WATERTOWN — Originally known as De Profundis, Latin for “out of the depths” from Psalm 130, Bible, Bonfire, and Beverages is a young adult Bible study, held every Monday at 7 p.m. and hosted by St. Bernard Church in Watertown, part of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Pastorate.
The Bible study was originally started by Fr. Michael Wanta, now parochial vicar for Holy Cross Pastorate.
Father Wanta wanted to get young adults together to start a community since the Watertown area has many young adults but at the time did not have a young adult group.
Fr. David Drefcinski, parochial vicar for St. Thérèse of Lisieux Pastorate, got to know the young adults in the Watertown area while he served his deacon assignment there last year.
Father Drefcinski coined the name Bible, Bonfire, and Beverages not only to catch people’s attention but also for what happens during the Bible study.
“We read the upcoming Sunday Gospel and we lead them through lectio divina,” a way to read Scripture multiple times, both to understand the passage and historical context and to ask the Lord what He is trying to tell the individual through the passage, “and we enjoy a bonfire . . . and if people would like, we enjoy beverages.”
Admittingly Father Drefcinski says they may have to switch to candlelight Bible study in the winter.
Father Drefcinski is excited to continue the Bible study and to get more young adults involved in the parish.
“There are a lot of young adults that want to be involved with the parish but they’re not sure how or where to start. I’m hoping the Bible study can be a way to do that for them and maybe get them involved in other parish ministries.”
When then-Deacon Drefcnski left for his last year of seminary in the fall of 2023, he asked Nicole and Buck Teeter, a young couple from Waterloo, to lead the Bible study in his absence.
They had begun coming to the Bible study earlier that year.
“Originally Waterloo and Watertown were going to be in the same pastorate so Nicole and I wanted to get involved and know the [Watertown] parish . . . [When] it was decided that Watertown wasn’t going to be in our pastorate . . . we wanted to keep coming anyway.”
Buck was a missionary for FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) and led Bible studies with college students.
“I was really excited when Deacon Dave asked us to lead. I had been missing leading Bible studies for a while,” he said.
The Teeters have enjoyed being involved with the Bible study, both as leaders and participants.
“It helps me to read the Bible,” Nicole said, “I’ve done studies before but it’s nice to have a time every week to sit down and read. Plus it’s great to have a community, and to get to know everyone.”
They both enjoy that it helps them to prepare for Sunday Mass.
“You’re already familiar with the passage so you’re more ready to receive Father’s homily.”
The couple has a shared hope that someday every parish will have a young adult Bible study.
“You know when you’re playing Mario you get that second jump after your first one? In life, that is the Lord. If you take the first step He’ll lead you the rest of the way. Don’t be afraid to be involved in your parish or a leadership role.”
Nicole emphasized, “Even if it’s only one thing you’re involved with, that is good.”