Saints, Sportsmen, Spirituality and Sports: Five Things You Might Not Know About the Sacraments

None more deserving of this honor.

The recent nomination of Pope Francis as Time magazine's "Person of the Year" and Peyton Manning as Sports Illustrated's "Sportsman of the Year" makes me think of many things, but one in particular: sacraments—yes, sacraments. That is also the topic of a talk: "Saints, Sportsmen, Spirituality and Sports" I am giving tonight to a confirmation class.  I think that milieu is a fun way to make some creative connections and think differently about sacraments—a great gift of the Church.

I think it's important to consider what one already knows about the sacraments. Many Catholics are likely to reply "there are seven of them." Good answer! And this group of 20 freshmen and sophomores is about to receive one, but there is much more. 

For their purposes, it is important to know that confirmation is not graduation. For some reason, it feels that way, but we never graduate from our faith. As stated in "Life Teen," "Jesus is always forming us, and there is always more that we can learn. There are more ways to grow. Our faith is a life-long journey, We can always experience deeper conversion, and Jesus continually calls us into a deeper relationship with Him."  

Who was the best man? Cooper or Eli?

Another sacrament can serve as an important example to help us understand this truth about confirmation. The resource guide states "Two people do not stop falling in love the day they get married. There's a beautiful celebration, family and friends have gathered to witness the sacrament a couple has been preparing for. But those two people don't look at each other the next day and say Finally, we graduated from falling in love." To stay married, a couple commits to continuing to love, cherish and respect one another. Certainly, that requires God's grace. That grace is given in the Sacrament, but sustained in community, the Church, its liturgical celebrations and prayer.

Confirmation then, is a sacrament of Christian maturity. As one of the three sacraments of initiation, we are reminded in this sacrament that we received the grace and gift of the Holy Spirit at our Baptism (the flame from our baptismal candle represented this). This grace, and initiation into the Holy Spirit is not yet complete. That grace, from Baptism, is completed and sealed by the Sacrament of Confirmation! This Sacrament signifies a greater outpouring of God's grace—one that is given for a purpose. Our gifts and talents point to what that may be.

What a year.

And the Sacraments are one of two great gifts we receive from the Catholic Church. The Catechism states that "Jesus commissioned the Apostles first to make people disciples through their preaching, in other words, to awaken their faith and only then to baptize them. There are two things therefore, that we receive from the Catholic Church: faith and sacraments." Increasing our faith by worship, community and of course the Sacraments is something that we can seek out all of our lives.

In his First Angelus, Pope Francis said "the Lord never tires of forgiving. We are the ones who tire of seeking forgiveness." How true are his words! My humanity binds me to imperfection. I hurts others and myself. I sin and mess up. God's mercy ever flows, his grace is gratuitous. It has strengthened my journey in spite of my ways. Thank you Lord!

And so the next posting will include the "Five Things Your Might Not Know About the Sacraments." The Pontiff and #18 will provide some fun examples and insights, those creative connections I am hoping for!

Photo Credits

Of Golf Instruction and the Confessional

Halfway through the women's golf clinic, the pro called on one attendee at at time to walk with her from the driving range to the small building where we would get personalized instruction. Anxious for my turn, I looked around me and saw fear on the faces of those about to enter the land of individualized instruction. I had this expression before. Each woman approached the mystical, magical shed replete with its sophisticated technology suited for one's golf swing with trepidation. It was all too familiar. It was precisely the same look as those who approach what some consider a "torture chamber;" it was the look that many men, women and children take to the Sacrament of Confession.

I would so love to go to this...

In "A Big Heart Open to God," Pope Francis said,

In life, God accompanies persons, and we must accompany them, starting from their situation. It is necessary to accompany them with mercy. When that happens, the Holy Spirit inspires the priest to say the right thing. 

“This is also the great benefit of confession as a sacrament: evaluating case by case and discerning what is the best thing to do for a person who seeks God and grace. The confessional is not a torture chamber, but the place in which the Lord’s mercy motivates us to do better. 

What an honor it must be to have the Holy Father listening
one's confession

I agree. For many, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is scary and unwelcome. But it's also important to recognize and name we are all in need of God's healing. We can all do better—I'll take whatever motivation I can get. And motivation by way of mercy? God's grace? Sounds beautifully holistic to me. And I don't mean to diminish the beauty and significance of the sacrament by comparing it to a golf clinic. But, it helps to start with what is familiar so we can grow more comfortable with what might be unfamiliar to many Catholics.  

Nothing magnifies the notion that we can all do better than the sport of golf. Careful evaluation of one's swing by a professional is necessary for improvement. Golf asks me not to be so hard on myself; I do better when I relax, take a deep breath and let go. I think human life isn't that much different.

As a teacher, I accompany my own students to confession once a year. During Holy Week, we spend an entire class period in the chapel for a reconciliation service. It includes an examination of conscience, time for journaling, a mediation on forgiveness and students are invited to partake of the sacrament. 

Its humbling for me to witness this grace—from start to finish. It's also important to note, that it's not easy for students to stand up and avail themselves to the priest in front of their peers. They approach the Confessional with that (same) trepidation. Everyone is watching; everyone is looking to see who will go where. And yet everyone emerges with the same expression, the same sense of peace, the same sort of quiet after the storm, the same sense of there is work to be done—but in this moment—all is okay.

I saw that similar relief as every woman returned to the golf range. They were ready, willing and able to give it another go. A task was given, a wrong may have been righted and each was called to swing anew.

And the similarities don't start and stop at the entry and exit. For example, one tactic that helped this crew of newer golfers was the reminder from Jess, the pro, to secure contact with the ball with G.A.S.P. in mind. Four fundamentals for the golf swing include:
G = grip
A = alignment
S = stance
P = posture
Golfers already have enough to think about, but framed in this way, we could proceed with the "Full Swing Clinic" with a better sense of direction. She demonstrated how to execute each one properly.

I like golf because we can learn and seek improvement at every age.

At a reconciliation service on our faculty retreat this week, the presider informed us of the three B's for a good confession.
1. Be Brief
2. Be Bold
3. Be Gone
These were welcome words to many. It's hard enough to get many to participate in the sacrament in front of our own adult peers, but invitation to brevity made it that much more manageable for many.

This year, I hope to get to Confession more than twice a year—Lent and Advent. I am in need of God's mercy, forgiveness and grace. It is the primary path to becoming more loving, holy and fully human. I don't know how any of those attributes will lower my golf handicap, but I also know I need to get lessons and personalized instruction time and again. The bad habits I develop affect my score, my lower back and how much I enjoy the round. I suppose in that way, life isn't all that much different.  

Here's to what is to be learned from the confessional and the course. Cheers.

Photo Credits
Pope Francis at Confession
Women's Golf Clinic
Young and Old

Imagine: Put Image To Your Spirituality

When you hear the word "imagine," what is the first thing that comes to mind? Is it an image—a light bulb? Is it a task—one that reminds you of your childhood? Maybe it's John Lennon song (full disclosure: one of my least favorites). When I hear "imagine," I immediately break down the word: to put image to. This definition "works" for me...it's easier for me to put image to something than to take the leap of doing so by way of the very "imagine." They are, however, one in the same.

As part of the final project for Sports & Spirituality, my students were asked to put image to their spirituality. They were required to find a photo that captures them, someone or something engaged in "the quest for something that is above us, that is bigger, deeper, more than the ordinary, surface reality of life. Christian spirituality stresses that we begin with the gift from above from the Holy Spirit of God. You could even define Christian spirituality as our life in the Spirit of God or the art of letting God's Spirit fill us, work in us, guide us." (Michael D. Guinan, O.F.M., Christian Spirituality: Many Styles: One Spirit) 

There is nothing religious about this photo, but it captures my Spirituality. One of my favorite verses in Scripture is "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." When I achieve anything good—or great!—it is because of the gifts that God has given to me. God lifts me up and gives the glory. AMDG

I was anxious to see how students saw this Spirit, how it might be working in their lives or the world. How do they imagine the Holy Spirit? Can they "put image to" the Spirit of God in a personal, concrete way? 

I decided if I was going to ask this of them, I had to point the way with my own example. (When I saw the image of Buster Posey holding up Tim Lincecum after his no-hitter, it struck me on a much deeper level) This is what we found; perhaps you will be surprised, inspired, confused or intrigued  Many found their spirituality in sports, nature and the Church. Indeed God's Spirit fills us everywhere. Essentially, I asked them to "Find God in All Things" but what I came to see is that "In all things, we can find God."  Enjoy.

Surfing is innately spiritual. They didn't develop the term "Soul Surfer" for nothing! (Noah)

This is my sister and I in Jerusalem lighting a candle in The Church Of The Holy Sepulchre. This picture describes how my faith has developed and how it has become a distinct part of my life. (Michael)

My Spirituality is at its best in community. The Spurs were able to achieve what they did because everyone contributed in their own way (Tim).

Team AMDG (Lindsay)

Who's got it better than us? NOBODY! (Joe)

Nature provides many a cathedral. (Sydney)

Parker wrote: Both teams experience success while also proving that team chemistry is truly important. If you look at a guy like Bazemore who isn't worried about his playing time but rather just celebrating a being a fantastic teammate, that something I truly admire. It relates to my spirituality because I see the strength in numbers that these teams had, they weren't just individuals, they were a unit which is something I appreciate.

Sarah wrote: As a Christian, I have the opportunity to be a source of God's light in the world. 

Photos Credits

What I Learned From Everett Golson-->Jerian Grant

If you are anything like me, you may have watched the past Notre Dame football season with one annoying question constantly looming in the back of your mind. How would this game be different if Everett Golson were playing? What would our record be if we had #5 as quarterback? Even during the final game of the season the Pinstripe Bowl, I heard an announcer say "with Golson the Irish offense has so many more options." I heralded his words as though they were my own rally cry. I know I shouldn't be thinking that way—get over it, right? But I couldn't shake those thoughts.

Returning to school in January!

In May 2013, Golson was no longer enrolled at the University of Notre Dame. I was disappointed with his official statement and aired my dismay in the blog posting "What Everett Golson Can Learn From Kyle McAlarney: It Can Be Different" 

It remains unclear exactly what the Notre Dame starting quarterback did that led to his dismissal from the University.  The only thing that is clear is that Golson used "poor academic judgement." Sportswriter and radio host, John Feinstein has said "the euphemisms need to stop."  Naming the act is an important step in taking accountability, admitting the mistake is critical for accepting responsibility and righting the wrong.  

University spokesman, Dennis Brown said "Federal law and our own polices preclude us from discussing specifics," but I wanted full disclosure. I echoed Feinstein's words time and again to fellow ND fans, believing Golson owed the truth to all of us. However, a thoughtful and potentially uncomfortable conversation with the Vice President and Senior Associate Provost for Budget and Planning, Chris Maziar made me reconsider. 

At the Play Like a Champion conference I attended this past summer, I happened to sit next to Maziar. She had just returned from a series of Universal Notre Dame Nights in various locations throughout the country and admitted how difficult they had been (UND Night is an event hosted by alumni chapters that bring someone from campus to give a "state of the union" address). Alumni had all kinds of questions, most especially those about the football program. 

I figured why stop now. I asked her why Golson never came clean about what he did. She said "it's probably embarrassing to him and frankly it's none of our business." With my empathy card at an all time low, I sat in silence. I thought to myself: He's embarrassed? what about us? Give me a break. I didn't know what to say. I thought about it and slowly but surely I realized, she is right. It is none of my business.

This comment may seem dated or old-fashioned. It is increasingly more difficult to understand what is and what is not our business today's world. With constant communication and media attention we think everything is our business; we are entitled to know it all, full disclosure for everyone! Nothing should be "back stage." It can and only must be "front stage." In the words of Ricky Watters "for who? for what?" For me Ricky, for me.

But that tension exists because I have come to understand that some things are not for me to know. I think some deeds ought to be kept private. That is not to say individuals and institutions are not to hold one responsible for what they do, but I do believe that we can hold people responsible in a respectful, dignified way. And that way may be in keeping some information guarded or private.

Not even going to pretend like this isn't a huge loss. Dang it.

This belief was put to the test when I read the sad news about Jerian Grant. On December 22, I read an official statement from the starting guard who was averaging a team-leading 19.0 ppg. Similar to Golson, Grant does not disclose what he did. He does however, write one of the most impressive apologies and public statements I have read in a long time. See for yourself.

This mindset has helps me understand similar tensions that exist between students and the school where I teach. It helps to recognize a generation gap may exist in the form of expectations and how we communicate. But it also helps to understand that wisdom comes from knowledge and experience with reflection, age and maturity. I ate my humble pie at dinner this past summer and it helped me take in the disappointing news about Grant in a new way.

I still wish things were different. I wish Golson hadn't make the choice(s) he did. I wish Grant had learned from Golson's mistake. I would love another 45 seconds of Jerian Grant. What is to be for Golson will unfold in the Fall of 2014 and for Grant in 2015. And whatever happens IS our business.

Photo Credits
None of your Business
Grant

What I learned from a football jersey... (Part II)

Representative of the two Christian High Holy Days

There are some creative and interesting terms to describe Catholics who attend mass twice a year. The most popular is "C & E" but recently I heard a friend refer to this demographic as "Chreaster Catholics." Hmm, are they also known as "Eastmas Christians?" Regardless, I love both a packed house and that many still recognize high holy days are important. I also appreciate it when presider welcomes these folks in a special way. I remain hopeful that something will stir in their hearts to return the following week...and the week thereafter...

What prompts a person to attend Sunday services regularly? I can tell you why people don't ,but there a number of compelling reasons why they do as well. For example, one may have a special role in the liturgy; they may serve as a lector, usher, greeter, altar server or Eucharistic minister. Perhaps their parish is an important community in their lives—a spiritual home away from home. Others attend because it is one of God's commands. Jim Emerson put it this way: I attend Mass like I'm 6'1." It's who I am and what I do. A student once humbled me when he admitted he attends because if he did not, he would miss the eucharist. A mystic in my midst! But if I were trying to convince a C & E Catholic to return to the fold, my reason might come from a lesson I learned through an unlikely gesture—the jersey ceremony, in an unsuspecting place—the pep rally.

A very telling and profound measure of Catholic practice; is this surprising to you?

As mentioned in "Pope Francis on the "Memory of Grace....and a Football Jersey" at the school where I teach, we have a tradition known as the "jersey ceremony" that takes place at the pep rally before the Bruce Mahoney football game. Each senior on the varsity football team honors a teacher of their choice with their uniform. They thank their teacher and share why they want them to wear their jersey at the game. This was a meaningful experience for me because it served as an invitation to pray for the young man whose jersey I got to wear. But what was more interesting—culturally and sociologically—was the reaction from my colleagues who also received the uniform.

The day of the Bruce Mahoney game is high energy for students. We all make small talk and ask "are you going to the game tonight?" This is the one football game a good percentage of students and faculty attend. Ask anyone who received a jersey and a common response is the more often than not, "I wasn't going to go, but I need to now."

One of my favorite photos. Joe (#2) gave Bobby his jersey. A proud moment (and Joe had a killer game!)

This is fascinating to me. Over 5,000 people fill the stands at Kezar Stadium for this game of rivals. I can guarantee that the athlete on the field will not see the teacher in the stands wearing his jersey. The community that supports this football player—his parents, family members or friends and classmates may catch a glimpse and take a mental note, but maybe not. 

I'll speak for myself here. I go because I want to represent that senior football player. I feel honored to do so. And, I want to cheer for the team just a little more. I think my coworkers feel the same way.

And what did I find? I was touched by how many people said "Congratulations!" and "what a great kid!" Wearing #75 was an invitation to talk about a special student and to ask my colleagues about others. 

This experience gave me pause to think how we might be different if we went to Mass with a similar mindset. What if we attended Mass because we feel as though we have been given something special?...as though we want to honor the One who gave it to us? Ideally our pastor and members of our community would notice that we are there, but the motivating force remains: we go because we believe it's important to do so.

And from the other perspective, I have heard so many football players share their frustration that more people don't attend their games. They wonder why (more) students don't come out to cheer for them and enjoy the contest. "It's fun! They don't know what we they're missing." I know these young men feel as though they work hard. Support from the fans means a great deal and makes playing that much more fun. 

This insight and perspective also let me to wonder what the priest, choir and all those involved in the planning of the liturgy must feel. I'm sure the celebrant would rather preside to an attentive crowd; I imagine the choir would rather not be the only voice in the church. Perhaps those who love the Mass believe that many just don't know what they are missing...but they do. They are missing Christ in word and in flesh..and in one another.

Who knew that a simple football jersey could invite so much thought on who we are and what we do. Perhaps in 2014, you will attend Church services more regularly or perhaps it will be with a new mindset. Or maybe you will go to a high school sporting event that you had never been to before. Someone will notice...even if they don't, you will. I look forward to hearing what you see and learn. Enjoy!

Photo Credits
flowers
Bobby & Joe at the Bruce: used with their permission!
CARA study