EXETER – More than 30 young adults from across the Diocese of Scranton gathered Thursday evening, Nov. 13, at Sabatini’s Bottle shop for the latest Theology on Tap session. Theology on Tap is a monthly series designed to offer young adults a place for faith, conversation, and community.
This month’s gathering took on special significance as it featured the Diocese’s two newly ordained priests, Father Thomas Dzwonczyk, and Father Andrew McCarroll.
Instead of offering traditional witness talks, the priests took part in an open question-and-answer session, inviting attendees to ask anything about their discernment, seminary formation, and life in ministry.
Bridget Guarnieri, who helps coordinate the Theology on Tap series, said the change in format was intended to spark more engagement.
“It gave us a chance to get to know them better and gave them a chance to tell their story,” she said.
The approach worked. A wide variety of questions were asked and the candid responses surprised those in attendance.
“Hearing the challenges that they have to go through, like they said, their job is not just Sunday. It is every day. It’s midnight hours. I think tonight really opened up everybody’s eyes to what it is like to be a priest, and I think we gained a deeper respect for their vocation.”
The Theology on Tap sessions provide a chance for young adults to have drinks, eat pizza, and create a shared sense of community.
“I think community as Catholics is truly important,” Joseph Merolla, a parishioner of the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton, said. “Social media claims to bring people together digitally, but in reality, I think it leads to isolation, so having events like this really give Catholics a chance to connect with one another.”
Gina Morgese, a parishioner of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Carbondale, agreed.
“It is great to be around the energy of the young church and just be reminded that we are not alone,” she said. “I get to connect with people my age who are passionate about our Lord.”
For first-time attendee Lucas Popielski, a parishioner of Saint Gregory Parish in Clarks Green, the night offered him a new perspective of the newly ordained priest he sees at his parish each week.
“It was nice to see the priest outside of the church, doing something a little different than what I’m used to seeing him do,” Popielski explained.
Theology on Tap sessions follow a college semester schedule, so there will be one more event this year.
The final session of 2025 will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, and will feature Rob Williams, Executive Director of Saint Francis of Assisi Kitchen in Scranton. Williams will speak on the theme, “Christ no longer has a body but yours,” focusing on service and involvement in local ministries.
Attendees are invited to bring donations such as food items, gloves, and socks to support individuals in need during the winter months.