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Theology on Tap moves to Manassas

Zoey Maraist | Catholic Herald Staff Writer

Young adults listen to Fr. Francis J. Peffley, parochial vicar of St. Mary of Sorrows Church in Fairfax, at the second Manassas Theology on Tap Feb. 12. ZOEY MARAIST | CATHOLIC HERALD

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On Monday night, Feb. 12, around 85 young adults piled into the
BadWolf Public House in downtown Manassas for Theology on Tap. Tucked in the
far corner of the crowded bar, Father Francis J. Peffley, parochial vicar of
St. Mary of Sorrows Church in Fairfax, talked about how to have a holier Lent.
The practical tips about prayer, spiritual reading and frequent penance were
interspersed with humorous anecdotes and personal stories. 

When talking about the importance of evangelization, father
Peffley highlighted his mother, who would evangelize on street corners with
other members of the Legion of Mary. “My mom is 95 years old. She’s still an
active member. My sister takes her every week to visit the nursing home, so
she’s visiting people 20 years younger than she is,” he said. “The best way to
strengthen your faith is to share your faith with others.” 

The Manassas TOT is the third diocesan-sponsored TOT program, in
addition to Arlington and Fairfax. Some individual parishes have similar events,
but diocesan Young Adult Coordinator Brendan Gotta hopes more parish young
adult groups form regional Theology on Taps with help from his office. Gotta
and others currently are working to form a fourth Theology on Tap in Alexandria.
“This is such a perfect evangelization event,” he said. 

In order to make it helpful for both faithful Catholics and
newcomers, Gotta helps the regional leaders find speakers and topics with broad
appeal, and ensures all the TOTs have a unified feel. At the first Manassas
Theology on Tap in January, consecrated virgin China Briceño titled her talk, “Are
you happy?” 

Mary Arsena, director of young adult ministry at All Saints
Church in Manassas, said they wanted to start the program in Manassas after
seeing its impact elsewhere, especially as a way to connect young adults to a
parish community. 

“It can be especially hard for young adults to feel secure or
rooted in anything. We want everyone to know that gift from God of having the church,
a parish community, (and) a home where we will always belong,” she said. “Jesus
always tells us to meet people where they are, and we realize that a lot of
those in their 20s and 30s are in the bar scene, especially after a rough day
working in the D.C. area.” 

The group also hopes the program touches those who aren’t
Catholic. “Our goal is to not only reach Catholic young adults, but anyone who
happens to walk into the bar that night. Our hope is that anyone, no matter
their faith background, could be touched or inspired by what they hear,” said
Arsena. 

Find out more

There will two more Manassas Theology on Taps this series:
March 12 with Kevin Bohli, director of the Office of Youth, Campus, and Young
Adult Ministry; and April 9 with Father Noah C. Morey, parochial vicar of All
Saints Church in Manassas. For more information, go to
facebook.com/asYAMmanassas

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