GLASSBORO — On Tuesday night, June 15, 32 parish leaders from around the Diocese of Camden came together here at Rowan University’s Newman Center for an Invitation and Hospitality Workshop, focusing on ways to more effectively bring the Catholic faith to young adults.
The workshop was led by Kathy Motyka, program manager for Renew International’s Theology on Tap program.
The 27-year-old Renew International focuses on developing lay ministry leadership formation and has worked with over 13,000 parishes in the United States.
Beginning in 1981 in the Archdiocese of Chicago, the national Theology on Tap program brings together young adults aged 18-39 in a familiar setting such as a restaurant or bar, to engage with their peers and discuss relevant Catholic topics with a dynamic speaker.
Currently, the Diocese of Camden is looking to start its own Theology on Tap program this fall.
Motyka led the participants in discussing how to better get young adults involved in the Catholic Church through effective marketing and outreach, and discovering what their needs may be, as busy, social and discerning individuals.
“The key is to bring young adults back to the churches,” said Andres Arango, director of Evangelization, Young Adult and Campus Ministries for the Diocese of Camden, mentioning that he was happy to see many young adults, involved in the workshop, and in the planning for the diocese’s Theology on Tap program.