ATLANTA--What do you get when you mix a lively group of young adult Catholics, good speakers and thought-provoking discussions? Theology on Tap, of course.

Almost 20 years ago, the Archdiocese of Chicago started Theology on Tap as a month-long speaker series to bring young adults together to discuss theology in a casual, welcoming setting. It offers parishes the opportunity to reach out to people in their 20s and 30s and gives young adults themselves the chance to evangelize and invite friends to a fuller participation in their faith. It has spread to several dioceses across the country and continues to grow in Chicago. For several years the late Cardinal Joseph Bernardin would host a Mass and lawn party at his residence in Chicago at the end of the series.

In 1992 he stated, "Young adults are obviously the future of the church. Equally important, they are a vital segment of the church now. Moreover, they are at the crucial transition in their life when they are making decisions about religious affiliation and devotion which will shape their lives forever."

This fall the archdiocesan Office of Young Adult Ministry is sponsoring Theology on Tap, with a few local adaptations, for the first time in Atlanta, with the hope of making it an annual fall event. The program consists of a 12-week Wednesday night speaker series, Sept. 3 through Nov. 19, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The site alternates weekly between Manuel's Tavern in Virginia Highlands and local churches. The speakers were chosen to offer a broad range of topics, perspectives and personalities. The intention of the program is to merely wet young adults' appetite for theological discussions with the hope that they will continue to search and grow in their faith by getting involved in their parish adult education programs and archdiocesan continuing education opportunities.

So far, approximately 150 young adults have gathered each week. Each Wednesday, the first half hour is a time to gather and meet other young adults. The second half hour a guest speaker addresses a different young adult topic and the last half hour is for small group discussions. For the schedule and topic of the week, call the Theology on Tap hotline at (404) 885-7433.

REMAINING SCHEDULE:

10/15 - Manuel's Tavern in Virginia Highlands

Father Linus DeSantis, OFM Conv., Tapping Into the Routine-- The Quest for Faith & Integrity: A never-ending process

10/22 - Holy Family Church - Marietta

Father Paul Williams, Tapping into Life --The Theology of Suffering: Embracing the cross

10/29 - Manuel's Tavern in Virginia Highlands

Father Ron Stua, CMF, Tapping Into Spirituality--Spiritual direction on your journey of faith

11/5 - St Ann's Church - Marietta

Father Carl Zdancewisz, Tapping Into God--Prayer: Getting in Touch with Our Inner Selves

11/12 - Manuel's Tavern in Virginia Highlands

Father Mark Lacey, Tapping Into our Faith-- Everything you wanted to know about being Catholic, but were afraid to ask --Q&A Session

11/19 - Christ The King Cathedral - Buckhead

Father Greg Kenny, CMF, Tapping Into Our Sexuality--Intimacy: A Perspective on Friendship, Dating & Marriage