This is the article that appeared in the October 2023 edition of Catalyst, our monthly journal. The date that prints out reflects the day that it was uploaded to our website. For a more accurate date of when the article was first published, check out the news release, here.
On September 29, the Arizona Diamondbacks hosted a “Catholic Night” at Chase Field. This was the first of its kind in Arizona, or in any other baseball park.
Last year, Catholics, and those from other faith communities, turned out in big numbers to attend the first “Faith and Family Night” game; another one was held in August. But the “Catholic Night” event was different: it was a joint effort by the Diamondbacks and the Diocese of Phoenix.
There were four levels of tickets, ranging from $24 to $46. The Diamondbacks pledged $5 of each ticket will go to the diocese’s “Catholic School Support 365” program. It provided funding for Catholic families who need assistance to pay tuition due to a hardship situation—medical emergencies, lost jobs, death of a parent or sibling—allowing them to grow in their Catholic faith.
In June, we led a culture war against the Los Angeles Dodgers for honoring a vile anti-Catholic gay group, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. The message was delivered to Major League Baseball—Catholics are fed up being insulted by the elites. That is why events like “Catholic Night” are welcomed. It is a stark rebuke to religious bigots.
We were delighted to have our email subscribers congratulate the Arizona Diamondbacks and Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of Phoenix; we received media coverage and much chatter on social media. The diocese declared “Catholic Night” a huge success.
