At Theology on Tap, young adults encouraged to ‘unplug’ the phones and focus on faith
September 1, 2025 at 9:43 a.m.
Americans appear to be turning away from God and spiritual matters in droves and are instead choosing to focus on themselves. That was the assessment of Father Michael Kennedy, which he shared with more than 50 young adult Catholics during a recent Theology on Tap event.
Reflecting on the theme, “The World is Not What We Think,” Father Kennedy, pastor of St. Luke Parish, Toms River, said, “I see lots of people in the confessional … I see them as they come into church. They are lost. They don’t know where to find this meaning [in life], and they want meaning.”
Father Kennedy also lamented that the spiritual closeness once shared between God and humankind has since been replaced by what he referred to as “black magic”-- television, the Internet and other forms of technology such as smartphones. While these objects can be used for good, they are also often misused. Father Kennedy cited the use of smartphones as alarm clocks as an example.
Attendees take time to share conversation during the Theology Tap event held Aug. 26.
“It’s really hard to put the phone away and not pick it up again, especially when you go to bed,” he said, admitting that he occasionally struggles with the same temptation himself.
Father Kennedy also added that there is an extreme amount of anxiety in young people today. “Our minds are being pummeled 24/7, 365 days a year with the most awful predictions the world’s experienced. You never get a break from it.”
In these moments, Father Kennedy emphasized the importance of “cultivating silence” and simply pausing to unplug from technology from time to time. He suggested to the audience that they try to immerse themselves in nature. “It’s been clinically proven that when you spend time in the woods, your stress lowers.”
Additionally, Father Kennedy encouraged the attendees at the Aug. 26 event held in the Columbian Club in Jackson and was co-sponsored by the diocesan Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries and the young adult group for St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson, to consider serving in their own communities – such as on their town councils or school boards – in an attempt to restore Catholic values to society. He emphasized that surrounding oneself with a strong Catholic community is also key, whether with other young adults or across multiple generations.
Following his talk was a brief question and answer session, where Father Kennedy read and responded to questions posed by the young adults earlier in the evening. Topics ranged from how to properly use the Internet as a faithful Catholic to tips on incorporating Catholic practices into the home.
Rebecca Culpepper of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton, appreciated Father Kennedy’s insights, particularly his comments on “unplugging” from the world. “As someone who has anxiety … getting a calm spot, finding some place where you can relax and put the world aside – that was really meaningful to me.”
A frequent attendee of Theology on Tap, Culpepper added that the events are “a great way to meet people from other parishes and be around those who share the same faith.”
Samuel Shapiro of St. Aloysius Parish also feels that Theology on Tap is an excellent way to connect with other Catholics. He serves as one of the co-leaders of his parish’s young adult group, he helped to organize the evening.
“I like that there is a space that young adults can come to outside of the church [building], but they can still experience church,” he said, adding that being part of the group has benefitted him both spiritually and socially.
“The young adults have a great future,” Shannon Desrochers, of St. Martha Parish, Point Pleasant, commented. “We’re a community that brings God’s Word to others.”
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Americans appear to be turning away from God and spiritual matters in droves and are instead choosing to focus on themselves. That was the assessment of Father Michael Kennedy, which he shared with more than 50 young adult Catholics during a recent Theology on Tap event.
Reflecting on the theme, “The World is Not What We Think,” Father Kennedy, pastor of St. Luke Parish, Toms River, said, “I see lots of people in the confessional … I see them as they come into church. They are lost. They don’t know where to find this meaning [in life], and they want meaning.”
Father Kennedy also lamented that the spiritual closeness once shared between God and humankind has since been replaced by what he referred to as “black magic”-- television, the Internet and other forms of technology such as smartphones. While these objects can be used for good, they are also often misused. Father Kennedy cited the use of smartphones as alarm clocks as an example.
Attendees take time to share conversation during the Theology Tap event held Aug. 26.
“It’s really hard to put the phone away and not pick it up again, especially when you go to bed,” he said, admitting that he occasionally struggles with the same temptation himself.
Father Kennedy also added that there is an extreme amount of anxiety in young people today. “Our minds are being pummeled 24/7, 365 days a year with the most awful predictions the world’s experienced. You never get a break from it.”
In these moments, Father Kennedy emphasized the importance of “cultivating silence” and simply pausing to unplug from technology from time to time. He suggested to the audience that they try to immerse themselves in nature. “It’s been clinically proven that when you spend time in the woods, your stress lowers.”
Additionally, Father Kennedy encouraged the attendees at the Aug. 26 event held in the Columbian Club in Jackson and was co-sponsored by the diocesan Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries and the young adult group for St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson, to consider serving in their own communities – such as on their town councils or school boards – in an attempt to restore Catholic values to society. He emphasized that surrounding oneself with a strong Catholic community is also key, whether with other young adults or across multiple generations.
Following his talk was a brief question and answer session, where Father Kennedy read and responded to questions posed by the young adults earlier in the evening. Topics ranged from how to properly use the Internet as a faithful Catholic to tips on incorporating Catholic practices into the home.
Rebecca Culpepper of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton, appreciated Father Kennedy’s insights, particularly his comments on “unplugging” from the world. “As someone who has anxiety … getting a calm spot, finding some place where you can relax and put the world aside – that was really meaningful to me.”
A frequent attendee of Theology on Tap, Culpepper added that the events are “a great way to meet people from other parishes and be around those who share the same faith.”
Samuel Shapiro of St. Aloysius Parish also feels that Theology on Tap is an excellent way to connect with other Catholics. He serves as one of the co-leaders of his parish’s young adult group, he helped to organize the evening.
“I like that there is a space that young adults can come to outside of the church [building], but they can still experience church,” he said, adding that being part of the group has benefitted him both spiritually and socially.
“The young adults have a great future,” Shannon Desrochers, of St. Martha Parish, Point Pleasant, commented. “We’re a community that brings God’s Word to others.”