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Overview of Parish Athletics Program

Overview

 Established in 2003, Parish Athletics provides youth athletic programs, summer camps and "Friday Nite Out!" for parishes in the Diocese of Raleigh.

 Mission Statement

 The mission of the Parish Athletics program is to provide parish families in the Diocese of Raleigh with athletic programs for their children to teach the values of our Catholic faith through example and bring together parish and school families in a community of sports while encouraging participation in the ministries of the Church.

 Goals

 The goals of the Parish Athletics program are to:

• Bring together parish and school families by participating in sports activities.
• Encourage participation in the Youth Ministry programs by providing our youth with involvement in the church community.
• Achieve evangelization by actively proclaiming our faith through sports.
• Encourage families to participate in the ministries of the church by volunteering in the sports program, and/or connecting with other adults who serve the church in various other ministries.

 CYO-Based

 Parish Athletics is modeled after  the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) athletics program which  is a true success story. While originally started to keep youth off the streets during the depression in 1930, the institution of Catholic athletic programs continues to have a profound impact on many parishes in our country. A good example is the Diocese of Wilmington whose operation has been in existence since 1932. It currently has 500+ teams and 1,100 volunteer coaches.

Benefits of Parish Athletics

 The benefits of our sports programs are threefold:

 First, it enables our Catholic youth to develop particular physical skills while influencing the formation of Catholic values in all participants. Fair play and ethical behavior are evident in every athletic contest and each child learns to play sports within the spirit of that sport,  as well as the rules of the sport.

 Second, the sports programs bring the families in the parishes together in a friendly, cooperative and fun atmosphere. Parishioners and volunteers expand their identity by being involved with this ministry and interacting with parishioners from their own parish and with other Catholic parishes in the area.    

 Third, it enables parishes that have schools to bring together families of  Catholic school and non-Catholic school children through parish sports while also helping to offset the cost of operating their athletic facilities and programs.

 Current Programs

 The follow programs are currently provided by Parish Athletics:

• Summer Camps
• Baseball (T-Ball and Machine-Pitch)
• Volleyball
• Cheerleading
• Basketball
• Spring and Fall Soccer
• Friday Nite Out!

Participating Parishes

 St. Andrew the Apostle, St. Mary Magdalene and St. Michael the Archangel were chosen to be the first three parishes in a pilot program for the to develop of Parish Athletics’ organization and operations.  Other parishes are currently being invited to join.

 Individual Participation

 Families do not have to belong to a participating parish in order to register for a Parish Athletics program.  Summer Camps are open to the public. Sports leagues are also open to non-parishioners as long as spots are available.

Parish Participation

 Each parish decides on what programs will be offered at their parish and how funds generated (after the operating costs are met) will be used. 

 Parishes with schools are encouraged to join, allowing non-Catholic school and Catholic school children to participate together in sports while also helping to offset the cost of operating their athletic facilities and programs.   

 Parishes wishing to join should contact Parish Athletics Program  Manager Anthony Reese via phone or e-mail.

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