Theology on Tap

Fort Wayne

Join us for a Catholic speaker series for young adults in their 20s & 30s, single and married, to share in food, fellowship, and faith!

Winter 2024 Series

Tuesdays, Jan. 16 – Feb. 13
“Light in the Darkness”

Dinner $8 / person.



Location (Jan. 16 – Feb. 6)
2Toms Brewing Company
3676 N. Wells Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46808

Schedule:
7:00 p.m. – Gather / Food
7:30 p.m. – Talk, Discussion, Q&A
9:00 p.m. – Closing Announcements

Winter 2024 Theology on Tap
“Light in the Darkness”

What is Wholeness? – January 16 – Beth Hlabse

What is Love and Intimacy? – January 23 – Sr. Maria Gemma

What is Truth? – January 30 – Lewis Pearson

What is Evil? – February 6 – Adam Trudel

What is Evil?: On February 6, Theology on Tap speaker Adam Trudel will speak about the problem of evil: “If God exists, and God is good, why is there evil in the world? What is evil? Can we truly say evil is a thing? How does God respond to evil, and how are we to respond to it when we identify it in ourselves or the world around us?” Adam Trudel is a musician and small-time lecturer from Boston Massachusetts. He works as a Music Director for Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fort Wayne. Prior to coming to Fort Wayne, Adam was a parochial school music teacher, choir director, and Religious Education Director. He also did directorial work at a number of schools and colleges in the Rhode Island and Boston area. Having come from a background of immense moral and natural evil, he became immersed in the problem of evil at a very young age. Adam is humbled for the opportunity to speak, and looks forward to sharing what he’s learned with a great group of people!

What is Truth? On January 30, Dr. Lewis Pearson will discuss “How do we know the truth when we encounter it?” What is the difference between discernment and decision-making, and ultimately how does a person cultivate a discerning mind to answer the questions “What do I want?” and “What does God want for me?” Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, our speaker, Dr. Lewis Pearson, is a former atheist and adult revert to the Catholic Faith.  He earned degrees in Biology, English, History, Mathematics, Religion & Philosophy, and previously worked in various positions in science and technology.  Currently, he serves as a Professor of Philosophy and Interim Academic Dean at the University of Saint Francis. Lewis is the father of eight children, expecting number nine, and an active parishioner at St. John the Baptist parish in Fort Wayne. 

What is Love and Intimacy? On January 23, Sister Maria Gemma, will discuss what does it mean to love and experience intimacy with others by defining intimacy and relating it to attractions, behaviors, and identity, while acknowledging our need to be in relationship and be known to others and Christ. Our speaker, Sister Maria Gemma is a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, with a bachelor’s degree in Theology from Ohio Dominican University. In 2019 she completed a master’s degree in Philosophy from Franciscan University of Steubenville, where she spent time studying the philosophical works of St. Edith Stein and St. John Paul II. Most recently, she completed a PhD in Educational Administration from Indiana State University. Sr. Maria Gemma currently serves as Vice President for Catholic Culture and Student Life at the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne. 

What is Wholeness? On January 16, Beth Hlabse will discuss how we can take concrete steps to overcome personal struggles and find healing & freedom from wounds through Christ and healthy relationships. We will learn more about practical steps for caring for yourself and others amidst loneliness, trauma, depression, anxiety, and struggles in your faith. Beth Hlabse, is the director for the Fiat Program on Faith and Mental Health at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame. Beth leads the Institute’s efforts to generate pastoral research, education, and formation opportunities on mental health and the Catholic tradition. A mental health counselor, Beth has provided therapeutic care for adolescents and adults with histories of trauma and adverse childhood experiences. Her therapeutic approach is integrative, attending to neural-developmental influences and the intersection of spirituality and psychology. Beth obtained her masters in clinical mental health counseling from Divine Mercy University. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a BA in Theology and Peace Studies and pursued postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford in Christian Ethics. Beth and her husband Pete treasure their community in South Bend, IN and delight in visits back to the great outdoors of Beth’s hometown in Wyoming.

Mass & Celebration!

Feb. 13, 2024 – 6:30 p.m.

Conclude the series with Holy Mass followed by a festive celebration with your new friends!

Mass with Bishop Rhoades – 6:30 p.m.
St. Francis Chapel
University of Saint Francis
2701 Spring Street

Food & Fun – 7 p.m.
University of Saint Francis
2701 Spring Street
Parking entrance located off Leesburg Road

Thank you to our Sponsors!

July 27

Renewal of Heart

Fr. Tom Shoemaker is a native of Gas City, Indiana, attended St. John’s Seminary in Brighton, MA, and was ordained a priest in 1990. Before responding to the call, he worked as a dentist. As a priest, he served as Associate Pastor at St. Matthew Cathedral in South Bend (1990-1998). He served as pastor at St. Henry and Sacred Heart Parishes in Fort Wayne (1998-2001), St. Jude in Fort Wayne (2001-2013), St. Therese Little Flower in South Bend (2013-2106), and has served as pastor of St. Charles since 2016. Of his many talents, he is also a hobbyist carpenter.

Contact:

John Pratt
Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
[email protected]
Office: (260) 422-4611 x 3321