A Pub Ministry Spreads the Faith

The events are free and open to adults of any age and faith, although the target group is those 21 to 39.

Chris Terrell, 43, a lobbyist and media-relations manager, is a self-described Catholic and born-again Christian who attends Blessed Sacrament Catholic Community in Alexandria and McLean Bible Church.

Terrell said he goes to Theology on Tap to connect on a practical level with biblical teachings, as well as for the social opportunities. Keeping his motives in perspective, he said, takes the occasional reminder.

"I always have to check my heart before I go," said Terrell, who lives in Arlington. "I have to make sure I have a word with the Lord and say, 'Yeah, there are going to be some single ladies here, and it would be great to meet someone, Lord, but I want to make sure my focus is on you, and I'm going to learn something about living my life better.' If the resulting effect is meeting ladies, so be it."

Christopher Yurasko, 26, has been attending the seminars for more than two years with members of the Blessed Sacrament Young Adults. Yurasko said that he has considered the priesthood but has not yet heard the call. Seated near the stage, he opened a yellow pad, ready to take notes during the lecture and the 30-minute question-and-answer session that always follows.

"This is a wonderful experience," said Yurasko, of Vienna. "It's helped a lot of people grow in their faith."

Joe Totleben, 23, a software developer from Alexandria, attends Mass every day at 7 a.m. He plans to enter the Dominican order in July. Like others at the bar, he listened intently as Hanley talked about finding time to pray.

"This is an excuse to get out and talk about your faith," Totleben said. "It's fun."

Fun, not prayer, was what Dave Duclos, 40, had in mind when he took a couple of out-of-town business colleagues to Ireland's Own for after-dinner drinks. He wasn't expecting a sermon. Still, Duclos, a Catholic, listened with interest as Hanley spoke.

"I spent 20 minutes trying to figure out what was going on," Duclos said. "I can only imagine what the chatter [among my colleagues] will be in the car on the way back to the Sheraton."

Pat Troy, proprietor of Ireland's Own, said he was more than delighted to accommodate the program when church officials asked him if he would play host several years ago.

"Why wouldn't I?" said Troy, who, along with his establishment, is an Old Town fixture.