Can Catholics drink alcohol? Can Catholic priests drink alcohol? Can a Catholic get drunk?
The Catholic approach to almost anything finds a balance between two extremes. Alcohol is no different. We often think of excessive drinking, especially on college campuses, while some Christians respond by rejecting alcohol entirely. A Catholic view acknowledges the dangers alcohol abuse can pose, and addresses them by promoting its proper use – and everyone is invited to this. A Catholic approach to drinking draws upon the Catholic tradition of festivity to integrate alcohol within rightly ordered relationships and the Church’s mission of evangelization.
- The Catholic Vision
- The Problem of Excess
- Some Guidelines for Catholic Drinking
- Holiness and Evangelization
- Additional Resources
For a PDF Guide to “The Catholic Approach to Alcohol” by Dr. Jared Staudt, download it here.
The Catholic Vision
Rooted in ancient practices, the Catholic perspective honors alcohol as a gift. Jesus’ first miracle at Cana blessed wine for festivity, and it plays a vital role in the Eucharist. Scripture teaches that when used properly, alcohol is a blessing that “gladdens the heart” (Psalm 104:15) and promotes joy and health. The Church’s tradition shows that when ordered rightly, alcohol honors God and enhances spiritual life.
The Problem of Excess
The Bible also shows the other side of drinking: its abuse. Anything good that God has created can be abused when we do not order it properly for him and our own good. Examples like Noah’s drunkenness and Paul’s warnings against excessive drinking (1 Cor 6:10, Gal 5:21) show how it can lead to sin and even prevent entry into the Kingdom of Heaven.
God’s prohibitions are not meant to burden us but to protect us from harm. Drunkenness impairs our reason and free will, the faculties that set us apart from animals and enable us to choose the good and enter into a relationship with God. Excessive drinking often leads to further sinful actions because it clouds our senses and diminishes our freedom.
Moreover, excessive drinking damages our health and endangers the safety of others. Many people drink alcohol excessively in an attempt to escape from reality.
The Catechism lists drunkenness as a sin against the fifth commandment, warning us to avoid excess and practice temperance. The virtue of temperance guides us to use material things like alcohol in moderation, allowing us to enjoy them responsibly while maintaining our health, relationships, and freedom.
So, How Can Catholics Drink Alcohol? Some Guidelines for Catholic Drinking
Rather than using alcohol as an escape, it can be consumed to affirm the goodness of life.
Chesterton famously said, “Drink because you are happy, but never because you are miserable.” We should always drink for the right reason, ordering our drinking to God in thanksgiving and praise. Catholic festivity includes celebratory drinking, along with eating, music, and fellowship, marking important occasions and feasts. Drinking in thanksgiving and moderation adds joy to these moments.
Drinking should also foster genuine community, bringing people together rather than creating isolation. Sharing a drink with family or friends encourages conversation and connection. When enjoyed over a meal, alcohol becomes part of a balanced diet, reminding us that wine and beer, made from natural ingredients, differ from harmful substances like drugs.
Moderation is key, both in the amount consumed at one time and the frequency of drinking. Knowing personal limits helps avoid impairment, and the Church’s periods of fasting and penance, like Lent, offer opportunities to reassess drinking habits. Respect for the law, especially in the U.S. with its higher drinking age, is essential to maintaining a healthy and responsible approach to alcohol.
Holiness and Evangelization
The Bible and Catholic tradition show that alcohol can be part of a healthy, holy life, but its misuse poses real dangers. While wine is necessary for Mass, alcohol isn’t essential for life, and we should abstain if it becomes a temptation or distraction. Our drinking should glorify God. If it doesn’t, it may need to be removed from our lives.
One way in which drinking can serve holiness is by directing it toward evangelization when used properly. Many parishes and ministries have hosted events where alcohol helps foster conversations and build community. Young adults, especially, are often more open to socializing and discussing faith in a relaxed setting like a pub. This echoes the Church’s tradition, where monks brewed beer and wine to build community and serve others.
Catholics should offer a countercultural example of temperance, joy, and holiness in their approach to alcohol. Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati is a great model of this. He bought his friends a round of beer while remaining focused on prayer.
Additional Resources
Discover more informational resources on Catholic life like this on our blog. Maybe learn more about the works of Mercy into your life, or how Catholics can engage in politics.
Looking for more? To read more articles like this by other great authors, check out the whole series at FOCUS Equip.
Hear Dr. Edward Sri share the true meaning of turning water into wine in his talk from SEEK. Ready to join us in person? Registration is now open for SEEK this January in Salt Lake City, and Washington, D.C.!
For even more great Catholic resources, check out our podcast, which features talks from our SEEK conference, and our YouTube channel for videos and more!
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