November 20, 2009

‘Catholympics’: A day of sport and spirit for youth

Like the Winter Olympics in Canada, Catholympics on Nov. 14 will start with an opening ceremony and procession. Young athletes wearing symbolic colors will process on the grounds at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish with banners representing their churches.

PAT LANGFORD | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Posted: 10.29.09

DELRAY BEACH | The Winter Olympics Games begin Feb. 12, 2010, in Vancouver, but Catholic “Olympians” will converge here in the Diocese of Palm Beach next month for fall games. The inaugural diocesan “Catholympics” takes place Nov. 14 at host parish St. Vincent Ferrer in Delray Beach.

“Basically, it’s a way for all the middle schoolers to socialize and mix with other kids their age in the diocese,” said Heather Hackett, St. Vincent Ferrer youth minister, who with the help of parish youngsters, came up with the idea of the athletic competition that will include spiritual aspects as well as vigorous competition and games.

“We’re going to make it something that the kids will find to be really fun,” said Hackett.

The morning kicks off with registration followed by lively praise and worship featuring Leap of Faith, a local Christian band, which will also provide music at a Mass during the morning.

“It’s going to be a fun day for the kids, but still have the core of having a Mass,” Hackett said. “I think that’s really something that all Catholics have in common; that I think is a great way to start the day.”

Like the Winter Olympics in Canada, Catholympics will start with an opening ceremony and procession. Young athletes wearing symbolic colors will process on the grounds with banners representing their parishes.

During the day, spectators can see tug-of-war matches, Frisbee, kickball, relay races, obstacle-course challenges and a balloon toss. Youths will try to outdo one another for points.

Members of the diocesan Youth Council, a group of about 50 students throughout the Diocese of Palm Beach, are helping with the first event of its kind for middle school students here. “It was really fun getting it all together,” said Tim James, a council member.

“We are using the skills of the Youth Council and their ideas,” said Anthony Marchica, diocesan director of the Office of Catechetical Leadership and Youth Ministry Formation. “It’s kind of a peer ministry, a ministry by the youths, to the youths. The goals are to build community and interparish relationships, to help build friendships, team spirit and cooperation. It’s keeping kids involved in the planning and the implementation the ideas – the creation of it. It’s not something I just want them to come to. It’s something I want them to be an actual part of.”

The spacious grounds and facilities at St. Vincent Ferrer made it a good choice and perfect venue for the event, which is sure to be a day of spirited competition.

“We have … a big soccer field, a good-size gym with a hall and a youth center, so we have quite a bit of room to do something like this,” said the parish manager, John Krolikowksi.

Mary Lou Bedford, youth minister at St. Rita in Wellington who is in charge of the diocesan Youth Council, explained that the youth event is designed with a big focus in mind.

“We wanted to do a different kind of event – more interactive,” said Bedford. “I think it’s going to be a lot of fun; I think the kids are really going to enjoy it. The Catholympics also gives members of the diocesan Youth Council a chance to show their leadership prowess in coordinating this big event.”

Gina-Marie Loree of Holy Name in West Palm Beach is among the youth ministers promoting the event.

“It’s an opportunity for the kids to participate and get to know each other,” she said. “It sounds like fun. When I told the kids they seemed excited.”

Dakota Grealy-Miro, a member of the diocesan Youth Council helping with the organization, is pleased with the format of the day.

“It sort of adds another element to Catholicism,” she said. “Like, we’re not always so strict ... and we’re not so serious. It will be fun. Everybody will get to interact and make new friends and grow in Christ.”

 

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