Theology on Tap

FAQs

What is the purpose of Theology on Tap?

Our mission is to provide young adults (18 - 30 years) with an opportunity to explore issues and topics that relate to the Catholic faith in a fun and casual environment. We host various talks by both religious and lay speakers to encourage thoughtful discussions and a deeper understanding of the faith.

When did it begin?

TOT began over 25 years ago in the Archdiocese of Chicago, Illinois. Since then it has experience massive growth in the US, with locations popping up in New York, Washington DC and Denver. It has also appeared in Rome, Italy and in London, England. But it's most prestigous and profound true beggining was in August 2007 when it hit the East Coast of Australia in a large city, home to WYD08 - Sydney.

Isn't it wrong to discuss religion in a pub with alcohol?

Not at all, TOT is in perfect alignment with the Pope! The Holy Father tells us to bring the gospel of Christ into the streets and to speak it from the housetops, and to go to where people are. TOT aims to discuss the teachings of the Catholic Church in a non-threatening, comfortable environment.

Why should I come along?

Because it is a great way to meet new people, learn about the Catholic faith in a different way and to be inspired by the words and answers of leading figures in the public square. If you are a Catholic, it will provide you with an opportunity to mix with other young adults who share the same beliefs and to proceed to deepen your knowledge in Jesus Christ and strengthen your character through this process. For Non-Catholics, it is a great way to understand the reasons why Catholics believe what they believe. Apart from this, you can also meet some great people who really care about the important and defining issues in life that affect us all.

I'm not Catholic, can I still come along?

Of course! While the talks are on issues of the Catholic faith, we actively encourage people from other Christian denominations or of other faiths or of no faiths to come along to our talks. It is a perfect opportunity for people to voice their questions in a relaxed environment.

I'm over the age of 30, can I still come along?

While we would love to open the talks to people of all ages, TOT has a specific focus on young people - especially in the lead up to WYD. The age range of 18 - 35 ensures that the concerns and issues of the younger population can be aired in an environment of peers and friends. There are a variety of great initiatives happening in Sydney which we can put you in touch with if you are over 30 years, and feel free to contact your local parish for similiar events. World Youth Day has a similiar age range and exists to ensure the catering for youth. Theology on Tap has adopted a like approach as well.

What about if I am a priest or religous?

Priests and religous of all ages are very much encouraged to come along - we want you there! ha. This allows you to mix with young people and listen to the questions that the youth of today are asking about the faith - it might also help in putting a homily together! Dress code doesn't need to change at all, collars and habits are still the best wear. We hear that those dressed in their usual clerical gear tend to get their dinner orders served faster ; )

Can I advertise and promote an event at TOT?

Sure! Theology on Tap is happy to promote other great Catholic events. If you wish to have something advertised at TOT, simply send a request to us and provide the details of the event (i.e. date/s, nature of event, host, location etc). If the advertisement request is accepted, we will then ask for a 1 page PowerPoint slide to be sent to us prior to the TOT session so that we can place it on the big screen during the monthly events.

What time should I get there?

It's best to be there by 6:30pm. If your planning on having a bit of a feed before the talk, PJ Gallagher's offers a $10 steak before 7pm as well.

What's the best way to get there?

PJ's is in Parramatta, which is very central in Sydney pretty much wherever you come from! It's about 30 minutes drive from Sydney city and about the same time by train. If you want to get their by public transport, the Parramatta train station is about 5 minutes walk from the pub. If you're interested in driving, then there's a massive parking station behind PJ Gallagher's which is handy.

I heard there's a facebook group?

You betcha there is! Theology on Tap has it's own facebook group which currently has 930 members and counting! To check out the group and join it click here.