Originally published at National Catholic Register
Many people, including college students, do not know how to consume — so let’s fix that, rooted in community.
Plenty of good stories have started by vibing with the old guy playing a fiddle at an Irish bar, sitting around a bonfire sipping on a cold beer or conversing with friends over a gin and tonic.
But plenty of tragic stories have also arisen from the abuse of alcohol.
As a college student, I am no stranger to both sides of this spectrum. Some of my fondest recent memories have been at a pub or having a great conversation over an old-fashioned cocktail, as two months ago, I turned 21.
Yet it seems like every Monday stories swirl of college parties gone wrong or rumors of abusive situations brought about by intoxication.
In the months prior to my birthday, I found myself contemplating the drinking culture and I realized that a dichotomy exists.
Neither approach seemed that healthy or enjoyable.
Growing up Catholic, I knew that alcohol had a rich tradition in our faith, and there was a way to consume responsibly, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church dictates — not as this dangerous, evil thing to not
