DaytonDailyNews.com

It's usually not a good idea to mix booze and religion, but the Roman Catholic Church has come up with an unusual concoction that's becoming the drink of choice for young Catholics.

Beginning Thursday, July 10, at the Fox and Hound English Pub and Grill, 667 Lyons Road, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati's Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry is launching Theology on Tap (TOT) — a series lectures taking place once a week in the relaxed and casual atmosphere of a local watering hole.

Theology on Tap is unorthodox, but it's nothing new.

The ministry was developed 25 years ago by the Archdiocese of Chicago as a way of reaching young adults.

Andrea Parker, associate director of the Cincinnati diocese's Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, said TOT was born out of Jesus' model of ministering to people wherever they were.

"This idea of holding religious-type gatherings for young adults in restaurants and bars started in Chicago," Parker said. "It became so successful that other dioceses started their own programs. To meet the demand, the Archdiocese of Chicago began putting together packets for inquiring parishes. Eventually Chicago copyrighted the name and Theology on Tap became a full-fledged program with manuals and educational materials."

A typical TOT evening revolves around a lecture delivered by an engaging priest. The topics are chosen to generate thought and dialogue. There is no charge for the program, but food and beverages are on the attendees.

"The program at the Fox and Hound is sponsored by my office and seven other parishes in the south Dayton area," Parker explained. "The parishes supported this project by sending representatives to develop the topics and to determine the venue. Fox and Hound was chosen because it has a large room, a sound system and it's a place that can attract young adults."

What: Theology on Tap

When: July 10, 17, 24 and 31 from 7 - 9 p.m.

Where: Fox and Hound English Pub and Grill, 667 Lyons Road, Washington Park Plaza, Dayton

More info: Call (937) 223-1001 or visit www.CatholicCincinnati.org/yamin/TOT

Topics to be discussed:

July 10: How to Find Your Prince or Princess Without Kissing a Lot of Frogs: Keeping Your Head and Heart Working Together.

July 17: Voting Your Conscience: How Can You Promote the Common Good this Election Year.

July 24: Viewing Pornography: Who Does It Hurt Really?

July 31: Why I Became Catholic: Converts and Reverts Tell Their Stories.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2167 or kmoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.