Finding life after Theology on Tap
By Steve Euvino
Northwest Indiana Catholic
HIGHLAND - First came Theology on Tap. Then came…well, what did come next?
Some young people want to continue the theological and spiritual experiences they had through Theology on Tap. They've started a young adult ministry program, hosted by Our Lady of Grace Church.
The group, open to single and married people ages 20-39, plans to hold gatherings for social, spiritual, and service activities monthly.
Ellen Chunglo, one of the organizers, said the group is just getting started. Plans call for young adult involvement at the parish's 5:30 p.m. Sunday Mass. Help is needed for ushers, greeters, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, and Offertory gift bearers. Following Mass the group will meet for discussion in the school cafeteria.
Chunglo said this young adult ministry is one of the residual effects of Our Lady of Grace hosting Theology on Tap.
"From the exit surveys we found that people were looking for things throughout the year to keep people connected," she said.
Our Lady of Grace, which has hosted Theology on Tap for three years, averaged 30 people each evening for the four-night program. Chunglo cited a number of topics the T on T group wanted to discuss but did not have the time. In addition, group members expressed an interest in more social programs, including athletic competitions.
"We're also looking for more speakers on theology and spirituality," Chunglo said.
The evening program after Mass will be modeled after Theology on Tap, as in a guest speaker, followed by a break, and then discussions about the speaker's topic. The October meeting, Chunglo said, will include discussion of racism. In November, she added, the meeting will feature a panel discussion featuring members of religious staff.
"Now that you're an adult, what do you do?" is among the areas covered in November.
The post-Mass program should last 90 minutes, Chunglo said. The Mass is open to anyone, but young adult assistance is being encouraged. That first meeting, she said, featured questions and an opportunity for Theology on Tap members to get reacquainted.
"It's still in its infancy," Chunglo said of the young adult program. "A number of different parishes hosted Theology on Tap but didn't do anything after that. We wanted to take the first step and see what happens."
This young adult ministry program meets the third Sunday of the month, starting Sept. 21, at Our Lady of Grace in Highland. The evening begins with the 5:30 p.m. Mass, followed by a social and discussion period at 6:45 in the parish school cafeteria. Call Ellen Chunglo, 923-1674, for more details and to volunteer.