Let's face it: we all have problems in life . . . We're stretched too thin. We keep engaging in the same vices (despite our best efforts not to). We struggle to make decisions and commit. We question God's love for us, our efforts to love him—and everything in between.
This past July's Drinking with Dominicans four-week speaker series focused on "Life's Little Problems and Practical Solutions." Each evening included a short talk from one of our Dominican friars and time for Q&A, Night Prayer, and fellowship. Thank you for joining us for this incredible series! We pray our speakers' words and tips will help you leave your worries behind so you can live more intentionally.
This past July's Drinking with Dominicans four-week speaker series focused on "Life's Little Problems and Practical Solutions." Each evening included a short talk from one of our Dominican friars and time for Q&A, Night Prayer, and fellowship. Thank you for joining us for this incredible series! We pray our speakers' words and tips will help you leave your worries behind so you can live more intentionally.
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Calendar of Events
July 6, 2023
Who Makes the First Move? Deepen Your Relationship with God Brother Christopher Daniel, O.P. Do you ever feel like you're waiting around for God to do something in your life? On the other hand, do you ever feel like maybe it's God who's waiting on you to get your act together? In his talk, Brother Christopher will explain the dynamics of a relationship with God and that deepening that friendship isn't just about "trying harder."
July 13, 2023
Too Busy to Pray? Tips for Making Time for What Matters Most Father Luke Mary VanBerkum, O.P. Our lives are so fast-paced and full that it can feel nearly impossible to find time to pray. In his talk, Father Luke will share how to put prayer in perspective in the midst of a packed schedule and practical ways to talk with God on even your busiest days.
July 20, 2023
Flying Off the Handle? How to Be Patient Amid Life's Frustrations Father John Paul Walker, O.P. We all struggle at times with losing our patience, whether with family members, drivers on the road, or even ourselves. In his talk, Father John Paul will share some practical and spiritual tips for handling life's daily frustrations with the "patience of a saint."
July 27, 2023
Analysis Paralysis? Master the Art of Choosing Wisely Father Brendan Baran, O.P. We make thousands of decisions every day. From selecting what to eat for breakfast to irreversible life-choices, some of these decisions are easier to make—and live with—than others. Drawing from the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas, newly ordained Father Brendan Baran will provide practical wisdom concerning decision-making, virtue, and the path toward happiness. |
Thursday,
July 6, 13, 20, 27 7-8:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.) Oakley Kitchen 3715 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45209 Oakley Kitchen has done some remodeling since last year's Drinking with Dominicans. There are now bathrooms and a large bar upstairs, section dividers, and more! Come check it out! Please Note: There is limited parking at Oakley Kitchen, however, additional parking is available a short walk up the street at 3799 Madison Road. All events are FREE! 
We are very grateful to Oakley Kitchen for graciously allowing us to host Drinking with Dominicans at their venue. We encourage you to show your appreciation by purchasing something to drink or eat during the event. |
Meet Our Speakers
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Brother Christopher Daniel, O.P., was born and raised in Seabrook, Texas, just south of Houston. His parents and his home parish, St. Paul, encouraged him from an early age to grow in his faith. After earning a bachelor of arts in theology and philosophy from the Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2013 and a masters of theological studies from Boston College in 2016, Brother Christopher spent a year in the Solomon Islands teaching in the seminary on Guadalcanal for Dominican Archbishop Chris Cardone, O.P. Currently, he is helping out at St. Gertrude Church this summer before returning to Washington, D.C., for his last year of studies. Brother Christopher will be ordained in May 2024.
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Father Luke Mary VanBerkum, O.P., grew up outside of Detroit, MI. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame in 2016, he entered the Dominican novitiate here at St. Gertrude Priory. He was ordained a priest in 2022 in Washington, D.C., and then spent a year finishing a licentiate in sacred theology and gaining some pastoral experience, especially with the Latino community. He is excited to be back in the Midwest and to serve as parochial vicar here at St. Gertrude Church.
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Father John Paul Walker, O.P., was raised in the suburbs of Chicago and is the pastor at St. Gertrude Church. He has a B.S. in chemistry from the University of Illinois and an M.S. in chemistry and environmental engineering from Johns Hopkins University. Immediately after his graduate studies, Father John Paul entered the Dominican order and was ordained a priest in 2002. During his 20 years of priesthood, Father John Paul has worked in college campus ministry, taught theology at Providence College, served as the director of Pastoral Formation at the Dominican House of Studies, served as pastor of St. Mary in New Haven, CT, worked with the pro-life movement, had experience in Catholic young adult (20s–30s) ministry, and more.
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Father Brendan Baran, O.P., grew up in Alexandria, VA. Prior to entering the Dominicans, he worked as a high school teacher, coach, and administrator. He holds an MA in education from Columbia University and MDiv and STB from the Dominican House of Studies. He is currently completing the license in sacred theology at the Dominican House of Studies. Father Brendan was ordained this past May and is excited to be helping out at St. Gertrude Church this summer.
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Why Drinking with Dominicans?
In a May 2021 letter, Pope Francis praised St. Dominic de Guzman (d. August 6, 1221) for answering an urgent need to preach and live as a witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in his time. The pope spoke of the charism (spiritual gift) entrusted to St. Dominic, the Church’s “preacher of grace,” which has been refracted through eight centuries in an array of saintly friars, nuns and sisters, and lay men and women called to influence the Church and the world.
The pope then said: “In our own age, characterized by epochal changes and new challenges to the Church's evangelizing mission, St. Dominic can thus serve as an inspiration to all the baptized, who are called, as missionary disciples, to reach every ‘periphery’ of our world with the light of the Gospel and the merciful love of Christ.”
In July 2021, in anticipation of St. Dominic’s feast day on August 8, we launched Drinking with Dominicans. The goal was to provide you with an opportunity to learn about some key Dominican saints and the grace God offers through the Dominican order while enjoying time with friends and sipping on brews. Building upon the success of that first year, we have continued to offer a speaker series every July. New theme, new content, new presenters—same great Dominicans.
The pope then said: “In our own age, characterized by epochal changes and new challenges to the Church's evangelizing mission, St. Dominic can thus serve as an inspiration to all the baptized, who are called, as missionary disciples, to reach every ‘periphery’ of our world with the light of the Gospel and the merciful love of Christ.”
In July 2021, in anticipation of St. Dominic’s feast day on August 8, we launched Drinking with Dominicans. The goal was to provide you with an opportunity to learn about some key Dominican saints and the grace God offers through the Dominican order while enjoying time with friends and sipping on brews. Building upon the success of that first year, we have continued to offer a speaker series every July. New theme, new content, new presenters—same great Dominicans.
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