Combatting “Water Cooler Theology”

As a priest for over forty years now, I have had many questions come to me about matters of faith that originated in discussions around the water cooler or coffee machine at the work place. It is usually not the best place to get accurate answers about God and Church teaching. A couple of years ago, we started up a series of presentations on issues of faith for the ‘young adults’ of the Church. Theology on Tap is aimed at ‘young adults’ in their 20’s and 30’s, who welcome the informal pub atmosphere of Theology on Tap as an opportunity for a relaxed gathering to listen to an informed speaker on some issue of faith or spirituality with the chance to ask questions and offer comments following the presentation. We had some lively sessions, but we found that some of the folks attracted to the topics were ‘just a smidge’ beyond forty years old! They asked ‘What about us? We would like a similar opportunity for slightly older ‘young adults.’ We have listened and responded and we are pleased to announce the first session of Faith Matters  this Monday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the café section of ‘An Unlikely Story Bookstore’ in Plainville. ‘Faith Matters’ is open to all adults from 21 up to 103 which I believe is the age of our senior parishioner, Barbara Hall.  

Jeff and Julie Kinney have graciously welcomed this ongoing series of evening sessions entitled, Faith Matters which will focus on issues of religion and spirituality. The speaker series is co-sponsored by Saint Martha Parish, Plainville and Saint Mary Parish, Wrentham, but the sessions are not restricted to Roman Catholics.   The presenter for the first session on this Monday, April 10 will be Monsignor Peter V. Conley, former pastor of Saint Jude Parish, Norfolk, Editor of the Boston Pilot and professor at Emmanuel College who is currently serving on the faculty of Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary in Weston. Monsignor Conley previously served an important role in the Archdiocese of Boson as liaison for Jewish-Catholic relations. Monsignor Conley will address the essential connection between Judaism and Christianity as the sacred days of Passover are celebrated this week in conjunction with Holy Week and Easter. The café will be open for refreshments and beverages providing a relaxed, informal setting for Monsignor Conley’s presentation followed by an opportunity for comments and questions.  Enjoy a glass of wine, beer, coffee or tea with light refreshments as you deepen your appreciation of the essential connection between Judaism and Christianity. All are welcome! 

Upcoming sessions of “Faith Matters’ will welcome our former pastor and popular movie commentator on Catholic TV, Father Chip Hines on Monday, May 1 for a presentation on The Shack, a popular book from a few years back that is now appearing in theaters as a major motion picture. The Shack is a provocative tale of the myriad ways in which God can work to reach out to His people in times of unimaginable hurt and pain. We will then be pleased to welcome Sister Theresa Aletheia Noble, F.S.P.  on Monday, May 22 as she reflects upon her own faith journey away from the Church and her later return to the Church and her embrace of a vocation as a Daughter of Saint Paul. Sister Theresa will offer practical advice from her book, The Prodigal You Love: How To Invite Loved Ones Back to the Church. 
 
We hope you will circle the dates and join us for some superb presentations on faith issues followed by lively discussion in a pleasant setting. You will most definitely come away with more beneficial information on faith matters than the discussions around the water cooler at work!