At CYO Opening Mass, young people urged to put God at the center of their lives
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
By Maria Paz Duarte|Correspondent
The Mercer County Catholic Youth Organization commenced its 61st basketball season with a Mass celebrated by Father Dennis Apoldite, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, Nov. 2. Members of the basketball team, cheerleaders, parents and supporters gathered together to encourage the teams for the upcoming season and reward athletes and volunteers who excelled last season.
Click here to view photo gallery on this story.
In his homily, Father Apoldite reflected on the First Reading from Ecclesiastes, which mentioned that there is time for all the things that happen in people’s lives – there is time to be born, a time to live and a time to love. Similarly, Father Apoldite told the gathering that there is time to start off the new season on the right foot, putting God as our first coach. He also emphasized the importance of placing God at the center of their lives.
“When we ask God for help it is because we have him in our minds and that’s what makes God happy, to have him as our center point all the times no matter how big or small we are.” Father Apoldite stated. He added that when young people realize that God is first in their lives, they will also find it easier when dealing with difficult issues such as peer pressure and other problems they might encounter.
“They know that they can ask God for help and that God will always be there to help and he will take care of everything,” said Father Apoldite.
Diane Trial, a retired basketball coach from the CYO team in St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton, was very excited to attend the opening Mass, then spoke of the hard work that goes in to making a “great team.”
Even though she is no longer a coach, Trail continues to hold special memories of her coaching days.
John Ramirez, a new basketball player for Trenton Catholic Academy, Hamilton, looks forward to playing basketball for the CYO.
“I can’t wait to do my first shoot. I love basketball and this is my first time playing on a team. I will do my best to help win our first game,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez’s mother, Kathy Brenes, added how blessed she feels that her son has the opportunity to play for the CYO.
“It is a great honor that my son can play his first game, and I thank God for placing him here and letting him be part of the team,” she said. “Everyone made him feel so welcome and I feel so joyful for my son.”
Click here to read about CYO's special construction grant.
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By Maria Paz Duarte|Correspondent
The Mercer County Catholic Youth Organization commenced its 61st basketball season with a Mass celebrated by Father Dennis Apoldite, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, Nov. 2. Members of the basketball team, cheerleaders, parents and supporters gathered together to encourage the teams for the upcoming season and reward athletes and volunteers who excelled last season.
Click here to view photo gallery on this story.
In his homily, Father Apoldite reflected on the First Reading from Ecclesiastes, which mentioned that there is time for all the things that happen in people’s lives – there is time to be born, a time to live and a time to love. Similarly, Father Apoldite told the gathering that there is time to start off the new season on the right foot, putting God as our first coach. He also emphasized the importance of placing God at the center of their lives.
“When we ask God for help it is because we have him in our minds and that’s what makes God happy, to have him as our center point all the times no matter how big or small we are.” Father Apoldite stated. He added that when young people realize that God is first in their lives, they will also find it easier when dealing with difficult issues such as peer pressure and other problems they might encounter.
“They know that they can ask God for help and that God will always be there to help and he will take care of everything,” said Father Apoldite.
Diane Trial, a retired basketball coach from the CYO team in St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton, was very excited to attend the opening Mass, then spoke of the hard work that goes in to making a “great team.”
Even though she is no longer a coach, Trail continues to hold special memories of her coaching days.
John Ramirez, a new basketball player for Trenton Catholic Academy, Hamilton, looks forward to playing basketball for the CYO.
“I can’t wait to do my first shoot. I love basketball and this is my first time playing on a team. I will do my best to help win our first game,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez’s mother, Kathy Brenes, added how blessed she feels that her son has the opportunity to play for the CYO.
“It is a great honor that my son can play his first game, and I thank God for placing him here and letting him be part of the team,” she said. “Everyone made him feel so welcome and I feel so joyful for my son.”
Click here to read about CYO's special construction grant.
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