Program brews up community for Catholic youth

4 years ago

CARIBOU, Maine — A program that is using popular teen hangouts to evangelize young people will welcome Bishop Robert P. Deeley on Sunday, Nov. 24.

The bishop will serve as the presenter at “Theology at Tim’s” at Tim Hortons, located on 109 Bennett Drive in Caribou, at 6 p.m.

Held monthly, “Theology at Tim’s” is a gathering for high school youth which rotates between the Tim Hortons coffee shops in Presque Isle and Caribou. The meetings provide a casual forum for presentations on the faith and discussions on how to apply faith to daily life, enhancing the faith life of some while introducing Catholicism to others.

“We wanted to find new ways to bring high school youth back to the church,” said Theresa Bonner, the director of youth ministry at the Parish of the Precious Blood in Caribou. “Many of our youth hang out at Tim Hortons, and I thought it would be fun to play off the ‘Theology on Tap’ title. Hence, ‘Theology at Tim’s’ was born.”

Each session begins with a social period followed by a presentation given by a guest speaker and time for an informal discussion and Q&A period.

Participants are welcome to enjoy food and beverages during the sessions, which give high schoolers the opportunity to network with one another.    

“We started in January of 2018 and the topics of discussion have been from the youth,” said Bonner. “They can see and be a part of the larger Catholic community that extends beyond their parish and youth ministry setting.”