Catholic Things to Do During Super Bowl Party

The 57th Super Bowl is just days away. By now, we are receiving invitations or planning for the annual event on Sunday, February 12th. It is a day of excitement, especially when one’s hometown team is in it.

For me, given my name, it is a big deal as the Philadelphia Eagles are back in the Super Bowl after a five-year hiatus. It was also when they won their first in franchise history in a neck-to-neck match against the Brady Bunch only to raise the Lombardi trophy on the wings of 53 Eagles (See what I did there?). 

Like the match-up five years ago, they’ll go up against one of the best rising stars of the game and team. Meanwhile, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni will go up against his former mentor and a familiar face to the franchise Andy Reid.

Now, many of us are looking for ways to implement Catholic activities on Super Bowl Sunday. Here are just some of the things to do.

Attend Mass

Easier said than done, right? Well, Sunday Mass comes first before the celebration. We should be doing this every given Sunday anyway.  Please don’t sing the Eagles’ fight song or do the tomahawk chop during Mass. After Mass is fine but do it when outside of the House of God. The church is a place of prayer and worship. Mass is the celebration of our lord’s sacrifice. For college students, Newman Centers may have it at a special time. 

Halftime Rosary

I remember a story of how a grandfather would turn the game off at halftime and have his kids and grandkids gather in the living room to pray the rosary. My initial thought is, “YES”. We do need more praying as opposed to watching vulgar halftime entertainment. What a great way to talk to mom until the second half starts. Be sure to include the end of human trafficking, the holy father, and the increase of holy vocations as the intentions of the rosary.  

Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3

The game will start at 6:30 PM EST. Most parties will begin by that time. Kick it off with prayers. Offer it for victims of sex trafficking as the Super Bowl host city sees an uptick in this heinous crime against women.

Evening and Night Prayer Before and After the Game

If with fellow Catholics, prayer should be said throughout the event. Print up the prayers for that day. Listen to the Catechism in a Year or Bible in a Year episode and discuss it.

Icebreakers

Surely, there will be people attending for the first time. It will be amazing to make them feel welcome to share who they are, their interests, or what drives them to live out their Catholic faith.

Regardless of who wins, the Super Bowl party will be a fun atmosphere for all. Don’t shy away from putting faith at the center of the gathering.