FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The University of Saint Francis invites people in their 20s and 30s—of all faiths—to the summer Theology on Tap series, presented through the Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.
The “Paradox of the Christian Life” series will feature weekly talks about faith-related questions, along with food, drink and fellowship, beginning July 9. The goal of this series is to help young adults navigate an increasingly complex society and equip them with resources to be better Christians in a secular world. All are welcome.
The events take place in the Cougar Den, located south of Trinity Hall on the Saint Francis campus, 2701 Spring Street. Food and bar service opens each week at 6 p.m., with talks beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dinner is $8 per person.
There will be a closing Mass at 6 p.m. on Aug. 6 in the Oratory of St. Francis on the campus, followed by a closing celebration at 6:30 p.m. in Achatz Hall of Science and John and Toni Murray Research Center. A free closing dinner will be provided.
The series schedule:
Joy and Sorrow
Tuesday, July 9
Marie Heimann, Fort Wayne artist and shop owner of Fawnly, will share how joy and sorrow are intertwined in the Christian life. The paradox between joy and sorrow is often misunderstood. When faced with great sorrow, are people to put on a brave face and act like everything is fine? Or are they called to enter into it more deeply? This talk will delve into a more authentic understanding of what joy is and how joy and sorrow are not opposed and can exist simultaneously.
Active and Waiting
Tuesday, July 16
Nathaniel Binversie, former director of mission for Exodus 90, will share what it means to be waiting on the Lord and actively serving Him in a person’s present season of life. The paradox for Christians is between the reality of our freedom to choose, which is a gift from God, and knowing that God has a purpose for each person’s life. How do people wait in hope and expect God to make His will known to them without becoming complacent or afraid to act?
Faith and Citizenship
Tuesday, July 23
Parochial Vicar of St. John the Baptist Church Fr. Mark Hellinger will share what it looks like for disciples of Jesus to live as citizens of Heaven and citizens of earth. The paradox for Christians is to find the balance between being concerned with the good of their fellow man on earth by working for a more just society through active citizenship and recognizing that people cannot expect to form a perfect society here on earth because the true Kingdom and homeland is Heaven.
Evangelization and Accompaniment
Tuesday, July 30
Stacey Huneck, youth and young adult ministry coordinator at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, will share how disciples of Jesus live in the tension of authentically sharing the Gospel with people who may not know Jesus personally. Many young adults experience the challenge of having friends and family members who do not share their Christian faith. How can Christians walk with those they love in authentic friendship, and yet be unafraid to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with them in both confidence and humility?
Closing Celebration and Social
Tuesday, Aug. 6
The series culminates with celebration of Holy Mass with celebrant Fr. Patrick Hake at 6 p.m. in the Oratory of St. Francis on campus. A free dinner and closing party will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Achatz Hall of Science and John and Toni Murray Research Center.
For more information about the series, visit diocesefwsb.org or contact Cadence Faurote at cfaurote@sf.edu or 260-399-7700, ext. 6747.
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, Saint Francis designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point and online. USF Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The University of Saint Francis, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 18 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships. Approximately 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend Saint Francis.