September 17, 2021

Theology on Tap with Bishop Byrne draws big crowd at Nathan Bill’s

REGIONAL
By Carolee McGrath

 

SPRINGFIELD – About 100 people gathered at the Thomas Sullivan Banquet Hall at Nathan Bill’s Restaurant in East Forest Park, Sunday, Aug. 29 for an evening of Theology on Tap.

It was the first of several similar events sponsored by the Diocese of Springfield’s Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. In a casual setting, people were able to share their faith over a beer and ask Springfield Bishop William D. Byrne questions.

“Our first Theology on Tap was both joyful and uplifting. It was wonderful to have so many people coming to celebrate their faith and to hear the message of Christ,” said Bishop Byrne. 

“I look forward to the next Theology on Tap.”

The next Theology on Tap is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Berkshire Brewing Company in South Deerfield. The program, run in dioceses across the country, offers young adults the chance to become closer to God outside of a church setting.

“I was overjoyed to see so many people at the event, especially young adults. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn more about our faith, and to meet so many like-minded people,” said 26-year-old Alicia Saloio, a member of St. Elizabeth Parish in Ludlow.

Theology on Tap is a new program of young adult ministry in the Springfield Diocese.

“Theology on Tap was an extraordinary opportunity to bring together people from all walks of life, to find hope together in Jesus Christ, and to really kick off young adult ministry in the diocese,” said Joseph Austin, director of the diocese’s young adult and youth ministry.

At the first Theology on Tap, Austin announced the new Springfield Young Adult Board, which will help evangelize to millennials. The board members are Luke and Mary Jo Hollwedel, Neliana Ferraro, and Alex Coverdill, with Father David Aufiero, pastor of Holy Name Parish in Springfield, as chaplain.

“I am thrilled to work with them to launch young adult ministry in the Springfield area and look forward to the many ways the Lord will work through them to bring our young adults together and to Christ,” Austin said.

He has already held several other events and launched new prayer initiatives, including Young and Catholic Men’s and Women’s groups; a Bible study; social events; and community service opportunities.

“I’ve been to Theology on Tap in other places in the past, and I was very glad to see it come to Springfield with such a great turnout at Nathan Bill’s,” said Joseph Mendes, who is involved in the Bible study.

“These are such uncertain times, but Bishop Byrne gave an inspiring and uplifting talk, and I have a feeling that things are looking up for the church in the Springfield Diocese. I’m looking forward to future events,” Mendes said.

Nathan Bill’s, which hosted the event, also helped to promote it on social media. Co-owner John Sullivan said the restaurant used to host Theology on Tap a few years ago when it was led by Deacon Andrew Hogan, who had been assigned to Holy Cross Parish in Springfield. Deacon Hogan is presently at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Westfield.

“It grew so big where it took over our Monday night football crowd,” Sullivan said. He added he wasn’t surprised at the big crowd with Bishop Byrne.

“I expected a big crowd; because of COVID a lot of people haven’t been able to get out,” Sullivan said. “A lot of people were eager to attend the event. A lot of people are very excited about this bishop because he’s very personable and down to earth and very humorous too. I took care of his dog the entire time. I saw a lot of smiling faces. The energy of the whole place was very high.”

In his pastoral letter, “Back to Better: Our Road to Emmaus,” Bishop Byrne spoke of the importance of youth and young adult ministry. Based on the crowd at the first event, many said there is momentum building in the diocese.

“I was really excited to come to Theology on Tap and invite others as well,” said Father Aufiero. “Bishop Byrne spoke about the importance of gathering together to help strengthen each other’s faith. It was an opportunity to meet others and reconnect. So much good fruit can come from this event, and I look forward to the next one.”