Play Ball!! But Pray, Too!

To the Editor,

Newtown residents seem truly grateful that there are a plethora of opportunities for our young girls and boys to involve themselves in one or more of the athletic teams in town. The Newtown Parks and Recreation Department, as well as the countless number of volunteer coaches who guide our youth, need to be commended for their generous and well orchestrated leadership. I do that here.

While sharing these accolades, so richly deserved, I would also take this opportunity to caution these same individuals to help us keep before our children a priority for all or, at least, for most of us, namely, to give time to God. And how might you assist us in this matter? One sure way is to allow our children to grow with an awareness that there is a time to pray and a time to play. For those of us who profess Christianity, Sunday mornings are for family and community worship, not for scheduling baseball and soccer practices.

I am fully aware that there are a finite number of fields to utilize and that they need to be shared equally by all teams. I am also cognizant of the fact that most coaches give kids the option of attending Sunday morning practices or not, and the kids suffer no unfair consequences. If your team happens to be an exception and your kid is cajoled or penalized in any way for not attending, the matter should be brought to the league’s attention. I have always found the coaches to be understanding in this matter and appreciate their judgment. We are a pluralistic society and our community is made up of many traditions and belief systems. How we deal with Friday nights for people of Islam and Saturdays for Judaism require additional dialogue and civil conversation… my only point being that we need to give our children clear and firm direction – and praising God, for many of us, comes first. It’s a matter of priority, not self-righteousness.

There are many models out there whom we can hold up to our children – Sandy Koufax, Akeem Olajawan, and a host of others in every sport. So, Play Ball!

The Rev Leo McIlrath

Corpus Christi: a catholic community

13 Sugarloaf Road, Sandy Hook                                   April 12, 2000