Parish School of Religion Spiritual Olympics

The Spiritual Olympics’ program was originated by Father Tim Gareau. Like Olympians who have to practice a particular sport or athletic event, Catholics need to practice their faith. This program offers students the opportunity to actively participate in a lived experience of their faith outside of a classroom environment.

Using the five rings of the Olympic symbol, the Parish School of Religion designates five sessions of the year to these special gatherings. The children wear their Olympic t-shirt and/or a designated liturgical color of the day. They are also asked to bring their Religion books for use at the beginning of the session.

At a designated time, the children join together with their Jesus Buddy and move to sessions in the library, gym and Church. Each gathering includes a service outreach project benefiting a local charity, a fun Religion lesson on the theme of the month, and other activities such as music, storytelling, saint of the day, Church scavenger hunt or age-appropriate liturgical prayer service.

The Spiritual Olympic dates and colors for the 2007-08 school year are:

Date	Liturgical Color
October 1	Green
November 5	Yellow or Gold
December 3	Purple
January 7	Blue
April 7	Red

Monthly themes and service projects will be announced in August.