Pope Francis' 5 Finger Prayer for Coaches and Athletes

Anyone who is a teacher and a coach knows that this point in the season—close to midterms and deep in the thick of league competition—is a busy time of year. On a daily basis, I teeter between feelings of real love and appreciation for the JV golf team I have gotten to know so well and total inadequacy at what I do. I've missed meetings and memos. My communication is unclear and misunderstood. Because I've been working so much when someone asks "what's new?" I don't know what to say. I said to another teacher-coach, "I don't know the last time I had an original thought."

And then I remembered...that's not true. I encountered the Five Finger Prayer of Pope Francis and made it my own. It's a simple prayer, yet a beautiful one. And the Holy Father made it that was so that anyone can pray it. If you don't know that pray, here it is.

1. The thumb is the closest finger to you. So start praying for those who are closest to you. They are the persons easiest to remember. To pray for our dear ones is a “sweet obligation.”

2. The next finger is the index. Pray for those who teach you, instruct you and heal you. They need the support and wisdom to show direction to others. Always keep them in your prayers.

3. The following finger is the tallest. It reminds us of our leaders, the governors and those who have authority. They need God’s guidance.

4. The fourth finger is the ring finger. Even that it may surprise you, it is our weakest finger. It should remind us to pray for the weakest, the sick or those plagued by problems. They need your prayers.

5. And finally, we have our smallest finger, the smallest of all. Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. When you are done praying for the other four groups, you will be able to see your own needs but in the proper perspective, and also you will be able to pray for your own needs in a better way.

One day before practice I realized: we could use the other hand! My original thought of the month made this prayer sports specific. Athletics is made possible because so many people give their time, talent and treasure. They are people we can and should remember in prayer. 

Coaches, lead your athletes in this prayer that you can say together and teach it to them so that can also offer this prayer on their own.

1. The thumb: pray for the teammates you have had past and present. Pray for those you are have grown close to, thanks to your sport. Give thanks to God for the joy they bring to the grind of daily practice, the struggle of competition, in the agony of defeat and the shared joy of victory.

2. The index: pray for your coaches past and present. Pray in thanksgiving for the men and women who have selflessly given their time so that you can learn new skills, that you can develop your talents and participate in games. Add another prayer for your team captains and those teammates who help you improve and push you to be your best self.

3. The middle finger: (haha, let's all recognize that may sound funny to some): Pray for the athletic director(s) in your school community and the league officials who allow for the organization of games, contests and league standings. Pray for the referees who see that our fields are fair. These people have authority; they too need God's guidance.

4. The ring finger: Who on your team is battling an injury? Pray for your teammates who are hurt or sick. Pray for those who may suffer without our knowledge. Lord, bring healing to all those in need.

5. The pinky: Again, this prayer is for you. Thank the good Lord for the gifts you are able to uniquely share with your team.

As a coach, I have noticed the "easiest" time to pray with your team is before a competition. Perhaps you and your athletes want more. Maybe you want to pray with them on a more regular basis or in a setting away from the pregame routine. This prayer is an easy place to start because it's so invitational. I believe that students are curious about praying in this way—it's different. It's as simple and tactile. Adding to the prayer with a sports lens can serve as a bridge for what you may desire to share and pray as one.

Everywhere that he went in the United States, Pope Francis asked others to pray for him. Offering this prayer is an easy and wonderful way to do that!

Photo Credits
Five Finger Simple
SI Girls: Thank you, Mr. Nguyen!

Divided We Stand: the Importance of a Good Rivalry

In the article "Divided We Stand" Michael Rosenberg writes, "Rivalries makes sports fun when they otherwise wouldn't be. And everywhere you look, they are getting devalued. Missouri and Kansas stopped playing each other. So did Texas and Texas A&M, and Oklahoma and Nebraska....We should keep rivalries as relevant as we can." (Sports Illustrated, October 12, 2015)

I agree. Last year, marked the cessation of what isn't the *best* rivalry, but a respectable one at that: my alma mater, Notre Dame vs. Michigan. While the Fightin' Irish find a heated rival in USC and and annoying one in Boston College (to me that rivalry is one-sided) the shared rivalry between two storied Midwest programs and their quest for excellence is worth missing. Believe it or not, Wikipedia captures it well. 

The Michigan–Notre Dame football rivalry is a dormant American college football rivalry between the Michigan Wolverines and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. 

Michigan football and Notre Dame football are considered to be among the most elite college programs. Notre Dame and Michigan respectively rank #1 (Notre Dame) and #2 (Michigan) in winning percentage and #1 (Michigan) and #3 (Notre Dame) in all time wins. The rivalry is heightened by the two schools' competition for all-time win percentage, which each has held during their history, as well as national championships, with each school claiming 11. 

Michigan is member of the Big Ten Conference while Notre Dame football is independent. In 2013, Notre Dame joined the Atlantic Coast Conference in all sports except football and hockey but the football team would play five ACC opponents each season, starting in 2014. Notre Dame and Michigan reached a mutual agreement to suspend the series for the 2018 and 2019 football season. Notre Dame then decided to cancel the 2015 through 2017 games, citing the need to play ACC games. 

The word "dormant" caught my attention. It implies that the rivalry at any point in time can be resurrected, and historically speaking between these teams, it has. But a rivalry is special and not worth putting to rest. It demands something of the competitors and the fans. You are asked to evaluate what your program is about and what you stand for. I have found myself asking when I look at "the other" What do we represent? What are our core values? A rivalry gives pause to those questions, as we ask those questions of our opponent. By looking to "the other" we can learn a lot about ourselves.

A great part of this tradition is that athletes from both schools go to the other school to claim the trophy

I write about the importance of a sports rivalry because today the school where I teach, St Ignatius College Prep celebrates what I consider to be one of the greatest ones in all of high school sports: The Bruce Mahoney. This rivalry game between SI and Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep honors the life and legacy of Bill Bruce and Jerry Mahoney—alumni from each school who died in World War II. It is unique in that the trophy is awarded to the school that wins a minimum of two of the three contests (it starts with football and is followed by basketball). Scott James writes "since a ruby match in 1893, they've been competing each year. All concerned believe it's the oldest sports rivalry west of the Rockies." to that I say "wow." 

Every year I tell my students how fortunate they are to have a tradition like the Bruce Mahoney and a rivalry like the one shared with SHC. My high school—Carondelet and De La Salle didn't have that same "rival" that we looked to beat each year. I applied to but one Catholic high school, as it was the only one in the area. Our opponents were important, our contests were challenging, but no true rival colored our narrative.

The joy in reclaiming the Bruce Mahoney Trophy. 

I think it's also important to realize that in San Francisco a city that is always changing, and acutely so with the growth of the tech industry (especially since 2008) that one thing remains. And it's far from being devalued. The rivalry named the Bruce-Mahoney is relevant. Indeed, we stand divided on the gridiron tight. Go 'Cats. 

For more on this rivalry, read
Bruce Mahoney Rivalry: Proof that Authentic Spirituality Leads to Community
Traditions that accompany the Bruce Mahoney Rivalry: The gift of a football jersey
And what I learned from that tradition
Dan Fouts' Advice to Students: Beat Your Rival

Photo Credits
ND vs Michigan
SI Trophy
SHC Trophy

The 48-Hour Rule: Pope Francis, John Boehner and Beauty

I don't follow politics all that closely. I wish I did. I should. Some of the people I love and care about most in my life do. My brother, who lives in Capitol Hill is a political journalist. A close friend and former co-worker was an elected city official and another is a state assemblyman. I can see with my own eyes how one of my closest friends is rejuvenated after her weekly update from "Meet the Press." I may have met her inside the Beltway, but we became friends apart from political interests. And so it should go without saying, I wasn't overly familiar with the soon-to-be-former Speaker of the House, John Boehner. But his life and legacy—the very little I know about it—have reminded me of a strange but real truism: the 48-hour rule.

I don't know if he invented it or stole it from a sociologist, psychologist, physicist or what, but a friend from college swore by "the 48-hour rule." Cort believed that any given topic is likely to resurface or reappear within a 48 hour time period. One can't force the issue, but if we pay attention—closely—that subject will renter our conversation, reading materials, news cycle or more. And this past weekend proved no exception. Case in point: John Boehner.

I recently purchased "Fit for Heaven." The author, Trent Beattie sought to know if it "possible to integrate faith with football, beliefs with baseball, and spirituality with soccer?" To answer his question, "he talked with dozens of the world’s best Catholic athletes—from All-Pro quarterback Philip Rivers to Olympic gold medalist Curt Tomasevicz—about integrating their sporting lives with their deeply-held religious beliefs." "Fit for Heaven" is a compilation of their words of wisdom.

I decided I would read the profiles of interest to me. Naturally, I was drawn to anything and everything Notre Dame; interviews with former Coaches Lou Holtz and Gerry Faust. In addition to Faust's love and devotion to Mary, I learned that he coached U.S. Speaker of the House John Boehner in the late 1960s at Moeller High School in Cincinnati, OH.  Beattie asked: What do you remember about him?

Gerry responded:

John came from an outstanding family with 11 brothers and sisters. It was one of those large Catholic families that you don’t see as often today. It was a great family, and they had an influence on John, because he was an excellent person and football player. He was an unselfish player as a linebacker and long-snapper. He was into the good of the team, which isn’t surprising when you have a large "team" at home. 

I enjoyed coaching John in the late ’60s and remember him well. We’ve kept in touch over the years, as I’ve done with many of my players. I’m very pleased to say I know John, not because he’s speaker of the House, but because he’s a good Catholic man. He still has the team-centered mentality in which ego is sacrificed for the good of others. He’s a family man, someone dedicated to the dignity of human life in all its stages, and someone who wants to see our country do better

Faust's description of the Republican Congressman made me appreciate him a little more. I know that every elected official has their own story, but Boehner's spoke to what I know and admire.

Later that day, I walked into the classroom that I share with another teacher a few minutes before his class came to a close. The teacher—my colleague—asked the students to name the Speaker of the House. This question was somewhat unsuspecting considering that we both teach Theology. I wanted to not only answer the question, but share what I learned.

And within those mystical, magical 48 hours, his name resurfaced. I suppose it should. When you are Speaker of the House you regularly meet the press. But, as someone who is nominally in and out of the political news cycle, I found all of this quite interesting and intriguing. Why? on Thursday, September 24, a friend quipped (via Facebook):

Can someone get psychological help for Speaker Boehner? He is such an embarrassment. He was crying and crying behind Pope Francis today. Really- get a grip.

Today, all of America now understands why the Speaker was so emotional at the joint session of Congress. Indeed, it was a remarkable day. It was the first time the Holy Father spoke to this audience. But as we learned the next day, he will resign his position in October. Boehner has served as Speaker since 2011. 

And yet, the 48-hour rule isn't why I wanted to write this blog.

I wanted to write about John Boehner because I would like to think I wouldn't react all that differently if I had heard Pope Francis speak in a place that I have worked for over 20 years. I hope anyone who has been raised Catholic with a faith nurtured by family, Catholic education and a career that has been in service to others, would shed tears—a lot of them too.

This image says it all

Furthermore, I wanted to write this blog because I also want to point out a belief I hold about beauty, truth and extraordinary people.

A student asked me that day if I thought the Pope's address to Congress would really make a difference. I looked at him, grateful for the question, and I said with total conviction, "Yes. Pope Francis is not an ordinary person; he is an extraordinary person. When you hear someone like that speak, you can't help but be different. Will they vote differently? Not overnight, no. But when you hear and meet someone extraordinary, their words stay with you."

And then I heard the Pontiff's speech. Many of our students did too. Not only is the messanger extraordinary but so too was his message. And to me, they revealed two great qualities that lead us to God: truth and beauty. When I see beauty, I can't help but cry. It's why I lose it when some golfers win championships. It's why certain music elicits water works. Beauty has a way of doing just that. Truth and beauty. I have a feeling John Boehner would agree.

Thank you Holy Father for gracing this country with your energy, enthusiasm, charisma, joy and true and deep love to the Lord. You are the best witness to truth, beauty and love I know. BTW: I'm crying as I write that...

Photo Credits
Papa Francesco

Crying
Coach Faust
Smiling Francis

Where the Pope Should Go....Across the River, to the Jersey Side

In case you haven't seen it, Pope Francis' trip to the United States features an impressive itinerary. Yes, it is significant that he had a "closed door meeting" with the President and tomorrow he will give the first-ever papal address to a joint meeting of Congress, but what truly stands out for me (and I am sure for him) is that he will visit a Our Lady Queens of Angels Catholic school in East Harlem. Of course he will undertake the Corporal Work of Mercy—visiting the imprisoned at Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. And he will eat with the hungry while visiting Catholic Charities: St. Maria's Meals in Washington, DC. According to CNN, "55 tables will be set up for the poor and homeless to be served lunch as the pope blesses the food and walks among them."
  

Although his meetings in our nation's capital and our financial and social capital (New York) are noteworthy, the heart of his visit is to the city of Brotherly Love where the Synod on the Family will occur. If however I were to create his agenda, I would add but one city for the Holy Father to visit: Camden, NJ.

Excited for this Holy Father's first visit the United States, last November Father Jim Martin wrote "10 Things Pope Francis Should Do in Philly." In response, I said:

I think Pope Francis should visit where many Philadelphians have not—across the Ben Franklin Bridge to Camden, NJ. Although the FBI has listed it as "America's most dangerous city" it is also a community that is more than a "City of Ruins." The religious art work of Bro. Mickey McGrath, the urban plunge experience via "Romero Center Ministries" and the efforts of "HopeWorks 'N Camden" reveal this beautiful truth.

I first traveled to Camden with a group of students from St. Ignatius College Prep for a "service trip." During our week in Camden, we stay at the Romero Center, located in what was the former convent at St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral parish in the heart of the city. 

Their website captures who they are, what they do and why we continue to return across the country; their mission is an inspiration. It reads

Romero Center Ministries was founded on March 24, 1998, on the 18th anniversary of the martyrdom of Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador with a vision for an urban retreat center that would ground people in Jesus’ call to serve the poor among us. 

Romero Center Ministries began with the intention of bringing the Church community to Camden to experience an enlightened conversion and commitment. We wanted young people to see that there is both opportunity and challenge in the work of the Church. We wanted adults to understand their role in bringing about a societal commitment to end poverty and discrimination in our world. 

From the very beginning we’ve told participants that the most important thing that will happen on these experiences is not what they will do for others, but what others will do for them.  In the words of Archbishop Romero: “We learn to see the face of Christ – the face of Christ that also is the face of a suffering human being, the face of the crucified, the face of the poor, the face of a saint, and the face of every person – and we love each one with the criteria with which we will be judged: ‘I was hungry and you gave me to eat’” (Oscar Romero, Reflections on His Life).

We have given students some "in-flight" reading so they have a sense of the history of the city and what went wrong. "The Undefeated Champions in Defeat City" reveals the how and why behind Camden's immense social struggles, its problems with drugs, crime, the police and more. It will reveal what most folks in Philadelphia know about Camden:

Murder Rate in Camden: 86 per 100,000

Murder Rate Nationally: 5 per 100,000

Supermarkets in Camden: 2

Open-Air Drug Markets: 175

People Living Below the Poverty Line in Camden: 39%

People Living Below the Poverty Line Nationally: 15%

Movie Theaters in Camden: 0

Abandoned Buildings: 3,000
I would, however, like to point out they have an awesome roller skating rink....

As seen at Pyne Point Park in North Camden; home of the Little League team.

These statistics are not unfamiliar to Pope Francis. He is all too aware of what the poor encounter and what the trials of the inner-city do to humanity. But there is always another side to this story and he knows that. 

The poor can be some of our great teachers; it is remarkable what someone with so little is able to give. This story about "Defeat City" shares with us what Little League baseball, a coach with a vision and heart and a willing group of kids and families can offer. It's worth reading.

I would love to know what the Holy Father would find if he were to do what Springsteen sings and "take that ride across the river to the Jersey side."

Sometimes it's not about what you find, but rather, what finds you....

Photo Credits
Philly: by Mickey McGrath

President and Pope

How to defeat the —ism

A recent post, "-isms die hard" captured but two recent encounters with sexism. Since that posting, a number of people have talked to me about their own thoughts and experiences with any given —ism. Often, they are hard to hear, but they are important to listen to and share. And that is the purpose of this posting; I want to thank a coach for pointing out that simple but powerful truth. I believe the only way we can defeat the —isms is to talk and to listen, to reconcile and resolve, name them, own them and let them go.

I am now coaching JV girls' golf. It's an adventure! At our second league meet of the year, another coach and I were shuttling our players between certain holes, checking in on their games, scores and more. I always enjoy talking to other coaches and learning from them. It's not hard to do this in JV girls' golf.

At this particular match, our teams were the first or four teams to tee of that afternoon. That means three other teams (a total of six schools) were slated to play—including one varsity team (read: a team that is better and therefore, plays faster!). In the middle of our match, the coach from the very last group caught up with me and asked me about pace of play. He was respectful and yet I could tell that he was frustrated with the situation at hand. I would be too. His team wasn't even close to the first tee.

About ten minutes later, I checked in with the coach my team was playing against. He relayed what I just heard: some coaches behind us were upset about pace of play and that the course scheduled so many matches on the same day. He added that one coach (who I talked to) was the most exasperated. 

"What did he say?" I asked.

He replied, "He just looked at me and said, What's going on here? Who are you? Are you a parent? Do you work here? I told him that I am the coach." 

I looked at him and I knew what might have gone unsaid. There was a pause in our conversation. I looked him in the eye and I said "Do you think he said that to you because you are Latino." He looked up and looked at me. He could tell I was listening. 

"Yes, I do. I wanted to tell him, you know, I've been the coach here for eight years! I do feel that way, a little bit." He shook his head and said "It's hard."

I said, "I'm sorry. I can't understand what that must be like for you, but I think it's important to talk about. I don't know that we will ever work through racism in this country unless we have the courage to talk about it. We carry with us assumptions and presumptions, they're not right. We have a lot to work through."

He responded by telling me "I have an 18 year old son and I tell him all the time to look people in the eye. Give them the benefit of the doubt, but at the same time, acknowledge how you feel."

It didn't take us long to get back to our coaching duties. In but a minute's time one of our athletes had a question and we kept them moving.

My team lost by all of three strokes that day. I was so disappointed. I know every loss is a learning opportunity, and there are things I would do differently and challenge my golfers to consider. But in spite of the loss, I gained so much from a simple conversation. 

Taken right after these two had killer drives off the 9th tee!

I say that because after our teams shook hands, went through the scores and the top five golfers of the day, I had a chance to thank the coach for hosting us. He said "thanks for coming and playing a good match. And hey, thank you for our conversation. I really appreciate it." 

It was one thing for me to ask the question that I did. Had I not had the experience two weeks prior of the sexism I met on the golf course, I don't know that I would. But equally if not more important, was this coach's willingness to share, open up and then thank me for what we discussed. That's a good day. 

And I think that's a start to bringing the —isms to their final resting place. They die hard....but someday, I if we want them to, they'll be gone.

Photo Credits
Discrimination
Krassner Quote