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. For a more detailed explanation of what goes on at a RENEW Theology on Tap event, you can [read more]

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

Where can I find RENEW Theology on Tap events in my area?

Many RENEW Theology on Tap organizers post their events on our website. If you can't find events listed in the "Attend an Event" section, we recommend that you contact your local parish and diocese to find young adult activities. Also doing an internet search for Theology on Tap can let you know of venues near you.

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.

How do I start a RENEW Theology on Tap effort in my area?

Getting the initial pieces together for RENEW Theology on Tap can take some effort but they are crucial for success. To start RENEW Theology on Tap you need three initial components…

• A young adult core team composed of 8-10 leader types with varied gifts…people other people will follow. This team is charged with organizing and running the events. An individual or a group of non-20s/30s running this program is not appropriate, as one of our goals is to empower young adult leaders.
• Supportive Churches -> Churches who will empower young adults to organize and run these events, as well as appoint a parish staff person as liaison to this group. Two or more parishes working together make for great young adult ministry.
• Registering your Theology on Tap with RENEW International. For a small fee your group will receive access to information on starting and running Theology on Tap, downloadable promotional templates, and more, including personal consultation with RENEW Young Adult Team members.

RENEW Theology on Tap takes the basic Theology on Tap experience to the next level. It is a process for dioceses and parishes who are already utilizing RENEW services, namely Why Catholic? or ARISE Together in Christ.This process can be used to create a more comprehensive young adult ministry program. The program begins with the development of a core team of young adults who will grow into a community by faith sharing and planning a Theology on Tap series. The series is then presented and used as an invitation strategy to draw young adults into follow-up activities, including small Christian communities. We help you create this comprehensive program by presenting three workshops covering the main components of the process: building a core community, invitation, hospitality, and follow-up. We meet with you at the beginning of the process to outline the function of the core team and the importance of invitation. We return at the end of the faith sharing and planning to discuss the importance of hospitality and follow-up opportunities, and we return one final time after the series to give a workshop on formation for leading follow-up activites. This is a concrete and comprehensive way to meet the spiritual needs of young Catholic adults in your area.

For more information, see RENEW Theology on Tap: Overview.

I heard I need permission to run RENEW Theology on Tap. How do I get that permission?

Yes, you need permission. The Archdiocese of Chicago holds the trademark for Theology on Tap. They have asked RENEW International to administer this trademark but also to add value to the program through web-based how-to resources, other resources including a curriculum, and our comprehensive process to empower parishes and dioceses to start or expand their young adult ministry.

See Bring ToT to My Area for more information and to send an inquiry to RENEW International.

Is there a cost to attend a RENEW Theology on Tap event?

There is no fee to attend a RENEW Theology on Tap event. However, in many locations you may want to purchase food from a menu or you may be asked to pay a cover to participate in a dinner buffet. Check individual event details for location specific information.

See Join a Local Planning Team for more information.

How do I offer my restaurant/bar/hall as a venue?

See Be a ToT Venue for more information.

What if I want to speak at a RENEW ToT event or if I know someone who would be a great speaker?

See Speak at an Event for more information.

What if I want to donate money to a ToT group to help defer their costs?

See Sponsor an Event for more information.