As we ring in the new year at midnight, let's not forget what we've experience over the past year. For a great review of 2008's Church happenings, look in tomorrow's issue of the CS&T.
We've had a lot going on at every level - locally, nationally and internationally. Always the optimist, I'm going to remember the good things the most - two Catholic League teams making it to the state football championship for the first time ever and, of course, two words - THE PHILS.
Happy new year! May we all get through 2009 with God's help.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Let go, let God
As most of you may know, both of our Catholic League football teams that made it to the state finals, Archbishop Wood and West Catholic, weren't able to capture the titles of their respective AAA and AA divisions. Although the state championship slipped out of reach for both teams, I'd like to personally congratulate the players and coaches who accomplished so much this season. They should be extremely proud. They proved that Catholic League football teams can compete with the best in the state and, most importantly, they respectfully represented the Catholic League with confidence and sportsmanship.
I'm sure many of the players are having a hard time accepting that their season is over. Wood's 34-6 loss put them the Vikings in a situation they were unfamiliar with - playing catch up. And West's heartbreaking 35-34 double overtime loss landed the Burrs in strange territory as well - playing with a team that caught up to them.
Some people don't like to link God with sports. They think He has more important things to worry about, and sometimes I agree. But I'm sure every player, parent and coach has prayed all season. And I'm sure God has heard those prayers.
As with many things in life, we are quick to ask Him "why?" Some of the players on each team have probably thought: 'But we worked so hard all season, why?' 'We deserved it, why not us?' 'Why couldn't we only score those two points?' I know as soon as I found out the unfortunate news I, too, looked up with a frown and asked "why?"
After experiencing a loss - a loved one, a job, a home, a football game - we should react the same, no matter the scope. We should try to move on and realize that God has a master plan for all of us, even when things don't go our way. Dwelling on an outcome that cannot be changed does nothing. It's what we learn from it that can truly benefit us in the long run.
Although it was not in God's master plan to have our two Catholic league teams win the 2008 state football championships, I'm sure, years from now, kids on either team will have realized why.
Below is a prayer I have read hundreds of times throughout my life, many times without grasping the true meaning of it.
"Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
Hopefully, the teams representing Wood and West will remember this past season with a sense of pride but also move on and face the future with newfound wisdom and understanding.
I'm sure many of the players are having a hard time accepting that their season is over. Wood's 34-6 loss put them the Vikings in a situation they were unfamiliar with - playing catch up. And West's heartbreaking 35-34 double overtime loss landed the Burrs in strange territory as well - playing with a team that caught up to them.
Some people don't like to link God with sports. They think He has more important things to worry about, and sometimes I agree. But I'm sure every player, parent and coach has prayed all season. And I'm sure God has heard those prayers.
As with many things in life, we are quick to ask Him "why?" Some of the players on each team have probably thought: 'But we worked so hard all season, why?' 'We deserved it, why not us?' 'Why couldn't we only score those two points?' I know as soon as I found out the unfortunate news I, too, looked up with a frown and asked "why?"
After experiencing a loss - a loved one, a job, a home, a football game - we should react the same, no matter the scope. We should try to move on and realize that God has a master plan for all of us, even when things don't go our way. Dwelling on an outcome that cannot be changed does nothing. It's what we learn from it that can truly benefit us in the long run.
Although it was not in God's master plan to have our two Catholic league teams win the 2008 state football championships, I'm sure, years from now, kids on either team will have realized why.
Below is a prayer I have read hundreds of times throughout my life, many times without grasping the true meaning of it.
"Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
Hopefully, the teams representing Wood and West will remember this past season with a sense of pride but also move on and face the future with newfound wisdom and understanding.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Friday Night Lights
No, not the movie, or the tv show for that matter. It's our very own Archbishop Wood and West Catholic squads! Tonight, Wood and West play in the state semi-finals, each in their respective divisions.
Class AA West will battle Lancaster Catholic at Northeast HS field.
Class AAA Wood will travel a little further to face Selinsgrove in Hershey.
Both games are at 7 p.m.
Let's wish our teams luck. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia could be home to not one, but two, state champs. I won't get ahead of myself here, but it's nice to think positively!
Let's go Wood and West!
Class AA West will battle Lancaster Catholic at Northeast HS field.
Class AAA Wood will travel a little further to face Selinsgrove in Hershey.
Both games are at 7 p.m.
Let's wish our teams luck. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia could be home to not one, but two, state champs. I won't get ahead of myself here, but it's nice to think positively!
Let's go Wood and West!
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