MILWAUKEE — To put a new spin on an old commercial, it was a case of “tastes great, more filling” at the Theology on Tap wrap-up Mass and picnic on Aug. 10. Miller Brewing covered the “tap” part at Lake Park, and Fr. Steve Dunn of St. Gregory the Great in Milwaukee handled the theology at the cathedral.

Theology on Tap is a four-week summer series for young adults in their 20s and 30s. Speakers at each of 16 sites this year discussed themes relevant to the age group, such as faith or relationships.

Ann Marie Wick, a member of St. Joseph Parish in Wauwatosa, was part of the coordinating committee for the Elm Grove site, which met at O’Donoghue’s Irish Pub, Elm Grove. She visited 10 of the 16 sites.

“(The speakers) are talking about topics that are an important focus in your life in this age group,” she said. “We aren’t confirmation candidates, we’re not college kids, and we’re not our parents. It’s a great opportunity to meet other individuals in your age group that have your same interests, in a non-threatening environment.”

Wick said events in the church over the last year have not shaken her faith.

“The (clergy sexual abuse) scandal didn’t change my faith, but it makes you appreciate the good leadership we do have,” she said. “I’ve become more thankful for the people who are still entering the seminary.”

Sandy Byrd brought a distinctly unique perspective to the program: She’s not even Catholic yet. Byrd, raised Lutheran, will start the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program in the fall at St. Mary Parish in Waukesha. She’s also a sexual abuse survivor, though her abuse was not at the hands of a clergy member.

“The church is human,” she said. “Everybody makes mistakes. Sure, there’s a part of me that wants to crucify them ... then the other part says, ‘What would Jesus do?’”

“There’s a lot of anger, forgiveness, and compassion wrapped up in one,” Byrd said. “This may actually be healing for me with my own past issues. (The church) can’t make it right, but how are they going to amend things?”

Byrd, a licensed practical nurse currently studying for her degree in registered nursing, became involved in Theology on Tap after her sister brought home a flyer and invited her. She said the best part for her was getting to share her faith in God with other people.

Joan and Ted Swiezynski of St. Pius X Parish in Wauwatosa agreed that the past year, while difficult for the church, has been a good one for Milwaukee Catholics.

“I’m very positive with the new archbishop. He’s doing a really great job getting opinions from everybody,” Joan Swiezynski said. “I just get a better feeling that he wants to make a bigger impact on people.”

Ted Swiezynski said he was able to maintain his faith by laying blame on the institution instead of the people.

“I always think of the church as more than the actual people in the church,” he said. “The problem is not with people, but more with the institution. That’s why I can kind of see past it.”

Approximately 120 people attended the Mass and picnic, which featured Catholic speed-dating for the singles in the group, volleyball, and a well-attended game of Twister. Laurie Kish, archdiocesan associate director for youth and young adult ministry, estimated total attendance for the four-week series at 1,500 people.

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