CAC ESTABLISHES FIRST COLLEGE CHAPTER

By Jim Penrice

A major goal of the Catholic Athletes for Christ evangelical mission was accomplished this fall with the establishment of the first CAC college chapter. Student athletes at Catholic University of America in Washington, DC have embraced this unique opportunity to grow together in faith, and have already made tremendous strides in making their CAC chapter a vital component of faith life on campus.

The chapter originated through the vision of Fr. Bob Schlageter, OFM Conv., the head of Campus Ministry at CUA. Fr. Bob saw the need for a specialized outreach to athletes, whose busy schedules often prevent them from participating in Campus Ministry activities. After first considering the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Fr. Bob felt compelled to offer something with a specifically Catholic identity. He found CAC through an online search, and was immediately enthused about its potential as a resource.

Fr. Bob introduced the CAC website to Patrick Quintana, captain of CUA’s baseball team, who shared Fr. Bob’s excitement. Quintana had been concerned about the spiritual welfare of his fellow athletes. “So many athletes are on the fence about their faith,” he said. “Something like Catholic Athletes for Christ may be their only avenue for spiritual direction, since it is difficult to be involved in Campus Ministry because they’re so busy.”

Quintana took leadership of the initiative, agreeing to serve as president of the chapter. Five other officer positions were identified and quickly filled: two vice-presidents (one male and one female, to help minister to the unique needs of each), one treasurer, one secretary, and one public relations officer. Having begun only this September, the group has grown rapidly, thanks in great part to the members taking ownership of the chapter and building it upon the specific needs of their community.

The chapter has written its own mission statement: “The mission of Catholic Athletes for Christ is to spread Christianity throughout the athletic community, develop the character of our athletes, and build relationships based on a common interest in Christ. We aim to reach out to our fellow athletes and create a comfortable, approachable atmosphere for spiritual growth.”

Quintana says this “comfortable, approachable atmosphere for spiritual growth” has clearly been developed. “We have a light-hearted, competitive atmosphere which athletes can really relate to,” he said. “It is very comfortable and laid back.” His account of a typical weekly meeting describes such an atmosphere, including the competitive aspect that naturally draws athletes.

Meetings begin with some kind of game, such as Ultimate Frisbee, or another fun activity that makes athletes feel welcome, comfortable, and connected. After such an ice breaker, various opportunities are offered each week for reflection and spiritual growth. Members of the Campus Ministry team have given talks on various topics, including a session on Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, who is an inspiration to many Catholic athletes. Some of the athletes themselves have given talks, sharing their faith experience. They have watched movies with spiritual themes, holding discussions afterwards. Small group discussions have been a forum for athletes to connect to Christ and to each other.

The chapter has also developed their own list of virtues to focus upon:

“Courage: To have the audacity to compete, and the courage to follow righteousness.
Integrity: To always stay true to the sport and compete justly, but always stay true to the faith.
Humility: To give glory to God alone and play in His name.
Discipline: To continually work toward a better self, both athletically and spiritually.
Fortitude: To always persevere in pursuit of spiritual virtue and athletic ability.”

The chapter has adopted St. Sebastian, long venerated as the patron of athletes, as their patron.

The chapter began with representatives from almost every varsity sport on campus, and has now been opened to the entire department. Representatives are responsible for keeping their team informed of CAC activities and news, and ensuring that the team prays before all competitions. Weekly meetings are attended by anywhere between twenty-five and forty student athletes.

Quintana said before the CAC chapter was inaugurated, Catholic athletes had expressed a need for something to help them with their spiritual needs. The response to the initiative in just three months has clearly shown that CAC is a good fit.

With such a strong start and enthusiastic growth at Catholic University, the potential for CAC chapters to become an integral component of campus ministry at any college or university has been visibly demonstrated. Hopefully this is just the beginning of a national network of student athletes and campus ministers growing together in faith through Catholic Athletes for Christ.