Cheers to beer and Lenten reflections

By Emily Chaffins -

PEMBROKE PINES | Stephanie Barcia and her three friends from Encuentros Juvenilesordered drinks at BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse, socializing as they waited for the Theology on Tap event to begin. For Barcia, Melissa Castaneda, Elliott Duarte, and Rocio Loaisiga, it was their first time at Theology on Tap. In these events for people aged 21 and up, participants can order food and drinks as they listen to faith-based talks from Catholic guest speakers.

Barcia was intrigued. “The mood of the restaurant breaks the religion stereotype that we’re not supposed to be drinking,” she said, adding that the atmosphere encourages “bonding and relating with others.”

Loaisiga added, “The setting is fun. It makes it seem more normal, not out of the ordinary. I came to enjoy time with friends and learn about the faith.” 

The Archdiocese of Chicago started Theology on Tap in 1981 and Renew International began working to spread the program across the country beginning in 2003. The Archdiocese of Miami brought Theology on Tap to the local community in 2013. 

Covid shutdowns may have stalled Theology on Tap here, but it wasn’t gone for good. 

Theology on Tap “always stayed in the mind of the participants,” said Juan Di Prado, director of the archdiocesan Office of Youth and Young Adults. “They always requested us to put it together again. It’s a great celebration, sharing a meal, discussing the faith.” 

On Tuesday, March 5, Theology on Tap reunited. More than 30 people representing 16 different parishes gathered at BJs. Participants traveled from all over Broward and Miami-Dade to attend. 

Although the majority of participants were young adults, the attendees represented a variety of age groups and careers: college students, bankers, nurses, stay-at-home moms, and even a deacon. 

“Especially in today’s modern society, there are lots of lies thrown out,” said Duarte. “This is the type of event where you hear the truth. You get to hear it from experts.” 

Bridget Hanafin, a Catholic speaker and educator from the Diocese of Nashville, delivered the Lenten reflection which she titled, “Springing Forth: Transforming Through Lent.” Hanafin was a former med student who turned to Catholic education and young adult ministry. She is assistant principal at St. Michael Academy in the Diocese of Nashville, a school currently under construction.

Hanafin has been a Theology on Tap attendee and was a speaker at the program’s events in Texas: “It’s so fun living both sides of ministry as consumer and giver – being part of a community where you can both give and receive.” 

“I want them to be able to say a daily ‘yes’ to God, regardless of the past or how Lent has been going so far,” she said. “To daily recommit to the Lenten journey.” 

To that end, Hanafin gave the attendees concrete ways to make this Lent a deeper experience. 

“During Lent, praying, fasting, and almsgiving is not about checking boxes, it’s about transforming in authenticity and intentionality,” she said to the crowd in Pembroke Pines. 

Hanafin shared a story of a family who asked their children to commit to 30-minute calls with their grandparents as a form of almsgiving. 

“It became an act of love for them,” she said. “Time became precious.” 

Hanafin suggested using time to your advantage in prayer, saying a short prayer for a specific person whenever the clock strikes the hour. When she runs, she also dedicates her prayer time during each mile for a specific person. 

Participant Maria Ortiz said the event was “really good, easy to understand, with a good speaker. The tips are easy to do every day.” 

After the speech, participants had the chance to interact, internalize the message and ask Hanafin questions. 

Participant Henry Bayard shared with the group, “One of the things that helped me to be more intentional when praying is making the sign of the cross the ancient way, where you use three fingers symbolizing the Trinity, making the sign, thinking about it.” 

“Our Lenten transformation is very personal but not meant to be hidden,” Hanafin said. “When we share the joy, it happens in community: in a BJs, at church, at work.” She added, “When we celebrate on Easter, the Lenten transformation stays. We don’t go back to our old selves. We give our hearts to God. Lent is process.” 

According to Di Prado, the Archdiocese of Miami Theology on Tap program aims to empower attendees to run similar events at their parish youth groups. 

Surrounded by her friends from Encuentros Juveniles, Castaneda said, “I really liked the message that everyone is on the same path during Lent. We have different backgrounds, and it’s easy to fall off, but our friends can help.”