Catholics in Pro Football

For Catholic pro-football players, faith more than a pre-game prayer
By Gina Mazza Hillier, Michael C. Gabriele and Dave Hrbacek
9/15/2006

Catholic News Service
PITTSBURGH, Pa. (CNS) – Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu is not an NFL superstar who happens to be a man of faith. Rather, in his heart, he is simply "a Christian with a passion for Jesus."

Football, Polamalu said, "gives me confirmation of how I can carry out my faith. It's my way to glorify God."

I always find it uplifting to read about how others live their faith. Even in a 'violent' sport like football it is possible to be propelled by one's love for Jesus rather than a desire to hurt your opponents.

"Football, in general, has it backwards," he [Polamalu] said. "They think this inner anger, this hatred, is what drives football and becomes the physical aspect of the game. But love overcomes all things. My love to glorify God through my playing will far outweigh anybody's hate for me."

Cathletes?

Be sure to check out www.catholicathletesforchrist.com.

I spoke with a representative from their organization today. Hopefully we'll be able to help each other in the future. Their mission is to

"serve Catholic athletes and share the Gospel of Christ in and through athletics."

Sounds good to me. I'm in.

Some New Links

Check out the Links in the right hand side bar area.

Newly added:

Vavi San Diego Sport and Social Club
This site covers multiple sports and activities in the San Diego area. The Volleyball league held at nearby Alliant University should be of particular interest to JP Catholic students

Sporstvite.com
A networking site for finding teams and games in your area

I Knew It!

You can't keep a man like John Paul II from his sports!

Hardly a Vatican prisoner: Late pope made secret outings, says aide

By John Thavis
Catholic News Service

ROME (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II made more than 100 clandestine trips to ski or hike in the Italian mountains and was rarely recognized by others on the slopes, his former secretary said.

Get the rest of the story

Let the Games Begin!

Now that everyone is back from Christmas break and rarin' to go, we are going to make a big push to enter a few JP Catholic teams in local sports leagues. I will be meeting with the students tomorrow at about 12:15 to give them some of the options.

Check the sidebar for links to the leagues. I will put them up as I find them.