Holy Goals for Body and Soul

by Thomas John Paprocki, Joe Paprocki

Hockey-playing Catholic bishop Thomas J. Paprocki has a message for teens and young athletics and fitness provide daily ways to connect with God. Bishop Paprocki weaves his unique personal story with eight athletic topics and connects them with a path to wholeness. Holy Goals for Body and Soul links lessons from the world of sports and fitness--especially the experiences of a Catholic bishop who plays ice hockey--with concrete ways to live a holy life. In Bishop Paprocki's view, everyone is called to holiness, which can be encountered "I encounter holiness while training for a marathon. I encounter holiness during a workout at the health club." He explores eight sports-related topics to help the reader navigate a life of

1. Fear
2. Frustration
3. Failure
4. Fortitude
5. Faith.
6. Friendship
7. Family
8. Fun

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports

145 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 2013

Reviews

[Jack Connolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great reminder what it means to play the sports we love. Does the book have strong religious themes throughout: yes. Will those who don’t share similar religious beliefs have trouble with this book: not necessarily. As a bishop, the author certainly is within his right to add what he believes to his book. What I enjoyed wasn’t that, but the pure love he has for hockey and, as a fan myself, can certainly relate. Also, most of the material transcends hockey in a way that I feel even non-fans will enjoy. I recommend this book for people who love to play any sports, hockey especially (though not required). Again, going back to earlier, religion is certainly a focal point in this book as well (he ends each chapter with a prayer). I still think people will enjoy the book universally in that it focuses on finite ideas when it comes to what helps us succeed in athletics. I think everyone can learn a lesson from this book, and be open to discuss each and every chapter for what it means to us as readers/athletes/etc. A solid read, I certainly recommend it.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great reminder that sports are today’s equivalent of a medieval joust and sword tournament. It reminds us that winning isn’t everything, and a good team player submits to authority on rulings. Because I have not been partial to the sports department in newspapers, I never knew they called them “the toy department.” All mocking is done in jest, and I love it. Also, I might have to read one book by Fr James (Jim) Martin, SJ because the good bishop had to mention him, and we must always remember that the Catholic Church is not only made up of trads only but normies and people afflicted by every human ailment under the sun.

It would be fun to encourage a little boy to “play Mass” like the young Thomas Paprocki did as a kid. That is one of the sweetest stories.

[Deb Ramsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very easy and enjoyable to read. Personally I didn't find a lot of substance to the book but it was fun to read.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. While I'm a big fan of books that tie in things like sports with faith, I'm not a big hockey player or fan. So if this book hadn't landed in a pile I was committed to reading, I probably would have skipped it.

And if I had done that, I would have missed out.

Bishop Paprocki could probably write about just about anything and I would be following along enthusiastically, but I wouldn't have known that if I hadn't read this book. Paprocki writes in a down-to-earth, man-on-the-ice way, and he ties it in in a way that's decidedly not preachy. No, really.

This is a book for the young men in your life and the older of the young boys. Bishop Paprocki makes his points unapologetically and does what I absolutely love: he makes the Catholic faith manly. I mean, what's not manly about hockey and a bishop who loves nothing more than getting out on the ice and taking some hits with a puck?

Definitely a book to check out. I really enjoyed it.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good light read from my favorite Bishop, "The Holy Goalie." And a great book for teen boys.