STAMFORD – More than two dozen young adults gathered in downtown Stamford on a Tuesday night for faith and fellowship.
The monthly gathering for Theology on Tap members and their friends happened just steps away from a bustling downtown area of the Lock City at the Ancient Order of Hibernian Hall.
“It’s nice to hang out with fellow Catholics,” said Catherine Costanzo. “It’s fun and casual.”
She and many others gathered to hear Dr. Patrick Donovan, the director of the Leadership Institute, speak about the structure of the Church.
Theology on Tap is a speaker series that focuses on a wide range of topics that connect with the lives of young adults. The goal is to keep Christ alive in the lives of young adults in comfortable and welcoming settings, such as local bars or restaurants.
“This sight gives me great hope” Donovan said gesturing to the many young adults who came out for the event. “I’m so grateful that you are here.”
Donovan spoke about his favorite passage in the Bible, Matthew 16:16, “Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God,'” and discussed the importance of Peter’s confession and the strength and conviction of his faith.
“We know the end of the story. We know Easter Sunday follows Good Friday. Peter didn’t,” Donovan said.
“At the end of your life, ultimately, you go to the grave believing, not knowing because if I know it to be true, it’s not faith,” Donovan said.
“If you want to make Peter’s confession your own you have to do what the apostles did,” Donovan said, stressing the importance of prayer, dining together and forgiveness.
It was a message that resonated with the group seeking fellowship together where pizza and beverages flowed as easily as conversation.
“It’s important to stay close to the faith community and fellowship is really important,” said Paul Iannone.
Fellow member Scott Hill, agreed.
“You want friends that are involved in church,” Hill said, adding that he welcomes the opportunity to meet more like-minded people.
“A diocese-wide young adults’ Mass would be nice,” he said. “People would come a long way to find a faith community.”
Attendees, thirsty for the Word of Christ, were enlightened by a speech steeped in history and punctuated with humor.
“His talk prompted me to think about the future of the church. How do we as young adults encourage our friends and family to come with us to live like Christ?” pondered Candace Lei, with a group of friends gathered to discuss what they learned during the conversation about faith.
“He (Donovan) is able to connect historic Jesus with today,” said Julia Kononenko. “It makes theology a bit more clear.”
By Kathy-Ann Gobin
