The sounds of heavy bowling balls rolling down the lanes, and pins falling over in unison, mixed with chatter, laughter and cheers from children and teens who gathered for a very special evening with Bishop Richard Reidy.
Youngsters from around the Diocese of Norwich took over the lanes at the Norwich Bowling and Entertainment Center on August 19th for Bowling with the Bishop. Organized by the Office of Faith Events, it was a chance for the youth to not only meet the new bishop, but to come together in a joyful event, one of the last before the start of a new school year.
Bishop Reidy kicked off the festivities with the Athlete's Prayer:
"God, let me play well but fairly.
Help me to learn something that matters
once the game is over.
Let competition make me strong but never hostile.
Always let me help my opponent up.
Never catch me rejoicing in the adversity of others.
If I know victory, allow me to be happy; if I am denied, keep me from envy.
Remind me that sports are just games.
If through athletics I set an example,
let it be a good one. In Jesus' name, Amen"
The bishop later donned a pair of bowling shoes himself and carefully selected one of several dozen colorful bowling balls available. He joined a team of boys - Rex P., Daniel, Benjamin and Bradley - for a game.
The bishop also took plenty of opportunities to talk with the kids and parents, a little about bowling but also getting to know them and the role that faith and the Church holds in their lives.
Nearby, several of the Sisters of Charity and local priests also joined in their own games, teaming up with various young contestants on different teams. Among them were Sister Gabriela, Sister Irene and Father Alex Pandolfe.
All the bowlers and their family members who attended also chowed down on pizza and had cupcakes for dessert.
The evening of bowling follows a youth hike the bishop hosted several weeks prior, on July 19th at Hurd State Park in East Hampton. Like the hike, the bowling event proved very popular with families, and an initial planned session was expanded as more and more signed up.
By Ryan Blessing
