Fr. Justin Fish, a Diocese of Duluth priest, connected with 20- and 30-somethings Aug. 13 at Dubh Linn Irish Pub, Duluth. All around the Diocese of Superior, there are opportunities for college students and young adults who are seeking Catholic fellowship and fun. (Catholic Herald photo by Anita Draper)
Anita Draper
Catholic Herald staff
Want to hear a priest talk about “South Park,” “Battlestar Galactica” and beer?
Catholic speakers cater to young adults at Theology on Tap, a series that blends fellowship and education for the 20- and 30-something crowd.
Scheduled weekly for one-month increments in spring, summer and fall, the talks are held at Dubh Linn, an Irish pub in downtown Duluth.
Duluth Superior Catholic Young Adults is an organization for ages 21-39. Among the events it sponsors are Theology on Tap, sports nights, monthly adoration, and first Friday Masses.
Although DSCYA welcomes a range of ages, it’s mostly a post-college crowd, said Shianne Gheen, one of the core group members. Active at the Newman Center during college, Gheen wanted to join a faith organization after she graduated. DSCYA reaches out to young adults who are looking for that fellowship, she said.
On Aug. 13, Fr. Justin Fish, pastor of Queen of Peace Parish, Cloquet, Minnesota, addressed the question, “Why be Catholic?” to about 20 listeners at Dubh Linn.
The talks attract 20 to 30 people on average, Gheen said.
“It’s usually a pretty decent crowd,” she added.
The answer to “Why be Catholic?” according to Fr. Fish, is another question: “What else is there besides Jesus Christ?” Death, he concluded, and Christ “is the cure for death.”
Guinness in hand, Fr. Fish also touched on the difference between Catholic and Protestant denominations; he compared the “ingredients” of Catholicism to the ingredients in beer. Take away elements of the religion, as Protestants do, and you end up with something that is not beer, he said.
Theology on Tap begins with food and socializing at 6 p.m.; the speaker takes the mic at 7 p.m. Participants often stay after to shoot pool. Visit dscya.weebly.com for details.
Around the diocese
College students and young adults outside the Duluth/Superior metro area can find fellowship of their own with one of several young adult groups in the Diocese of Superior. Most groups welcome adults in their 20s and 30s and include study and social activities.
College groups
Newman Center, UW-River Falls, is an on-campus Catholic club open to students and community members of all faiths. Call 715-425-7234 for information.
Newman Center, UW-Superior, is a Catholic ministry for college students, faculty and young adults in the community. All faiths are welcome. Mass is 5 p.m. Wednesdays at 823 N. 16th St., Superior, followed by dinner and fellowship. Email Molly Milroy at for details.
Parish groups
Married and single 20- and 30-somethings from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Dobie, meet monthly for fellowship. For information, call the church, 715-234-2917.
Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Rhinelander, holds Thursday night sessions for Catholic study, discussion, Scripture, service outreach and social gatherings, with night prayer and adoration on first Thursdays. Ages 18-35 of all faiths are welcome, as well older adults with young adult interests. Sessions are 7 p.m. at 105 S Pelham St. Contact Erika Warning, , for details.
Ages 21-40 are invited to join S-Cubed, the young adult group at St. Patrick Parish, Hudson. Single, dating, engaged and married persons connect through social events, service, group study and sporting events. For information, email or call the church, 715-381-5120.
Social groups
Young adults near the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area can enjoy fellowship and adventure with the Frassati Society of Minnesota, an organization that operates in the spirit of its patron, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Twenty-four when he died, Blessed Pier was an athletic, gregarious university student and devout Catholic. Adventurous types in Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota can join an affiliated group, the Northland Frassati, for skiing, hiking, camping, social events and more.
Upcoming events
Mike Mangione concert, 8 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Newman Center, Superior.
Rediscover Conference at the Minneapolis Convention Center, Oct. 3-4. Nativity of Our Lord, Rhinelander, will arrange accommodations and carpooling; costs will be split. Tickets are $20. Call the church, 715-362-3169, to learn more.
The young adult group from Rhinelander will also be traveling to the Steubenville Encounter Conference for Young Adults, Milwaukee, Nov. 7-9.
