The Valley Catholic May 26, 2015 | Page 9

The Valley Catholic Youth & Young Adults May 26, 2015 9 Theology on Tap Reviving Young Adult Catholics in the Silicon Valley By Leanne Ruperto Santa Clara – Tallying in about 200 attendants each night, Theology on Tap is proving to be a successful means of gathering young adult Catholics in the Silicon Valley. Theology on Tap – an initiative originally founded in Chicago, aims to provide young adults a welcoming and casual environment to learn about and discuss various topics regarding the Catholic faith. The night typically revolves around a theological talk given by a featured speaker and is followed by a Q&A/discussion session. Afterwards, the attendants have the opportunity to build community, faith-share, and socialize. Theology on Tap Silicon Valley (TOTSV) launched their first 5-session series in the spring of 2014 and continued with another engaging session in the fall. This spring, they kicked off their Love & Sexuality themed program at Mexicali Grill with newly ordained Fr. Mark Doherty. He spoke to a packed crowd of 200 young people coincidently about a theme in which our Holy Father, Pope Francis, also spoke about in two of his May Wednesday Audiences: masculinity and femininity. Theology on Tap is proving to be a hit in the Silicon Valley. In a post-event survey, one attendant reported enjoying the “social connection with like-minded people” and that Theology on Tap gives “great topics to reflect on.” A 31 year-old male “[appreciates] how the modern Catholic Church is fostering community and finding innovative ݅