With the 2017 World Series upon us, take time to share the story of Andre Ethier, an outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who always makes time for Sunday Mass within a hectic season. The story is taken from Meeting Jesus in the Sacraments (2nd Edition) from Ave Maria Press. Also share other players in this year’s World Series who attended Catholic high schools or colleges.

Do you feel that it’s hard for you to get to Mass? Think about Catholic professional athletes in any of the major sports who play games on Sundays. Have you ever wondered if, and how, these Catholic athletes are able to set aside time on Sunday for going to Mass in the midst of preparing for and playing an important, high-pressure game?

One person who does this successfully is Andre Ethier, an outfielder who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers. A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Andre has revealed in interviews that his Catholic faith has played an important part in his life. Andre says, “It’s developed me into the person I am. And to shun away from that just because you’re supposed to be more vanilla in certain areas, it wouldn’t be me. I’m always trying to portray myself as who I really am, so that’s definitely part of me—the faith part.”

Because Sunday is a game day, Sunday Mass takes a little planning ahead for a major league baseball player. Andre explains, “People ask me, ‘On Sundays, why do you always come dressed up?’ It’s because either I’ve come from church or I am going to go to church following the game.” Occasionally, for home games, the Dodgers provide a team chaplain to say Mass in a room adjacent to the team’s clubhouse.

Andre finds that Sunday Mass is “a great time to be able to clear your mind and think about where you’re at in general. Sometimes things get out of perspective pretty quickly. So no matter what happens, good or bad, you gotta keep steady in that faith.”

Asked, “How hard is it, being in professional sports, to practice your faith?” Andre answers: “For me it starts probably with the most basic and simple—going to Mass every Sunday, and making a point to do that.” Andre continues: “The faith won’t lead you wrong. It’s led me right the whole way, and I still go to church every Sunday. I love it, and I’m glad to be involved and I’m glad to be a part of that Catholic community.”

 

World Series Players Who Attended Catholic High Schools or Colleges

 

Houston Astros

Evan Gattis, Designated Hitter

Bishop Lynch High School

Dallas, TX

 

Luke Gregerson, Right-handed Pitcher

St. Xavier University

Chicago, IL

 

Dallas Keuchel Left-handed Pitcher

Bishop Kelley High School

Tulsa, OK

 

Lance McCullers Jr. Right-handed Pitcher

Jesuit High School

Tampa, FL

 

Los Angeles Dodgers

Andre Ethier, Outfielder

St. Mary’s High School

Phoenix, AZ

 

Kyle Farmer, Catcher

Marist High School

Atlanta, GA

 

Logan Forsythe, Infielder

Christian Brothers High School

Memphis, TN