Overview
The usual start time is 8pm, but we don’t actually start until 8:15pm. Then we will be done between 9:30-10pm.
Each session we review two Saints and three spirits. A slide deck is used to walk through with the following:
- Welcome/Opening Prayer
- Spirit 1 Summary
- Saint 1 Summary
- Saint 1 Life Overview
- Saint 1 Discussion Questions
- Saint 1 Prayer
- Spirit 2 Summary
- Saint 2 Summary
- Saint 2 Life Overview
- Saint 2 Discussion Questions
- Saint 2 Prayer
- Spirit 3 Summary
- Part 3 Discussion Questions (usually involving both Saints, but sometimes just one of them).
- Prayer Requests/Closing Prayer
What is the cost?
The only cost is the supplies needed for each meeting. We recommend either taking donations to cover those cost or taking turns brings supplies.
What is the best location to host Saints & Spirits?
Given that there is alcohol involved we have found that someone’s house is the ideal location. In a room that has a TV or a way to project the slides; where others that live in the house would not need walk through and interrupt.
I don’t know anything about spirits, is that OK?
Yes, knowledge of spirits is not required. You can either have someone else volunteer to do the spirits or we can help. Please feel free to reach out to us for help.
I don’t have the time to prep 2 Saints every month?
That is not a problem. You can use one of our already research Saints or you can get a volunteer to present at least one ever month. Part of the fun and interest is to have Saints & Spirits a group effort.
What is the age range for participants?
Participants in Saints & Spirits need to be at least drinking age. We welcome all Catholic men within this age group who are interested in exploring their faith and enjoying fellowship with others. We have it scheduled a little later than other men’s group in hopes to help dads with kids fit it in their schedules.
| Tips | |
| Pour the spirits ahead of time | Once you have an estimate of the number of guests, set out enough glasses so that everyone can sample each of the spirits. It’s a good idea to have a few extras of each on hand, just in case. |
| Only do 2 Saints | We’ve found that covering three saints tends to take too long. The exception is when the saints are naturally connected, such as Saints Louis and Zélie Martin. |
| Label each type of spirit with a sticker | This ensures everyone is drinking the correct spirit. And if you have any leftovers, you can simply pour them back into the right bottle. |
| Don’t be afraid of silence | If there’s a pause in the group discussion, don’t feel pressured to fill the silence. Give others time to think and reflect. |
| Start around the same time each session | Be mindful of everyone’s time by starting close to the planned time. For example, if your listed start time is 8:00 p.m., aim to begin around 8:10–8:15. This gives people a chance to arrive, settle in, and chat before the official start. |
| As long as the conversation is productive don’t worry if it get too far away from the original question | If you had a direction in mind for the discussion questions but the conversation takes a different turn, that’s okay—so long as it’s productive, allow it to flow organically. |
| Send a reminder email the day before or the day of. | Choose whichever option works best for your group—either approach is fine. |
| Keep an eye on the time to make sure you don’t go too late, but be flexible. | Keep an eye on the time, but don’t feel the need to be overly strict about how long each part of the session takes. |