“The pub provides a welcoming, non-judgemental, and fun atmosphere for those who may otherwise feel unwelcomed.”

Elizabeth Mabie
Spur Ottawa Writer

Bibles, beverages, and building bridges. Theology on Tap has mixed these three elements into a thirst-quenching cocktail which they serve the third Thursday of every month. The event welcome individuals ages 19 to 39 to gather for an evening of socializing, speakers, and drinking in God’s Word.

“Our desire is to offer young adults a chance to learn more about their faith, encourage them to grow deeper, and to have a good time while enjoying food and drinks in the company of both new and old friends,” explains Andrew Carvalho, president of Theology on Tap.

Participants are encouraged to come, order food and drinks, listen to the lecture, and engage in discussions afterwards. This month’s event, held June 20 at the downtown Fox & Feather Pub and Grill, featured Fr. John O’Brien, S.J. presenting “Caritas in Veritate: 10 Years Later”. The lecture explored the 2009 encyclical, Caritas in veritate, written by Pope Benedict XVI.

This is the third time Theology on Tap has run in Ottawa. Carvalho, who is the program’s refounder, was introduced to the idea in Toronto, where several similar programs exist. Carvalho moved to Ottawa and restarted the program in April 2017, holding the first event at Malone’s Lakeside Bar & Grill.

“Theology on Tap provides me with the opportunity to learn and talk with others in a fun environment.” Photo from Facebook.

“The pub provides a welcoming, non-judgemental, and fun atmosphere for those who may otherwise feel unwelcomed, judged, or intimidated by a church setting,” he explains.

Since the rebirth of Theology on Tap, Carvalho has been coordinating the events and lineup of guest speakers by himself. His efforts are appreciated by those who make it out each month.

“Theology on Tap provides me with the opportunity to learn and talk with others in a fun environment,” says Stephanie Golle, a Theology on Tap regular.

“Continually thinking about good things is a good way to maintain a more Catholic or Christian lifestyle, as Saint Paul states in Philippians 4:8. It is helpful in that way,” explains David Lodge, another Theology on Tap regular.

“I think there is a need for more knowledge about our faith. Some people only get what they see in movies or on TV.”

Carvahlo brings in guest speakers from diverse backgrounds to give lectures on a variety of topics. One event might have the group diving into a scholarly, biblical subject, while the next lecture focuses on a more emotional matter that can easily be applied to one’s life.

“The topics are just right for the uninitiated or the studious Catholic to discuss after the talk,” Golle says. “And I think the beer seriously helps in theological discussions.”

“I found some of the lectures to be more academic and some to be more easygoing, so I decided to attend the more rigorous ones, which I found interesting,” says Lodge. “Although I attend the more academic lectures, I know that people prefer the more sentimental talks, so the variety is excellent and should continue.”

Theology on Tap was originally created to help college students find meaning and encourage the asking of questions. The range of topics covered cater mostly to that target age range, but the thirst for knowledge and reason have no age limit, so all are welcome.

“I think there is a need for more knowledge about our faith. Some people only get what they see in movies or on TV,” states Golle. “If more Catholics learn about their faith, they’ll be better informed in their faith, but also be able to transfer that knowledge.”