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THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., June 14, 2002
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All-Star Day brings students together for fun, faith By MIKE GORDON ANCHOR STAFF
NORTH DARTMOUTH - Hundreds of young people from across the diocese gathered togetherrecently at Bishop Connolly and Bishop Stang high schools for "All-Star Day," with Chris Godfrey, sponsored by the diocesan Department of Education and Pro-Life Apostolate. Godfrey, a former right guard for the Super Bowl XXI .. Champion New York Giants, is president of Life Athletes and author ofa new diocesan program '''That's Where I Live," guide to good relationships. He visited with students and took the opportunity to speak with them about virtues and abstinence, part of the Life Athletes pledge. . . The days included prayer, song, food, fun and fellowship for the sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students, many of whom have recently completed the diocesan program. Others will begin the class路 when school starts this fall. "It's a tremendous gift for the diocese to have Mr. Godfrey speak to our young people," said assistant director of the Pro-Life AlA'stolate, Marian Desrosiers. "He's a super guy and he brings a wonderful, positive message to our youth," she added. The All-Star Day featured stations of popular athletic events includ.ing yolleyball, Wiffle Ball, soccer, tennis, relay rates, kickball, basketball, 'flag football and track and field: Students chose two stations and spent time at both during the afternoon meeting many new friends and enjoying the activities. It was an opportunity to share in teamwork and reinforce values. Volunteers, including coaches, teachers, priests and recent graduates coordinated each station and shared personal witness with the youth. Each day began with song, prayer and a brief talk by Godfrey who welcomed and encouraged those gathered. "I hope today will be a memorable day for you," he said. "It is a reward for all your hard work." The curriculum Godfrey created helps students build a guide to good healthy relationships, revolving around four commitments. They are: I will try and do what is right even when it is difficult; I will give myself only to that special person that I marry as my partner for life; I will respect the lives of others especially the unborn and aged; and I will not quit or make excuses when I fail, but try again.
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SASHA ST. PIERRE of St. Anne School, Fall River, takes a swing during a Wiffle Ball game. (AnchodGordon photos)
FATHER KEVIN Cook, left, goes over the rules of soccer before his charges take to the field. At right, Chris Costa, Andrew Demoura and Brian Freitas from St. Francis Xavier School, Acushnet, prepare for flag football. Through those points it creates a respect for the dignity of life said Desrosiers. She said although students are not required to make the pledge when they go through the program, many do promise to hold up the ideals of the Life Athletes, joining more than 300 professional and Olympic athletes. "We are in a moral war in this country and the cost is our kids," said Desrosiers. "Our job is to teach them virtues." As Godfrey interacted with students he stressed that in order to be. happy one needs to learn how to love like God loves. "Love has to be a commitment. We live in a sexual oriented society, but we don't have to go along with it." He added that with God's help we are able to swim against the current. Godfrey is a great role model for the kids, said Jean Arsenault, assistant for the Pro-Life Apostolate. Godfrey stressed hard work is how one achieves success and referenced his football career. '''The difference between winners and losers is that winners get back up after they fall." Many stu,jents said it was a thrill to meet a professional football player and between smiles and enthusiasm many said they were enjoying the day. .'. Sasha St. Pierre of St. Anne School, Fall River, said, "I'm having a fun day." Connor O::Srien of Holy Trinity, West Harwich, thought it "was cool to meet Chris Godfrey," while seventh-grader Chris Costa of St. Anthony School, New : Bedford, stated he is "looking forward to participating," in the curriculum this fall. Eighth-grade te<:lcher Diane Troy ofHoly Trinity Regional SchOOl, West Harwich, said her students were enjoying the All-Star Day andwas happy with the '''That's Where I Live," curriculum. "It's a great teaching tool and good asset for children in the diocese," said Troy. "It's the right message at the right time." Jim McNamee, incoming principal at Bishop Connolly High School, agreed and said "it has been well received in the classroom," by both teachers and students. Each student was given a T-shirt with the Life Athletes slogan and logo. On the back it read, "Life Athletes: VIrtue, Abstinence, Respect Life. That's Where I Live." The Knights of Columbus donated the shirts and many were on hand to share the day. Bishop Sean P. O'Malley OFM Cap., arrived later in the
day to a standing ovation from students and teachers. Students displayed a large banner thanking Bishop O'Malley and many had posters with similar sentiments. He thanked Desrosiers and Godfrey and all involved in this "very important program." The bishop told students that it is "God's desire for us to be happy. That's why he made us. We're here to help you find the path that leads to happiness and God and we want you to find that happiness by having a good life." Father Stephen A. Fernandes, director of the Pro-Life Apostolate, said he "is extremely grateful that Chris Godfrey has once again taken time to come to the Diocese of Fall River to present his Gospel based, child and value centered message to so many of the kids of the diocese. He's one in a million." . He thanked Desrosiers for all her hard work and the many who made the program possible. Father Fernandes was also grateful to the principals of both high schools for use of their facilities. Desrosiers closed the program by thanking many people and stating to students "I am very proud of you. You are helping us build a new culture of life." . .,.,...,~"=".....",,,....,.,...,,..,,
STUDENTS ENJOYED this station where they competed in relay races. Here they prepare for one that involves finding one's shoes and sprinting back to their team.