Inspiration

The first glimpse came from a similar initiative by a group of friends who get together once a month to explore a religious topic while sipping beer.

It wasn’t quite suitable for our family—first, because it’s oriented to men only; second, it’s not a good idea to drink beer and drive afterward; and last but not least, my wife doesn’t enjoy beer… I know—ouch—but nobody’s perfect, right?

One weekend we attended a marriage retreat at Mount Angel Abbey in Oregon. On Saturday night, we gathered at their brewery. Sitting there on the patio—couples enjoying beer, cider, or kombucha, and sharing snacks while talking about our journeys in the Catholic faith—felt simply wonderful.

I was savoring their Benedictine Brewery St. Gabriel Dubbel Ale when their label hit me. I quote:

“We, the monks at Mount Angel Abbey, in the spirit of a centuries-old monastic tradition, are dedicated to the brewing of beer with a higher purpose. Using hops and pristine water from Oregon, we believe every bottle should be brewed to the glory of God. We welcome all to enjoy our beer in gatherings of food and fellowship, in thanksgiving and moderation. Taste & Believe.”

That’s when I started thinking—what if we created a family tradition of getting together once a week, with a brew that fits the moment, to read a passage from the Bible or another faith-based topic, reflect and share our thoughts, and note our takeaways? 

That is: family night with a higher purpose.

And one night, while sipping a beer, the gears started turning—and this initiative, this journey came to life.