Taken from Renew International’s Theology On Tap Page:  http://www.renewtot.org/

What is RENEW Theology on Tap?

RENEW Theology on Tap is a program through which the Catholic church seeks to engage young adults, those in their 20s and 30s. It is centered around a series of events held in a casual setting such as a restaurant, bar or parish hall where young adults are invited to listen to a speaker, share faith, and dialogue with people who share similar values and experiences. These gatherings serve as an invitation for young adults to experience other faith-deepening experiences such as retreats, service opportunities, and small Christian communities. The objective of RENEW Theology on Tap is to provide an opportunity for Catholic parishes and groups to share the richness of Catholic faith with young adults, and offer a setting where people of similar values and faith can gather in a peer community. It is a pastoral outreach offered by RENEW International, a Catholic ministry organization.

Who are young adults?

Young adults are those in their in their 20s and 30s, married, single, or single again, with or without children. A recent study says approximately 50% of adult Catholics are young adults.

What can I expect to happen at a RENEW Theology on Tap Event?

You can expect a warm and friendly greeting from a team of young adults. You can expect good food and drink. You can expect to meet a few people whose beliefs and values are similar to your own. You can expect a powerful speaker ready to challenge you and make you think about topics of faith and daily life. You can expect meaningful discussion and a chance to share your thoughts and experiences.

Why should I go?

It can be a challenge to meet people once you are out of college. Aside from old friends, work friends and perhaps a gym friend here or there...how does a young person make new friends? How can you engage in meaningful conversation? How can you find a comfortable environment where you can explore issues of faith and spirituality? At RENEW Theology on Tap, we provide the atmosphere, the food and drink, and a thought-provoking speaker that will be sure to spark lively conversation. All you need to do is bring yourself.

The Church is slowly realizing that it misses the vibrancy young adults can bring to the parish, and in order to tap into this energy, it must actively seek it out by going to places where young adults already gather. This is a great opportunity for you to connect with the Church in an informal and fun way.

What if I am not in my 20s or 30s, can I attend an event?

RENEW Theology on Tap offers events for those in their 20s and 30s. If you are not part of this age group, there may be other ways for you to participate such as…

    * starting a small faith-sharing group or discussion series intended for people specifically in your age group or stage of      life. What is relevant to someone who is 15 is different from someone who is 25, is different from someone who is 45

    * inviting your young adult friends, relatives, and coworkers to events

    * suggesting the names of great speakers to parish leaders

    * using your contacts to help ToT leaders find a great venue for event

Does the Catholic Church approve of RENEW Theology on Tap?

Yes. According to the pastoral letter "Sons and Daughters of the Light," the United States Bishop's Conference calls us to, "Connect young adults to Jesus Christ, the Church, the mission of the Church in the world, and to a peer community in which their faith is nourished and strengthened." Theology on Tap is a program which does just that, and has been successfully evangelizing throughout the Church for over twenty five years. In addition, Theology on Tap programs around the country have had their local Bishops as speakers, and have highlighted the value and importance of young adult ministry through Theology on Tap.

Is RENEW Theology on Tap only for Catholics?

Many non-Catholics attend RENEW Theology on Tap events, and some non-Catholic churces even run their own series. RENEW Theology on Tap is a Catholic progam, but is most welcoming to non-Catholic young adults who wish to attend. Young adults of all faiths struggle with many of the same issues, and RENEW Theology on Tap events speak to this reality. If your group is not Catholic but wishes to use RENEW Theolgy on Tap, we would be delighted to work with you, and discuss what you'll need to do to make it happen.

Can I drink alcohol at RENEW Theology on Tap events? Do I have to?

Most RENEW Theology on Tap venues have a variety of beverages to choose from, including alcohol. You are free to drink or not. RENEW Theology on Tap does not promote drinking, but strives to meet young adults where there are, and many gather in bars and restaurants to eat, drink, and socialize. RENEW Theology on Tap takes place in settings most comfortable to young Catholic adults, and alcohol is often an option in such a setting.