Theology has been 'on tap' at STM for 20 years

There is just something about sitting down at a table together.

Through the simple act of sharing food and drink, bonds are created and lively discussions can ensue.

That was the goal behind adding the Theology on Tap program to the offerings of Campus Ministry at St. Thomas More College (STM) for the2003-2004 academic year, and for 20 years it has been bringing young people together for respectful conversations on faith-related topics.

Michael MacLean, Campus Minister at STM, had heard about the Theology on Tap program and thought it was a natural fit.

“We were really interested in engaging young adults. Not just university students, but other young people, too, because there wasn’t a lot going on for young adults. And it turned out really well. We would often have a roomful of people.”

But there were growing pains in the first year. MacLean admits he hadn’t yet learned the best times to schedule the sessions, so when Bishop Albert LeGatt was invited for the June Theology on Tap, there were only a handful of people hoisting beverages in the audience.

“But it was such a good experience for those young adults because when do you get to sit down at a table with the bishop, for example, and have a conversation? So, even when it wasn’t perfect, it was still pretty good,” said MacLean.

The first every speaker in 2003-2004 was Fr. Mark Miller, CSsR, who spent 16 years as a clinical bioethicist working at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, and across the province for the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan.

The popular Lydia’s on Broadway was the first home to Theology on Tap, serving in that capacity until the pub closed in 2013. The sessions then moved to Louis' pub, in the bottom of the Memorial Union Building across from STM.

So how does MacLean program the year?

Sometimes the themes do follow the hot-button topics of the day, like a talk by former STM President Terry Downey titled Are Christian Values Being Trumped? - referring to controversial U.S. politician Donald Trump.

Other times the theme is of a more universal and relatable interest, like Love Languages, or faith, or how to live a life of meaning.

“Everybody always likes to talk about relationships and dating, and so Love Languages is one we have come back to a couple times over the years.”

MacLean likes to take advantage of the visit to Saskatoon by someone who he thinks would be a good speaker.

This year, introducing Fr. Dan Yasinski to the STM community was a natural choice, but the other topics and speakers came about from the interest of the students – like inviting the professors from the STM Philosophy Department.

“We then attracted students who were not Catholic, but who were interested in philosophy,” said MacLean. “It is a Catholic program, but we always invite everybody.”

The theme night of Religion and Culture drew students representing a variety of religious viewpoints and backgrounds who came and enthusiasticlly engaged.

“So, it was awesome.”

The celebration for the 20^th anniversary of the program took place on March 7 when Dr. Carl Still, President of STM, spoke on the Relevance of a Catholic College.

“I knew that I would want to have Carl reflect on why it’s important to have a college like STM."

MacLean said while many changes have happened in 20 years, STM’s commitment to Catholic higher education has never wavered.

“We think a place like St. Thomas More College is a very important part of the landscape of our city, our province, and our diocese,” MacLean said during that anniversary celebration. “So we are so happy that Dr. Carl Still has accepted our invitation to address the topic of The Relevance of a Catholic College.”

MacLean added that when the program began in 2003-2004, and he was himself still a young adult at just 32 years old, T-shirts were created to mark the first year, and that he still proudly wears his.

“That T-shirt is now older than some of the students in our first-year courses.”

“Through all that time personnel have changes, and things have shifted, but Campus Ministry has remained committed to Theology on Tap.”

He joked that Catholics having a beer and talking about theology is not exactly a new concept. While the refreshment of choice may not necessarily be important, camaraderie and lively discussion certainly are, and will continue to be ‘on tap’ for many years to come.