By Laura Melius
It all started with a brewery, a priest and a parishioner.
The first time Father Andy Thuringer visited the Buffalo Ridge Brewery in Hartford he knew the space would be an ideal place to host an event, but he wanted God to lead the way. A few months later, parishioner Patty Lammers approached him with an idea to start a casual event at the brewery to increase faith and fellowship among parishioners. Shortly after this conversation, Pius Pints was born.
Lammers, a parishioner at St. George Parish in Hartford for 12 years, had seen how the parish continued to grow and thrive in her time there and appreciated the faith enrichment opportunities provided by the parish. However, she noticed that there was something keeping more people from getting involved in these events.
“In my opinion, there is a genuine desire in people to want to grow in their faith and understanding of our beautiful Catholic traditions,” she said. “However, they are intimidated by thinking they don’t already know enough or don’t have the time.”
Inspired beginning
Inspired by a woman from LeMars, Iowa, who had started a similar event, God put it on Patty’s heart to offer a casual, non-intimidating and fun way to engage people in their faith and grow in fellowship with one another. The Buffalo Ridge Brewery seemed like the perfect place. When she approached Father Thuringer with the idea, Patty found it awesome that God had already put the same idea in her priest’s heart.
Pius Pints’ first meeting was the first Tuesday of February 2023, and it has met every first Tuesday of the month since. Each night begins at 6:30 with 30 minutes of social time, followed by a speaker for 30 minutes, and then Q&A with the speaker. The night wraps up with additional social time until 8 p.m. People are free to come and go anytime throughout the night, although it is asked that they are present for the speaker.
“People can come and partake from the brewery’s great tap beer selections that are brewed by their talented staff or choose from wine, soda or water. We also provide a free snack table for people to enjoy,” Patty explained. “I don’t ever want anyone to come and feel like they have to pay anything to attend.”
Amy Larson, an owner at Buffalo Ridge Brewery, thought Patty’s idea was “fabulous” when she first shared it with her.
“When Patty and I first visited about her vision for Pius Pints, she wasn’t sure how many people would show up,” Amy said. “I think it’s safe to say that the number of people who attended the first evening surpassed our expectations. I knew quite a few of those attending, and they had a good time teasing this Lutheran beer tender.”
Since the group meets in a brewery setting and the topics are generally targeted toward adults, all who are 21 and older are welcome to attend. Several young couples bring their babies along; they are affectionately called the “Pius Pints Babies.” People attend from St. George and St. Michael parishes, as well as the surrounding communities and Sioux Falls.
“It is so inspiring for me each month to see the brewery filled to capacity with loyal people who come every time and bring new friends,” Patty said.
Some of the speakers have included diocesan priests, deacons, parish directors of religious education, Chancery staff, teachers and more. Patty’s son, Father Travis Crotty of the Sioux City Diocese, has also been a guest speaker.
“Not only are people getting insight on so many aspects of our Catholic faith but also having the opportunity to meet our priests and the faith-filled people of our communities on a personal level and hear their faith journeys,” Patty explained.
Wide impact
When they first heard about Pius Pints, John and Tara Woodraska appreciated that this event would be open to adults of all ages. As a couple, they have enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, fellowship and speakers each month.
“We were so excited when we heard Patty’s idea for Pius Pints because it was going to be a discussion series, not just directed toward young adults. We look forward to what the topic will be each month, and who will be speaking,” the couple shared.
Kelsey Utlak felt a pull to return to the Church when she moved to Hartford about two years ago. “When I was a little girl, I remember my dad saying that you could always find God anywhere,” she said. “God could be in church, the top of a hill, and it turns out even in a small-town brewery.”
When Kelsey moved to Hartford and found St. George Parish, she attended more Masses than she had in years. She first learned about Pius Pints from her bosses at the brewery and has since requested to work the event.
“I feel like I take away a valuable lesson each time,” Kelsey said. “What I enjoy about each session is the community and also the welcoming sense it offers. They are never pushy, nor a ‘you better listen to me or else lecture,’ but human, down to earth and relatable.”
Doug and Brenda Deffenbaugh have found they have also learned something new every time they have attended. “The speakers are very knowledgeable and share their message in a joyful, lighthearted way. By the end of the evening, your pint may be empty, but your cup is full!”
Father Thuringer said one of the goals for each month is to keep the atmosphere light and entertaining. “We want Pius Pints to be an event where people can learn more about their faith, where they can get excited about being Catholic, and where we can share our faith in community and fellowship. In my opinion, some similar events get too bogged down in complicated theological debates. Pius Pints is designed to be approachable, so that our parishioners can invite people to an event they know their friends and neighbors will have fun at,” he added.
As Pius Pints has thrived, attendees now have the option to purchase Pius Pints merchandise, which includes pint glasses and a newly debuted T-shirt. Additionally, a drawing is held each month where six winners’ names are chosen to receive a free drink at the next month’s event. A basket is also available for people to contribute ideas for future topics.
Father Thuringer has witnessed many blessings come from this gathering. “It’s really cool to see the whole community present—all ages and backgrounds. I’m always very moved to see so many people that are hungry to learn more about our faith. And one particular grace has been the way it has brought our pastorate together after we merged in Set Ablaze.”
Patty is grateful for God’s continued guidance of Pius Pints. “The Lord has provided so abundantly over the last year and a half for us in this endeavor. I am just letting him lead what the future of Pius Pints looks like and am pretty excited to see what he has in store for us. It is all done for his glory and honor and leading more people to being active disciples.”
Laura Melius is a freelance writer and director of religious education at All Saints Parish in Mellette. She has a degree in English education and a certificate of Catholic theology in catechesis.
Callout: Check out the next Pius Pints featuring speaker Tony Menke on Sept. **need date**
*For additional updates, follow Pius Pints on Facebook.
