High School Football Pre-Game Adoration & Benediction
Celebrating Catholic Identity Through Ceremony
In a powerful display of unity and faith, the football teams and cheerleaders of two Catholic High Schools in Florida namely, Ft. Pierce John Carroll High School and Boca Raton St. John Paul II Academy came together for a unique pre-game Adoration and Benediction ceremony. This event, held at John Carroll High School and led by Father Richard George pastor of St. Anastasia, highlighted the beauty of Catholic identity and the importance of Christ in all areas of life, even athletics. The gathering served as a profound reminder of the faith that binds Catholic school communities and the ultimate goal of life—eternal union with God.
The Role of Ceremony in Catholic Education
Ceremonies like this are vital in Catholic education. They provide students with tangible experiences of the faith’s depth and beauty, offering moments to encounter Christ in ways that resonate beyond the classroom. By uniting prayer with the shared experiences of sports, the event demonstrated that faith is not compartmentalized but permeates every aspect of life. The Eucharistic focus of the ceremony reminded everyone present of the source and summit of Catholic identity: Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Virtue = Strength: A Focus on Formation
This event was organized in conjunction with the Virtue = Strength program, which helps Catholic schools cultivate virtue, ceremony, and a deeper focus on their identity in Christ. Through intentional moments like these, students not only grow in their personal faith but also strengthen their sense of community and purpose. The program’s emphasis on virtue reminds young people that true success is not measured by earthly achievements but by their journey toward holiness and heaven.
A Legacy of Faith
Under the leadership of Josh Kimmelmann of John Carroll HS and Lou Judd of Virtue = Strength, this event beautifully showcased how Catholic schools can integrate faith into every dimension of student life. The presence of athletes, cheerleaders, coaches, and families highlighted the communal aspect of devotion, inspiring a love for Christ in the Eucharist. Through such ceremonies, Catholic schools continue to teach students the ultimate goal of life: to love and serve God wholeheartedly and lead others to love Him and be with Him in Heaven for all eternity. Some very exciting plans are already under way to make next year’s event even more special! If you would like to see this happen at your school, please reach out
