Thomas Paprocki

Bishop Thomas John Paprocki has written a splendid book on the connections between faith and sports. Highlighting his own experience as a hockey goalie (he's known as the "holy goalie") and marathon runner he explains how participating in athletics helps us see God's presence in eight areas of life: fear, frustration, failure, fortitude, faith, family, friendship, and fun.

The book is punctuated by stories from the bishop's own life -- playing floor hockey in the basement of his father's pharmacy, his frustrations when knee surgery kept him off the ice -- as well as from various professional and amateur athletes he has worked with as an adviser to Catholic Athletes for Christ and as the National LIFE Runners Team Chaplain.

The style is accessible and makes it an ideal read for adolescents and young adults. I heartily recommend this book to athletes and sports fan alike who wish to further their own spiritual journey.

Disclosure: Bishop Paprocki is the bishop of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, my employer.… (más)