BY ERIKA ANDERSON

Special To The Bulletin

ATLANTA--Showing the connection between Gospel teachings and positive ways to help the poor, Sister Mary Kay Finneran, SC, urged 162 young adults at the Oct. 1 Theology on Tap to get involved in aiding those less fortunate.

Sister Finneran, a New York native, now works at the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Atlanta. She has been a Sister of Charity for 41 years, five of which she spent working in Peru.

"Sometimes not knowing the path of our faith journey is hard, because we don't know what God wants us to do," she said in her talk at Manuel's Tavern in Virginia Highlands.

"I always thought I would go back to Peru, but God led me to Atlanta. What we need to do is walk the journey, then draw the map and meet the map-maker."

During Sister Finneran's talk, entitled "Tapping into Gospel Teaching--Making a Difference in Our World," she spoke specifically of the Gospel of Matthew, which says, "For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink..."

"We know that the poor, the lowly and meekest were God's favorites. Our challenge is to be the Good Samaritan and to get personally involved with those in need," Sister Finneran said.

Sister Finneran spoke of Edwina Gateley, a lay missionary who founded a volunteer organization in Africa. She came to the United States volunteering, and eventually founded the Genesis House in Chicago, which helps women who are trying to get out of lives of prostitution.

From a book Gateley wrote, "A Warm, Moist, Salty God," Sister Finneran read a passage about Gateley's experiences in an overnight shelter. The story told of horrible conditions in this shelter, including lice-infested and urine-stained blankets. When Gateley questioned the shelter supervisor about these conditions, he told her that she had to "get used to it."

"Blessed are they who never get used to it," Sister Finneran said as she recalled the words of Gateley. "There are close to 10,000 homeless people in Atlanta. What goes through your head and your heart when you see them?"

Sister Finneran said that there were many ways to help the poor. She spoke of Peter Henriot, the author of "Option For The Poor," who explains that there are negative ways to help, such as boycotts against companies who exploit the poor. The positive ways to help the poor include prayer and direct action such as working in shelters and soup kitchens.

"There is an energy and grace, an uplifting spirit when you get involved with the poor," Sister Finneran said.

Sister Finneran said there were many local charities and shelters that need volunteers.

"We always need young volunteers with vibrant energy to work at St. Vincent de Paul," she said. "Our challenge is to become aware and not to get used to it. We need to put our faith into action."

Sister Finneran's talk was the fifth in a series of 12 planned for Theology on Tap. The Wednesday-night series, designed for young adults in their 20s and 30s, kicked off Sept. 3 and runs through Nov. 19. It alternates weekly between metro Atlanta Catholic churches and Manuel's Tavern. The reviews of Theology on Tap, as well as Sister Finneran's talk, were positive.

Mary Berry, 21, a member of Holy Family Church in Marietta, said that the reason she and her husband, Owen, come to Theology on Tap is to find out more about their faith.

"I like the fact that you get to meet a lot of other Catholics," she said. Berry also thought that Sister Finneran was an example to Catholics because of her years of service.

"I thought that the people she's helped and the places she's traveled were amazing. She's devoted her life to serving the Lord and that takes a lot of effort," Berry said.

Larry Schauer, 29, from All Saints Church in Dunwoody, thought that Finneran was inspiring.

"I thought it was good, because it caused you to think of how we can help the poor. I really liked the (Edwina Gateley) story. It made me think," Schauer said.

Sister Finneran said that she thinks Theology on Tap is a great way for young adults to learn more about their faith.

"When I looked out at the room, the energy level was fantastic. I think the turnout is indicative of young people's hunger to know people of their own faith and also to grow in that faith," she said. "They are really looking for depth and the ability to share a deeper meaning in their lives and that's hard to do alone."

Steve Barrow, 26, a parishioner of the Church of St. Ann, Marietta, and the parish administrator at St. Joseph's Church in Marietta, said that Theology on Tap has shown the archdiocese's interest in young people.

"I think Theology on Tap is an excellent attempt by the archdiocese to reach a generation that has been overlooked in the past," Barrow said.

Theology on Tap will take place every Wednesday until Nov. 19 from 7-8:30 p.m. For locations and speaker information, call Janice Murphy, archdiocesan consultant for young adult ministry, at (404) 885-7290.