Catholic Bowl lV (Faith, Freedom, Football)

On September 13 and 14^th, 2024, a unique event combining the excitement of high school football and the values of Catholic education and faith moves to its fourth successful year. This event highlights the significance of Catholic education and the responsibility and honor of patriotism and its ideals. The cornerstone phrase that ties it all together is “Faith, Freedom, and Football.” Catholic high school football, as an excellent platform, involves the faith community of players, coaches, cheerleaders, students, clergy, the band, parents, family, and other supporters. It emphasizes the importance of teamwork, values, and character. Whether crossing the goal line on the football field or achieving eternal life, the principles of knowledge, values, discipline, teamwork, and sacrifice are all in the same playbook.

The two-day event involving six Catholic High School teams from Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma starts with a special Team Mass on Friday evening, including a bishop celebrant, other clergy from each school, all players, cheerleaders, band, parents, and friends. The public is also encouraged to attend this special Eucharistic celebration. This year, the guest speaker after Mass and the honorary chairman of this Catholic Bowl is Admiral Patrick Walsh, US Navy (Ret), a Blue Angles pilot and former commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and vice chief of Naval Operations, to name a few distinguished positions. Admiral Walsh is currently President of Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep School. This year's Catholic Bowl proceeds will be dedicated to the Dallas and Ft Worth Cristo Rey schools.

In keeping with the event's tradition, special tributes are paid to our veteran heroes. Videos and stories honoring 9/11 heroes and our military, including Servant of God Father Emil Kapaun, a US Army Catholic Chaplain from the Korean War period who received the Medal of Honor, are significant parts of the event.

Patrick Steenberge, a 1970s-era quarterback for Notre Dame and Founder/President of globalfootball.com, is the creator of this event and heads the committee of distinguished individuals involved in various DFW Catholic initiatives. Patrick and a friend developed the idea of showcasing the merits of Catholic high school football by celebrating FAITH, FREEDOM, and FOOTBALL. After three successful years, the event is gaining traction. Catholic schools from other states are inquiring about game invitations and how to implement the Catholic Bowl in their regions. Being part of this growing tradition is a source of pride and honor.

Upon learning of the first Catholic Bowl event in 2021, Larry Hahn from Prince of Peace Plano Council 11716 called the organizer, Patrick Steenberg, and volunteered to help. Larry said it was a no-brainer. Catholic football and patriotism, “put me in coach”! Watching the kids and spectators enjoying the excitement of the competition under the banner of our Catholic faith and education systems is All-American at its best. Not to mention great fun for all. It lines up with our Knights's values and ideals. The Knights have gradually expanded their interest and support of this annual event as partners and promoters. Both the Diocese of Dallas and Ft. Worth have been primary supporters since its inception, with Bishop Burns and Bishop Olsen actively participating in the event.

Come to the team Mass and games if you want to be part of this unique display of Catholic faith and patriotism manifested in high school football competitions with all the pomp and pageantry. You won’t be disappointed:

September 13, 6 PM, Team Mass: Prince of Peace Parish, Plano. Reception to follow

September 14, Game Day. Three games: The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco (indoors)

• 1 PM Nolan Catholic, Ft Worth vs Little Rock Catholic, Arkansas
• 4:30 PM Bishop Lynch, Dallas vs Bishop McGuinness, Oklahoma City
• 8 PM Sacred Heart, Muenster vs John Paul ll, Plano

As a bonus, the Medal of Honor Museum Bus will be at The Ford Center during the afternoon.

Tickets can be purchased on Seat Geek “Catholic Bowl”