With the lack of ministry to young adults in larger cities, Fr Jack Wall, a priest at St James in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights, created Theology-on-Tap®. His parish would host six speakers throughout the summer for college students home from school. The program culminated with a cook-out at the Bishop’s residence. TOT’s popularity spread throughout the Chicago area, with many parishes copying Fr Wall’s work. Now, young adults can find Theology on Taps in 46 states and 6 countries! In recent years, the Archdiocese of Chicago has entrusted RENEW International to carry on the administration and growth of Theology on Tap chapters. A great deal of gratitude is due to these first groups of priests and young Catholics from Chicago for creating such a successful ministry.

Theology on Tap got its Indianapolis start in June 2002. Alex Scheidler, a native Chicagoan, thought the TOT successes could be replicated in Indy, and a summer “6-pack” was planned. Its first night was hosted at Moe & Johnny’s in Broad Ripple, with Fr Brian Doerr speaking on his top five misconceptions of the Catholic Faith. Under the leadership of many dedicated young adults, Theology on Tap grew, finding homes at various locations including the Rathskellar, the Bourdon Street Distillery, Vito's on Penn, and the Old Spaghetti Factory.  In these years, Theology on Tap was  honored to host speakers such as Archbishop Daniel Buechlein, news anchor Anne Ryder, noted professor and theologan Dr. Charles Rice, and numerous priests, religious, and laity of the area.  

As 2007 drew to a close Theology on Tap formally received support from the Office of Young Adult Ministry of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and became a registered chapter of the RENEW ministry.

 

The Summer 2011 series of Theology on Tap will begin on Wednesday, June 15 at 7pm.  The group will meet every other Wednesday night throughout the summer to explore topics and have faith filled discussions.  Stay tuned for more details.