Young adults and their friends from throughout the Diocese of Peoria are invited to explore faith issues in a relaxed setting at one of three Theology on Tap series planned in the coming weeks in Galesburg, Bloomington-Normal, and Champaign-Urbana.

There is no charge to attend the evenings, which are sponsored by the diocesan Office of Evangelization. Theology on Tap is hosted at a local bar and grill, with food and drink available for purchase at 6:30 p.m. The talks begin at 7 p.m. and always feature opportunities for questions and discussion.

For more information on any of the series, call Craig Dyke at (309) 671-1550.

Following is a list of locations, dates, speakers, and topics.

GALESBURG SERIES
The series will be hosted on three Monday evenings in February at McGillicuddy’s, 58 S. Cherry St.

— Feb. 7: Lynn Grandon will speak on “Discovering Your God-Given Gifts.” Grandon is the founding director and CEO of the Women’s Choice Center in Bettendorf, Iowa, the former director of the Office of Respect Life and Human Dignity for the Diocese of Peoria, and a frequent speaker on the dignity of the human person.
— Feb. 14 (Valentine’s Day): Father Nathan Cromley, CSJ, will speak on “Love and Holiness: Can the Two Go Together?” Father Nathan is a brother of the Community of St. John in Princeville. He teaches theology and philosophy throughout the U.S. with a special emphasis on ministering to youth and young adults.
— Feb. 21: Steve Mattern will explore “Lectio Divina: A Meditative Approach to Scripture.” Mattern is the ethics instructor at OSF St. Francis Medical Center’s College of Nursing, a licensed counselor, and a longtime student of theology.

BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL SERIES
The series will be hosted on three Tuesday evenings in February at The Medici, 120 W. North St. in Normal.

— Feb. 8: Charlie Roy will speak on “Faith and Finances.” The principal of Peoria Notre Dame High School, Roy has a master’s degree in education administration and has been involved in Catholic education since 2000.
— Feb. 15: Craig and Amy Dyke will list “The Ten Commandments of Not Marrying a Loser” in sharing practical and spiritual insights on how to marry the right person. As associate director for the diocesan Office of Family Life, Craig moderates the Pre-Cana Conference Days, and together with Amy, leads Engaged Couple Encounter Weekends, instructs couples in Natural Family Planning, and offers marriage enrichment date nights for their local parish.
— Feb. 22: Sister Silvia Maria Tarafa, SCTJM, will present an overview on “New Evangelization: Elevating and Transforming the World.” A member of the Sisters of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Sister Silvia is director of the John Paul II Catholic Newman Center serving Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan University, and Heartland Community College.

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA SERIES
The series will be hosted on the first three Tuesdays in March at Guido’s Bar and Grill, 2 E. Main St. in Champaign.

— March 1: Msgr. Gregory Ketcham and Father Anthony Co will lead a discussion on “Discernment: Where Am I Going in Life?” Msgr. Ketcham is director and head chaplain of St. John’s Catholic Newman Center at the University of Illinois, while Father Co is assistant chaplain.
— March 8: Father Geoffrey Horton will explore what happens if we “Question Everything!” Father Horton is administrator of St. Anthony’s Parish in Hoopeston and chaplain of Schlarman High School in Danville.
— March 15: Dr. Kenneth Howell will speak on “John Henry Newman and the Dictatorship of Relativism.” Dr. Howell is director and senior fellow of the Institute of Catholic Thought and an adjunct associate professor in religious studies at the University of Illinois.

Theology on Tap series in the Peoria and Quad Cities areas are being planned for later in the spring, according to Craig Dyke.