Burlington County Theology on Tap ignites hope in young adults
May 27, 2025 at 4:19 p.m.
UPDATED MAY 27, 2025
More than 50 young adults from all four counties of the Diocese attended the most recent Theology on Tap, held in Burlington County at Dooney’s Pub in Delran May 22.
Focusing on the theme “A Path to Hope,” the evening was sponsored by the diocesan Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, which shared hosting duties with the parishes of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Moorestown; St. Isaac Jogues, Marlton, and St. Mary of the Lakes, Medford.
Dan Waddington, the director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, describes Theology on Tap as “an awesome opportunity” in that “it’s a way of helping young adults learn and grow in their faith, but in a comfortable and less structured environment.”
Over drinks and appetizers, the young adults, ages 21 to 39, were treated to two mini-talks from keynote speakers Father Kevin Hrycenko, parochial vicar in St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, and Jeff Siedlecki, youth minister in Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle. Both talks centered around this year’s Jubilee Year, the theme of which is “Pilgrims of Hope.”
Father Hrycenko started off by answering the question “What is a Jubilee Year?” He first delved into a bit of history, explaining that Jubilee Years take place in the Church every 25 years, and that they have been occurring since at least the 14th century.
“These Jubilees are meant to help Catholics grow closer to God in special ways,” Father Hrycenko said, taking the time to define Catholic concepts, such as indulgences, in simple terms. In addition, he notified the group of a handful of local pilgrimage opportunities.
Siedlecki recounted his recent trip to Rome, which he had taken with his family and several other Holy Eucharist parishioners in late January. With the help of a few visual aids, he talked about the highlights of the journey, such as attending a papal audience with Pope Francis and attending Adoration at St. Peter’s Basilica.
One of his most exciting opportunities was getting to view the tombs of several saints, including St. Padre Pio, Pope John Paul II, St. Peter and Blessed Carlo Acutis.
“Visiting the saints is an opportunity for us to find that direction in our lives,” Siedlecki said. “If we’re looking for a path, the lives of the saints are the answer.” He urged the young adults to learn more about these holy men and women of God, especially their Confirmation saints.
Siedlecki also encouraged those in attendance to take advantage of the “beautiful gifts” that God has given them, in the form of daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacraments.
“You don’t have to be in Rome to go to your parish every day for daily Mass, not to mention beautiful High Masses on Sunday,” he said. “The opportunity is there.”
Siedlecki made it clear to the audience that they didn’t necessarily need to go on a pilgrimage to experience the faith.
Finally, Siedlecki stressed the importance of finding community with other Catholics. “We all have something in common: we all love Jesus,” he said. “Live in that community; live amongst people that have your back.”
Matthew Bisicchia, a newcomer to Theology on Tap, appreciated the “display of faith” portrayed by both speakers, particularly Siedlecki.
“It wasn’t just him showing the pictures of his trip,” Bisicchia, a member of St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton, said. “He tied that information to our faith, and what it truly means for us to live it every day.”
Amanda Kleinmann of Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Holly, summed up the messages of both speakers by saying, “We can live a pilgrimage from anywhere we are.”
Jeff Siedlecki addresses young adults during a Theology on Tap gathering May 22 in Burlington County. Elizabeth Zimak photos
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UPDATED MAY 27, 2025
More than 50 young adults from all four counties of the Diocese attended the most recent Theology on Tap, held in Burlington County at Dooney’s Pub in Delran May 22.
Focusing on the theme “A Path to Hope,” the evening was sponsored by the diocesan Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, which shared hosting duties with the parishes of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Moorestown; St. Isaac Jogues, Marlton, and St. Mary of the Lakes, Medford.
Dan Waddington, the director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, describes Theology on Tap as “an awesome opportunity” in that “it’s a way of helping young adults learn and grow in their faith, but in a comfortable and less structured environment.”
Over drinks and appetizers, the young adults, ages 21 to 39, were treated to two mini-talks from keynote speakers Father Kevin Hrycenko, parochial vicar in St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, and Jeff Siedlecki, youth minister in Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle. Both talks centered around this year’s Jubilee Year, the theme of which is “Pilgrims of Hope.”
Father Hrycenko started off by answering the question “What is a Jubilee Year?” He first delved into a bit of history, explaining that Jubilee Years take place in the Church every 25 years, and that they have been occurring since at least the 14th century.
“These Jubilees are meant to help Catholics grow closer to God in special ways,” Father Hrycenko said, taking the time to define Catholic concepts, such as indulgences, in simple terms. In addition, he notified the group of a handful of local pilgrimage opportunities.
Siedlecki recounted his recent trip to Rome, which he had taken with his family and several other Holy Eucharist parishioners in late January. With the help of a few visual aids, he talked about the highlights of the journey, such as attending a papal audience with Pope Francis and attending Adoration at St. Peter’s Basilica.
One of his most exciting opportunities was getting to view the tombs of several saints, including St. Padre Pio, Pope John Paul II, St. Peter and Blessed Carlo Acutis.
“Visiting the saints is an opportunity for us to find that direction in our lives,” Siedlecki said. “If we’re looking for a path, the lives of the saints are the answer.” He urged the young adults to learn more about these holy men and women of God, especially their Confirmation saints.
Siedlecki also encouraged those in attendance to take advantage of the “beautiful gifts” that God has given them, in the form of daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacraments.
“You don’t have to be in Rome to go to your parish every day for daily Mass, not to mention beautiful High Masses on Sunday,” he said. “The opportunity is there.”
Siedlecki made it clear to the audience that they didn’t necessarily need to go on a pilgrimage to experience the faith.
Finally, Siedlecki stressed the importance of finding community with other Catholics. “We all have something in common: we all love Jesus,” he said. “Live in that community; live amongst people that have your back.”
Matthew Bisicchia, a newcomer to Theology on Tap, appreciated the “display of faith” portrayed by both speakers, particularly Siedlecki.
“It wasn’t just him showing the pictures of his trip,” Bisicchia, a member of St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton, said. “He tied that information to our faith, and what it truly means for us to live it every day.”
Amanda Kleinmann of Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Holly, summed up the messages of both speakers by saying, “We can live a pilgrimage from anywhere we are.”
Jeff Siedlecki addresses young adults during a Theology on Tap gathering May 22 in Burlington County. Elizabeth Zimak photos