Water to Wine in Enderlin Emulates Success of Theology on Tap

Father Courtright, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Fargo, greets those gathered at Trio Bar and Grill. He was the speaker for the May 20 event(submitted photo)

A few years ago, Father Chris Markman, newly assigned pastor to St. Patrick’s in Enderlin; Our Lady of the Scapular in Sheldon; and Holy Trinity in Fingal, was having a swim in the Enderlin pool. As he was swimming, he looked across the parking lot at the cross on top of the steeple of St. Patrick’s and asked Jesus how he was going to evangelize these communities.

He recalled a conversation he had with a priest friend of his on the successes of Theology on Tap, which he had started in his parishes. Two years later, Father Markman has an evangelization team from the three parishes. This summer they will be hosting their second Water to Wine series of evangelization nights at a local bar and grill called The Trio.

Father Markman recruited me to help him put together the first summer of events. They met with Trio owner Barb Dammen and did some brainstorming. The name “Water to Wine” was Barb’s idea, and as the group talked and prayed about it, the story of the Wedding Feast at Cana seemed to fit well with what they wanted to do. The purpose of these nights was to share with others that Jesus was calling them—normal, everyday people—to an extraordinary life with him. Water to Wine. Ordinary to Extraordinary.

Bishop Folda was the first speaker last summer and the house was packed. Following months welcomed Stella Jeffrey, Pat Clark, and Katie Dubas. This summer’s line up began with Father Raymond Courtright, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua in Fargo and former pastor of St. Patrick’s and Our Lady of the Scapular. Ashley Grunhovd, Director of Evangelization for the Diocese will speak on June 17, and Adam Gietzen and Lateasha Lechler, a young couple from Enderlin who are preparing for marriage will speak July 22. A priest, a single woman serving the Church, and a couple preparing for marriage—all serving the Lord as he has called them. Join us at Trio Bar and Grill in Enderlin at 6:30 p.m. June 17 and July 22!

Melissa Woinarowicz is a parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church in Enderlin.