Looking for God in not the usual places

Netcong - There are some things that just go together - peas and carrots, Tom and Jerry, salt and pepper, beer and religion. Beer and religion? Indeed. It appears that the combination of a casual dining atmosphere at a local restaurant along with the lessons of an experienced mentor have proven a successful approach to helping young adults deal with the trials and stresses of today’s living. Theology on Tap, a speaker series focusing on topics of faith and contemporary issues that directly affect the lives of single and married young adults, is in its inaugural year in the area. Nivi Srinivasa, director of Youth Ministry at St. Michael Church in Netcong, saw a need for a program devoted to young adults, statistically, the most overlooked group in the church. She and Father Tom Fallon, assistant pastor at Blessed Kateri Parish in Sparta collaborated on a way to bring help to this alienated group and decided to apply a method that originated in the Archdiocese of Chicago 25 years earlier. Although the topics of the inspirational talks are faith-based, young people from the area are invited to attend because the themes are often of general interest and offer useful suggestions to people who are struggling with the problems of the modern world. The subjects are as diverse as reflections on a “just war” to family planning. At a recent gathering at the Andover Inn’s Iron Mine Grill & Tavern, Rev. Larry Evans, a graduate of Fordham University and Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, spoke about letting go of old ideas to leave room for new concepts. With a diverse background that includes serving as a missionary of an Indian reservation in South Dakota, working in an inner city neighborhood in New York, and a high school teacher, Father Evans offered a concrete plan for steps to a better life for the young participants. “It makes you think about things I never really gave much thought,” said Karlene Rattner, a Special Education Teacher at Mount Olive High School, who regularly attends the sessions. The theme of “just war” had a particular impact on her because she believes the media portrays the news in a distorted way. “If you are going to stand up for a belief, it (the program) gives you support and ideas to back up your position. The talks open your eyes to different opinions, and I’m always trying to learn.” Rattner said she tries to include in her life the lessons learned at TOT. “I bring it into my workplace and in my relationships with other people; to try to be a better person.” Her sentiments were echoed by Craig Johnson, who volunteers in St. Michael’s religious education program. “I feel that after a session, I am able to look more deeply at things that I take as routine, like attending mass,” he said. “It’s good to be with a group of people that think they way you do, and to resist all the negative outside sources coming at you from all sides. You know there’s someone to talk to.” The idea for Theology on Tap originated in 1981 as a result of a conversation between a troubled college student and a priest. The idea spread throughout the country as a vital and popular series. It has become the premier program for young adult Catholics in the United States and beyond. Now in its 25th year, TOT has been hosted in 46 States in the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii, along with six other countries: Canada, Italy, Taiwan, the Philippines, Ireland, and Hong Kong. For further details, contact Nivi Srinivasa at St. Michael Church in Netcong, NJ: 973-347-3657 Fax: 973.347.1560, stmichaelym@usa.net.