Conversation filled the air as I stepped into the bustling home. Scanning the room, I saw both old and new faces spanning from LA to Santa Barbara. It was Ventura County’s first Theologians on Tap, and the room was buzzing with anticipation. The talk was sure to fall on eager ears, for it was a topic close to everyone’s heart – “Dating and Marriage – Becoming Holy Spouses”. The speaker was Dr. Libby Reichert, a doctor of Moral Theology teaching at St. John’s Seminary. As Dr. Reichert began to speak, heads nodded and smiles grew. She described what she dubbed five common mistakes in dating. Notions such as the relational nature of the Trinity, God’s total otherness, the damage of the Fall, and the Aquinas’ definition of love brought theological roots to her practical principles. Dr. Reichert addressed each point in her casual, rhythmic and approachable manner. The talk was completed with enthusiastic clapping and a few faces (my own included) still fighting to absorb and retain it all.

After the talk, the Q&A portion began. Dr. Reichert was accompanied by a panel of priests, seminarians, and laity (both single and married). The Q&A spanned topics such as the necessity of marriage as a sacrament, the pros and cons of online dating, and the importance of being rooted in God’s love.

The Q&A concluded, speakers and panel were thanked, and the socializing began. The last guests departed hours later, signaling a successful event and the promise of more to come.