Allentown, Pa., Feb 10, 2010 / 15:39 pm
At a recent Catholic Youth Organization basketball clinic in Pennsylvania, Bishop John Barres of the Diocese of Allentown gave young athletes a few pointers on improving their game and their faith life.
The Feb. 1 event, called “Buckets with the Bishop,” took place during Catholic Schools Week at the former Cardinal Brennan High School.
Bishop Barres, who played basketball for Princeton, spent time teaching the kids basic basketball skills, helped them make connections between sports and the Catholic faith and even took on Fr. Joel Kiefer in a three point shooting contest.
“I believe that a team sport like basketball teaches young people sacrifice, leadership and generosity – all qualities that are key to the building up of a vibrant Catholic Church,” Bishop Barres told CNA on Monday. “I found in basketball, when I dedicated practice, drills, basketball camps and games to Christ, the experience became so much richer.”