Priests United, a soccer team comprised of diocesan priests and some seminarians, narrowly defeated the Bishop Ireton High School boys varsity team 3-2 Nov. 6. The spirited after-school match in Alexandria was held to raise awareness for vocations during National Vocations Awareness Week, Nov. 5-11.
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge led the opening prayer. Priests United wore black-and-white uniforms while the home-field Cardinals were attired in white uniforms with red numbers trimmed in yellow — the school colors. Concession stand proceeds benefited the Seminarian Education Endowment Fund.
Father Noah C. Morey, school chaplain, played in the match, which he described as a blessing.
“They played a great game,” he said of the Ireton boys team. “It’s fun to come out and glorify God through the gift of athletics and the gift of the priesthood as well. It was great having Bishop Burbidge here to lead the opening prayer.”
Ireton Junior Drew Madden, team captain, enjoyed the chance to square off against his school’s chaplain.
“It was a great day to play some soccer,” he said. “It was a great way to end the season. I had a lot of fun.”
Last year, Priests United fell to host John Paul the Great High School in Dumfries, 2-1. Organizers are making plans to schedule another match for Priests United in 2024.
