St. Mary Mokena is once again participating in the Diocese of Joliet’s Theology on Tap series for young adults this summer. The series of five talks on Catholic topics will be held on each Thursday in July at Gatto’s Italian Restaurant and Bar in New Lenox.
Each week will feature a different guest speaker presenting on a topic that bridges the Catholic faith with young adult experiences. The schedule and speakers are as follows:
- July 2: “Social Media: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” by Becca Siar
- July 9: “Relying on Faith in the Midst of Suffering” by Melissa Novak,
- July 16: “Abortion: The Story of One Woman’s Journey with God into Healing and Wholeness” by Nancy Kreuzer
- July 23: “I’ve Got a Feeling: Decision-Making and Emotional Self-Care” by Julia Hogan
- July 30: “The Amazing Race: Sports, Faith, and Evangelization” by Brenden Mann
Theology on Tap seeks to bring the Catholic faith where young adults “are.” Traditionally, it takes place at a restaurant or bar and involves a speaker presenting on a Catholic topic that young adults find relevant or even controversial in their daily lives. The food, drink, and companionship is meant to foster discussion and build friendships among those present.
“So many young Catholics feel like they have nowhere to go to explore their faith with like-minded people,” says Danielle Kuboushek, Faith Formation Coordinator at St. Mary Mokena. “Theology on Tap provides that outlet for them to discover and grow in their faith while meeting new, interesting people in their age group.”
Kuboushek helps run the L’Alto Young Adult Network, which is the official Catholic young adult group for Mokena, New Lenox, Frankfort and the surrounding area, and the sponsor of the parish’s participation in Theology on Tap, along with St. Mary, Mokena.
“L’Alto is named in honor of our patron, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, who enjoyed skiing and climbing mountains,” explains Kuboushek. “In one of the last photos taken of him climbing, he wrote his signature phrase ‘Verso L’Alto’ or ‘to the heights.’ This is interpreted not just as climbing a physical mountain but as our climb ‘upwards to heaven.'”
The St. Mary Theology on Tap series is one of many sponsored by various parishes across the Diocese of Joliet. For more information about young adult events across the diocese, please visit https://www.dioceseofjoliet.org/yam/sectioncontent.php?secid=5
The Mokena Marian 