By Kristi Anderson
Beginning in January, the diocese’s Eucharistic Revival initiative is hosting “BREAD Talks” in each of the diocese’s five area deaneries, each at a different brewery.
“These talks are kind of a Catholic spinoff of the popular TED Talks, which are designed to be short, powerful talks from passionate speakers on various subjects,” explained Hannah Molitor, chair of the Revival’s events team. “BREAD Talks will, of course, focus on aspects of the Eucharist.”
At each of the five events, at least two local speakers will stand up and give their brief testimonies, or “Eucharistic love stories.” Following their sharing, a main speaker will give a longer talk, about 20-30 minutes, on a Eucharistic theme.
“We have selected people from all over the diocese to give witness to their faith, and we are very excited to have a number of familiar faces as well as some new voices come out and share,” Molitor said.
The events are free and seating is first come, first served. No registration is required.
The diocesan Revival team has partnered with many people to make these talks possible, including Jason Prigge, director of youth and young adult ministry at Sacred Heart Parish in Sauk Rapids, and Philip Shefveland, director of campus ministry at Christ Church Newman Center in St. Cloud. Both Prigge and Shefveland serve on the outreach team for the Eucharistic Revival.
“We have already been super successful in hosting a Theology on Draft event around the St. Cloud area, which reaches young adults ages 18-39, so when the opportunity arose, we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to expand our outreach to young adults across the diocese,” Prigge said.
After the speakers finish their talks, guests are invited to participate in informal dialogue with one another as they feel comfortable.
“We are hopeful that hosting these events at local businesses will also be used as an evangelization tool, to be present and seen in our communities,” Molitor said. “We know that there are people out there who have questions and are curious about the Church, and we want to make sure that there is a forum for people to come out, learn about the Eucharist and be able to talk about those big questions.
“Our mission with the Revival is two-fold: to strengthen and inspire the faithful to go out and preach the Gospel and to welcome people back to the Church who have been away or who have never attended. We think this is a great opportunity for inspiration, education and evangelization,” Molitor added.
The team hopes these talks will leave everyone with something more to think about when it comes to their own encounters with Jesus in the Eucharist.
It’s a big Church,” Prigge said. “My hope is that the BREAD Talks series offers a diverse range of theology surrounding the Eucharist to help young adults have a better understanding, appreciation and deep love of the Eucharist through stories, reflections and discussions.”
For more information about the local efforts of the Eucharistic Revival, visit stcdio.org/eucharistic-revival.
BREAD TALKS SCHEDULE
The Main Gate, Little Falls
Thursday, Jan. 5 at 6:30 p.m., with Father Scott Pogatchnik and special guests
Sunken Ship Brewing, Princeton
Sunday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m., with Matt Kehrer and special guests Joe Molitor and Leah Weinhold
Back Shed Brewing, Waite Park
Thursday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m., with Laura Kelly Fanucci and special guests Philip Shefveland and Jason Prigge
Thousand Lakes Brewery, Parkers Prairie
Sunday, April 16 at 2 p.m., with George Jay and special guests (to be announced)
Bad Habit Brewing Company, St. Joseph
Sunday, May 21 at 2 p.m.,with Melaine Myklebust and special guests Danny Kremers and Deacon Dan Dullinger