Rallying from last place to first, St. Joseph the Just School for Boys won the inaugural St. John the Baptist Theology Bowl at Chelsea Academy in Front Royal Feb. 1.
The competition featured teams from five Front Royal schools, including Chelsea Academy, John Paul the Great Montessori Academy, Padre Pio Academy, St. Edith Stein School for Girls, and St. Joseph the Just. Each team consisted of three students, squaring off in a five- round quiz game format.
The winning teammates each won a $100 cash prize, and the championship trophy will stay at St. Joseph the Just until next year’s competition.
“The pressure on us actually worked in our favor,” said Aedan Ferrar of St. Joseph the Just, who gave his teammates a pep talk after falling behind early. “We did have to do some guessing on some of the harder questions, and it all worked out — plus I won $100, so I’m really happy.”
“I was really proud of all of them,” said Father Daniel N. Gee, pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in Front Royal. “The teams had near perfect answers in the first two rounds because we gave them questions to study. Then the next two rounds were all brand new questions, and to see those boys come back from last place to first was impressive.”
The questions were broad, such as: What Roman general destroyed the temple in Jerusalem? (Answer: Titus); St. Francis of Assisi started what popular Christmas devotion? (Answer: the Christmas creche). What city did St. John take Our Lady to after the Ascension of Our Lord? (Answer: Ephesus).
While the competition was hard fought before a standing-room-only crowd, it was all in good fun to serve a serious purpose. “The study of God is a necessary part of loving him,” said Chris Foeckler, who teaches theology at Chelsea Academy. “Theology is the queen of all the sciences and in theology, you’re studying how God has introduced himself to us.”
“In order for students to go out in the real world and to be able to share their faith with others, they have to know what they’re talking about,” said Johanna Naccash, director of Padre Pio Academy. “They have to be able to understand the faith to express it to others.”
Attendees thought the theology was a resounding success. “We try to cultivate a life of faith and formation,” said Marie Fidero, whose son Jon competed for John Paul the Great Montessori Academy. “So it’s wonderful to see the students stand up and defend the faith. This is preparation for their future.”
The team from Padre Pio Academy was pleased with their second-place finish, while vowing to claim the championship trophy next time. “I think we put up a good fight and I’m proud of us,” said a smiling Theresa Jenislawski. “I’m a senior, so I won’t be here next year, but we have a killer freshman team and I’m hoping they will come back here and beat everybody.”
“We’re all friends here,” said Father Gee. “They’re studying for Our Lord, and it’s a beautiful thing for the community.”
