As student athletes and their coaches departed the intramural fields
at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg April 12, a different type
of coach took the field with his team, but not to play any sport. Under the
bright field lights Father Christopher T. Vaccaro, chaplain of the Catholic
Campus Ministry and group of students and volunteers rearranged benches to form
pews and converted a table into an altar on the green field turf for the second
annual Mass under the lights.
The special outdoor Mass, which honors the university’s student athletes
and coaches, was started last year as a way to reach out to the athletes whose rigorous
schedules can leave little time for participation in campus ministry events or religion
at all.
“Instead of us saying, ‘Come to us. Come to us.’ I thought, ‘Let’s
bring something to them,’” said Father Vaccaro. “Show them that we are praying
for them and support them and then maybe naturally some of them will start
coming.”
A group of more than 60 students, athletes and coaches filled the
bleachers for Mass on one of the first warm days of spring. It formed the
perfect scene for Father Vaccaro’s homily, which began with the story of Kansas
City Royals baseball player Mike Sweeny and his famous steal of home plate
under the nose of New York Yankee pitcher Andy Pettitte.
“It doesn’t matter how you get home, just get there,” said Father
Vaccaro, “This is something we should remember. I think it is an image that so
well summarizes sports, but honestly, should guide our lives. … Too often we
live life as if there is no purpose, no end, just the playing of the game.”
He encouraged the student athletes to apply the discipline and sacrifices
they have come to expect in sports to the ultimate race home to heaven.
“We cannot only be great at throwing, running and shooting. We
must be great in life,” he said. “Aim to be great. Aim to make it home.”
Student representatives and coaches from several sport teams participated
in the presentation of the gifts during Mass. It was a symbol of thanksgiving for the many
gifts of athleticism that are represented at the school according to the
chaplain.
Even though the Mass is only it its second year, it is gaining popularity.
“It was an awesome opportunity to get everyone together on campus
and see how sports and our faith go hand in hand,” said Emily Saia, graduate
student and captain of the intramural tennis team.
Father Vaccaro was very moved by the increased presence of
athletes and coaches at the Mass this year and hopes that they will spread the
word to other coaches. He hopes one year to get a whole team to attend
together.
After Mass the group of students and coaches were treated to more
fun and fellowship at a special reception at the St. John Bosco Center to
conclude the event.
