Into the
Wilderness.
Every man wants to live a worthy, heroic life. But wanting it isn't enough. Into the Wilderness is a 6-week Lenten program built to challenge, form, and change you — through fraternity, real sacrifice, and encounter with the Father.
what to give up.
This is about who to become.
While most programs focus on building certain habits, Into the Wilderness is about reclaiming your heart and living an integrated life. Instead of every person doing the same behavior, every person engages with the same mindset.
Each week focuses on a masculine archetype to embody with a virtue to grow in. Four of the six weeks you'll create your own action steps — because this is specifically designed to fit whatever stage of life you're in.
Masculine Archetypes
Each week centers on a different dimension of the masculine heart, integrated with virtue and Scripture.
A Hunting Partner
You'll journey alongside at least one other man — someone who sees your triumphs and your failings, and holds you accountable with love.
Real Skin in the Game
Fasting. Silence. Daily prayer. A personal covenant. The discomfort is intentional — because growth happens in the wilderness, not the comfort zone.
Online or In-Person
Join an online cohort with weekly group meetings, or bring the program to your own men's group or faith household.
Six weeks.
Six archetypes.
Each week builds on the last, forming you from the inside out.
The Beloved Son
Begin by understanding who you are before you understand what you're called to do. Identity precedes mission.
The Dreamer
Rugged, free, and accountable to no one but God. Rediscover what it means to live untethered from comfort.
The Warrior
A man without a battle to fight will find one — often destructive. Learn to fight for what is true, good, and beautiful.
The Steward
Not sentimentality — but the capacity to be fully present, fully attached, and fully alive to beauty and relationship.
The King
Leadership rooted in service. A king's first kingdom is himself — master that before you try to lead others.
The Sage
Bring it all together. Who are you now? What covenant are you making? How do you carry this forward after Easter?
This will
cost you
something.
Back when men were initiated they had literal skin in the game. This program asks for real commitment — financial, spiritual, physical, and communal. That's not a bug. That's the point.
Your skin in the
game.
Your registration directly supports Matthew and the work of Steadfast Life — a real person doing real work for you, your brotherhood, and the Church. Scholarship spots available for those in genuine financial need.
Local Brotherhood
Bring the program to your men's group, faith household, or parish. Matthew works directly with your group coordinator throughout Lent.
Register InterestNational Brotherhood
Join an online cohort of Catholic men from across the country. You'll be matched with a hunting partner and placed in a weekly group.
Register InterestScholarship spots available for those in financial need — email [email protected]
What they say
after the wilderness.
"Into the wilderness was the best Lenten faith building spiritual exercise I have done. I had done Exodus 90 for the past 4 years and I feel like this was a lot better. The 0 calorie fasting and identity building were huge for me."
"ITW was truly a great experience to come closer to the Father's heart for me and to journey along with fellow brothers in Christ. The teaching is authentically Catholic and rooted in our identity as priests, prophets, and kings."
"Into the Wilderness proved to be the most intentional and enlightening men's program I have ever gone through. Matt's knowledge of both psychology and the spiritual life was so helpful as we learned about male archetypes and virtue."
"This was the most impactful Lent I've ever experienced. I learned how to more intentionally pray with the Scriptures and discovered the parts of my masculine heart — especially rediscovering the cowboy in myself."
"ITW helped me to see both my weaknesses and my strengths, to see how the Lord lives in me. It helped me practice how to live the rest of my life with Christ. It helped me fall in love with my Lord."
"I had my doubts — mostly because of past experiences with bible studies that fizzled out. Into the Wilderness was a highly engaging exercise of faith, introspection and perseverance that kept me focused and wanting more."
Ready to go
into the wilderness?
Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch with everything you need. Ash Wednesday comes quickly.