Catholic Athletes for Christ was well represented at the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) convention this year in Philadelphia.

Father Tom Barcellona, CAC Board Member and Philadelphia Eagles’ chaplain, celebrated Mass for many of the college and high school coaches in attendance at the ABCA on Saturday, January 5, 2007.    They were joined by CAC founder Ray McKenna, coach Jim DeSana, founder of CAC’s first baseball team and Copley Gerdes, assistant head coach of St Leo’s college.  Copley will be managing the CAC baseball team in its inaugural season in the Great Lakes Collegiate Summer League.  Jim Murray, former general manager of the Eagles and co-founder of the Ronald McDonald House, also joined the CAC team in Philadelphia.

Many of the coaches in attendance were excited to learn more about CAC.  “Helping to bring the first ever Catholic Mass to the ABCA Convention made all of our efforts worthwhile” said Jim DeSana.  “To be able to participate in, and share our Catholic Faith with college baseball players and coaches from across the United States is a great part of this venture for Catholic Athletes for Christ,” added DeSana.