PARA program

I was pleased to attend several basketball games last Saturday, sponsored by our very own Parish Athletic Recreation Association (PARA). It was great seeing our grammar school students compete on the court while having a real fun time. Some of the students from the lower grades are no more than four feet tall but they can sure loft that ball in the air! Their coaches are splendid volunteers who give of their time and ability to help our youngsters develop their athletic skills as well as a sense of good sportsmanship and fair play. I must confess that I know very little about basketball but all the same, it was a thrill watching the kids get into the spirit of it all. Special thanks to Matt Boerke, the diocese’s director of youth and young adult ministry, for his wise and prudent leadership with our youth and young adults. PARA is one of his responsibilities and he gives it his all. By the way, basketball is not the only sport that PARA sponsors. The children also participate in volleyball in the fall and a track and field event in the summer.