FORT KENT, Maine — With the goal of strengthening relationships with God and fostering an environment in which those relationships can be explored, St. John Vianney Parish will offer a new program for Catholics living in or near Fort Kent.
“Theology on Tap” will return to the area on Wednesday, July 25, at 6 p.m. Parishioners and community members are welcome to attend the gathering which will be held in the upstairs room at the Swamp Buck Restaurant on 250 West Main Street in Fort Kent.
“Theology on Tap” aims to encourage those who want to learn more about their faith, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, to join each other for an evening of food, drink, conversation and engaging theology discussions, usually based upon a different topic or theme during each event.
Deacon Luis Sanclemente of St. John Vianney will facilitate the first meeting, presenting “Freedom and Blessed Pope Paul VI’s Humanae vitae.”
“There has never been a better time to open the revolutionary effects of this teaching than in today’s society,” said Sanclemente, who was ordained to the permanent diaconate in September 2017.
“Pope Paul’s loving and understanding of humanity is something that can really create a freedom from the chains of bad choices and habits that we place on ourselves,” he said. “The prophetic message is so complete that it is surprising to most that it was written back in the 60’s. I think it can really change how we look at the world as a whole.”
Created in the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1981, “Theology on Tap” has spread to dioceses across the country, offering thousands of young Catholics an opportunity to share and grow in their faith with peers. The initiative is not a new concept in the Diocese of Portland. A monthly “Theology on Tap” is sponsored by Southern Maine College Campus Ministry and Good Shepherd Young Adult Ministry with venues ranging from Portland to Saco and other parishes have held similar events.
Unlike the gatherings in the past which primarily focused on attracting young professionals, anyone 21 years of age or older from any age group is encouraged to attend the “Theology on Tap” in Fort Kent.
“This is a beautiful topic that really takes into account the human concept of love between a husband and wife at its deepest level,” said Sanclemente. “The truth contained in Pope Paul VI’s encyclical is liberating and allows true freedom to be lived out for people of all ages. The joy that can be gained is an experience that we hope everyone has a chance to journey towards.”
Future “Theology on Tap” evenings in the Fort Kent area will be scheduled following the event in July.
Admission is $5 and includes appetizers. For more information, contact the parish at (207) 834-5656.
