Top photo caption: Keynote speaker Jack Litsky addresses student-athletes during the Catholic Athletes for Christ Fall Leadership Conference Oct. 6 in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold. Litsky, a survivor of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and an Olympic torchbearer, shared lessons on friendship, prayer, teamwork and sportsmanship. Rose O’Connor photos
With the theme “Faith over Fear,” student-athletes from across the Diocese of Trenton gathered Oct. 6 at St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, for a day of faith, leadership, resilience and teamwork during the Catholic Athletes for Christ Fall Leadership Conference.
PHOTO GALLERY: Catholic Athletes for Christ Leadership Conference
The gathering brought together more than 150 students from seven high schools and three elementary schools and included Mass celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
In his homily, Bishop O’Connell stressed the importance of living the Catholic faith not only in sports, but in everyday life.
“And when people look at us, they shouldn’t just see what the athlete does-what a great football player, what a great soccer player, or what a good season they had. They should see something more.”
He encouraged the young athletes to let their faith be visible to others, saying, “There’s something different about this young man. There’s something different about this young woman. I can see their faith in the way they play, the way they handle winning and especially in the way they handle losing. That is a Catholic Athlete for Christ.”
Keynote speaker Jack Litsky shared his story of surviving the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. During the evacuation, he carried a paralyzed coworker down more than 60 flights of stairs, saving his life. In recognition of his heroism, Litsky was later invited to carry the Olympic torch for the Salt Lake City Olympics. Litsky spoke about friendship, prayer and teamwork.
Litsky recalled that it was his co-worker, Joe, turned their attention to faith. “We’re going to pray and have faith like we’ve never prayed and had faith before. And that’s what’s going to get us through this,” Litsky recalled Joe telling him.
“From that point forward, I’ve always prayed a lot more than I ever had prior to then.”
Quinlan, an eighth-grade student from Holy Cross Academy, Rumson shared what resonated with him from the speaker.
“Friends help friends. This is something very important to me,” the multi-sport CYO athlete said.
Bernardo, a senior soccer player from Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, echoed Bishop O’Connell’s message.
“When you’re playing the game, it’s easy to see the other opponent as a rival. It’s always important to remember that they’re a friend at the end of the day. It may be difficult to see that, but after the game ends, you shake hands and leave it all out there.”
Anthony, a senior basketball player from Donovan Catholic High School, Toms River, also reflected on living his faith through sports.
“I think it’s important to spread the Gospel and just spread the word of God while you’re playing your sport. It’s not only important to spread God’s word in church or in class, but to do it everywhere, especially during sports.”
Brielle, a senior soccer player from Holy Cross Preparatory Academy, Delran, summed up what being a Catholic athlete means to her.
“Because I believe that everything in our lives is rooted in Christ. Sports are a major thing in my life. If Christ isn’t the center of that, then what am I doing?”
