Campus Olympics offer parallels to the Christian experience

By Fr. Derek Thome

A little friendly competition never hurt anyone – actually I would say it can help. Nearly 250 Catholic College students competed at Wichita’s Kapaun Mount Carmel Catholic High School for the coveted Campus Olympics trophy, gathering for more than sports, or rosary tying. 

Every year, campus centers from around the state gather to compete in events from volleyball and the 100-yard dash to chess and cornhole. Not only does the event feature something for everyone, but it also began with Eucharistic adoration and a holy hour, providing an opportunity for all to gather as one, even though the chapel was spotted with team colors from around the state. Additionally, thanks to the Knights of Columbus councils from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Church of the Magdalen, students were able to share a meal together at lunchtime.

A few days after the event took place, a brother priest offered a critique, suggesting, “No one takes it as seriously as you guys do.” And that’s a criticism I’m willing to receive. Throughout the day, several students offered comments such as “it’s very clear that Pitt State has such a tight-knit community.” These types of observations demonstrate the beauty of the Incarnation, that God allows everything we do to draw us closer. 

In all truthfulness, in previous years, this event has been a springboard for some students on the periphery of our ministry to get more involved and find their places. Although winning a competition may be a reason to take pride in your school, I told students a few days later in a homily that this trophy and the training we do to compete for it, remind us of our pursuit of the true victory of the cross, the training needed to pursue it, and the need to bring others with us. In order to win, we must be united. 

“This year, we almost lost because of losing nearly every tug of war, so here is a little coaching,” I said. In the Acts of the Apostles we hear “the community of believers was of one heart and mind … with great power the Apostles bore witness” (Acts 4:32-33). When we work together, acting like Barnabas (whose name means “son of encouragement”) by cheering each other on in the different temptations or sins to avoid; if we work together to be a community of mercy in seeking the Sacrament of Confession; and if we commit ourselves to prayer, the teaching of the Apostles, and the breaking of the bread, then our communal life (Acts 2:42) will be one of pulling the rest of campus to the altar of victory. 

So whether or not I take the competition too seriously, I suggest we should never take for granted the gospel mandate to go forth and make disciples of all nations. Campus Olympics is a chance to come together, and as St. Pius X Catholic Student Center on the Campus of Pittsburg State University has shown for the past two years, we are alive in Christ, a community of believers who do not want to miss out on a chance to partake in the victory of Christ!

Fr. Thome is chaplain of the St. Pius Catholic Student Center on the PSU campus.