic life of the parish and local communities.

In 1996, the USCCB published Sons and Daughters of the Light: A Pastoral Plan for Ministry with Young Adults.  In this document, they state:

“We acknowledge the pain many of you speak of in feeling unwelcome and alone—strangers in the house of God. For any failure to extend hospitality, we apologize and promise greater efforts to welcome you into church life. We hope that anyone who enters a Catholic church for Mass, or at any other time, will feel comfortable and welcome.”

The first Theology on Tap session will be held on Sunday, April 20, 2008, at 7:00 pm at El Fredo’s Pizza in Sioux City.  I will be the first speaker, and will talk to the young adults about meeting Christ in the Church.  

Please join me in inviting young adults of the Diocese of Sioux City to Theology on Tap.  Together we can build up our local Church and live as witnesses to Christ. 

Yours in Christ,

Bishop R. Walker Nickless