Blessing of Spring Athletes 2024 Photos
 
On the morning of March 13^th. at Saint Francis High School, Vice Principal Michael Pilawski welcomed numerous spring athletes/coaches and asked for God's blessing in thanksgiving for the community we find through sports. As the Olympic theme song played in the background of Burns Gym Mr. Pilawski introduced Fr. Tony Mancuso who extended the blessing. The spring blessing was a collaboration between the Athletic Director's Council and Campus Ministry. A huge shout out goes to Mr. Andrew Brown for solidifying the morning.
 
The first speaker was Athletic Director's council member and Varsity Track and Field athlete, Remi Pilawski. Remi read a reading from Prophet Isaiah, "...Even the youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength…"
 
Next to speak was Junior Girls Lacrosse player and ADC representative Abigail Raymond who offered a reflection on her experience in bringing hope as a Lancer. Abigail stated, "Our personal growth stems from facing and overcoming challenges and maintaining hope in the face of adversity is essential. This means cultivating a positive mindset, focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems, and finding strength in our beliefs and values."
 
Senior Boys Baseball Player and ADC representative Luke Devine will now offer a short Reflection on his experience in bringing hope as a Lancer. Luke articulates, "Baseball, as much as any other sport, is a sport filled with failure. It's a game where the best players only succeed 30 percent of the time; and although I love this unique challenge that baseball presents, the persistent letdowns and disappointing results can be incredibly frustrating. In my experience as a player, I've learned that by putting my faith first, and leaning on the support of the people that love me, it is possible to overcome this hurdle." 
 
Separately both Abigail and Luke refer to the bible with Isaiah Chapter 40 verses 29 to 31, because it serves as a source of comfort and encouragement, reminding them of the enduring strength that comes from placing hope in the Lord.
 
In closing Luke and Abigail lead all that assembled in the responsorial. The response for each offering was "Lord, build our team."
 
To bring the event to a close Mr. Pilawski explained that each athlete will be given a small medal of Saint Sebastian from their respective coaches. These "sacramentals" as they're called are blessed objects. They serve as a wonderful component of Catholic spirituality and the tradition of the Church.  Mr. Pilawski stated, "This year's BRIC Theme is Bring Hope. Saint Sebastian brought hope through exemplary perseverance, grit, and determination in advancing the Gospel of Jesus… as we receive these medals may we be blessed and follow in St. Sebastian's footsteps to be a bearer of Hope in our sporting games and our communal spaces." Fr. Tony in turn blessed the sacramentals and all Lancers in attendance.