"Many of us in later years wish that, when we were younger, someone would have told us about certain things, often certain books that, as we look back on them, would have greatly helped us in the project of our lives, in particular would have helped us know the truth of things."
-James V. Schall, S.J.
Some bourbon, a good book, and a few guys with whom one may discuss ideas, grapple with big questions, and ultimately come to understand the truth of things. This is Bourbon & Books.
A Bourbon & Books group creates the fraternal "space" wherein men grow as brothers in Christ and sons of the Father. Here, men engage with literary teachers and cultivate community that challenges them to become who they are.
A Bourbon & Books group creates the fraternal "space" wherein men grow as brothers in Christ and sons of the Father. Here, men engage with literary teachers and cultivate community that challenges them to become who they are.
Initial Commitments of a Bourbon & Books Group
As a group gets off the ground, the commitment level is intentionally quite basic. Members commit to the following elements:
|
- Study – Commit to completing the assigned reading for the sake of one's personal edification, full engagement in the meeting, and contribution to the discussion. While this is the expectation, we know that life happens and that getting (back) into reading can be tough. Not reading or being unable to finish the reading should never be an excuse for not attending a monthly meeting.
We also encourage an intentional effort for the men to bring their families together monthly or bi-monthly for a meal, recreation, and the rosary, simply because it is good.
"Next Level" Commitments (recommended after Year 1)
Once a group has been at it for a year, we recommend adding in a few more commitments to propel personal and communal growth. They are as follows:
- Accountability – One group member is partnered with another for the year. The accountability partners commit to a weekly check-in (e.g. phone or Zoom call, chat over coffee) wherein they engage in the following exercise: opening prayer, spill your guts about your week/commitments, closing prayer/intercessory prayer.
- Penance – A personal commitment to a life of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The group should establish some sort of "standards" to which each member of the community can commit himself. For example:
- At least 30 minutes of silent daily prayer.
- Fasting on Fridays – one full meal as well as two smaller meals/snacks that together are not equal to a full meal; abstain from meat
- Foster an intentional family activity on Sundays and carve out personalized time with each child (if applicable)
- Sonship – a firm commitment on the part of each man to grow as a son by placing himself under the spiritual fatherhood of a regular confessor.
The Content by Year
Our content cycles span a whole year, as explored through monthly reading selections.
Interested in launching a group?
If you are looking to start a group, check out this quick start guide and contact Brad Bursa at bradbursa@gmail.com. He'll get you off the ground, or at least try to!