Theology on Tap offers question and answer session on Catholic faith

St. Mary Church is reaching out to young adults interested in the Catholic faith.  Begun in November, Theology on Tap is a monthly outreach program of the local parish designed for young adults, ages 21-40.  The next Theology on Tap is Tuesday, January 13, 2015.

“Theology on Tap is designed to engage young adults – married, single, both with and without children — in a casual setting to meet, fellowship, and share on issues of faith,” said Lori Stevenson, St. Mary’s coordinator of youth and young adult ministries. “We host speakers on relevant topics and invite any young adults, both Catholics and those interested in Catholicism, to join us.”

This month’s Theology on Tap features the local parish’s pastor Reverend Thomas Buffer who will lead a question and answer session titled “All Things Catholic.” The program will take place at El Campesino from 7:30-9 p.m.  The restaurant is located at 1834 Marion-Waldo Rd.

Buffer has been the pastor of the local Catholic parish since July 2013. He was ordained a priest in 1991 and holds a doctorate in dogmatic theology from Pontifical Gregorian University. Prior to his assignment in Marion, he was pastor of St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic parish and a professor at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus.  His areas of expertise include theology, church history, and religious education.

“The next Theology on Tap is an opportunity for people to have questions they have always had about the faith answered,” said Stevenson. “For Catholics, it is a chance to deepen their understanding of the faith. For non-Catholics is it an opportunity to find out what we believe and why we do what we do.”

The evening’s agenda will include a time of fellowship, with the option to order from the menu if participant’s chose, an introduction to Catholicism by Father Buffer, and ample time for questions and answers.

Theology on Tap is a national program which has been active in the Diocese of Columbus – to which St. Mary parish belongs — for several years.  Previous local Theology on Tap offerings have included a Bible study led by Paul Davis, director of religious education at St. Paul Parish in Westerville, and “Seeking God Through the Eyes of Science” with Reverend Thomas Blau of Ohio Dominican University.  February’s program will feature Mark and MaryJo Starrs and a discussion of the benefits of natural family planning in marriage.

Additional information on Theology on Tap is available by calling St. Mary Parish’s Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry at 387-6225.  Reservations for Theology on Tap are not required but are appreciated.