Lion Athletes 4 Christ Opens the Fall Season in Prayer

NDCL student-athletes began the fall season with a reminder that while winning is the goal, transformation is our purpose.

On Thursday, fall student-athletes and members of the Marching Band voluntarily gathered in the Annunciation Chapel for the Lion Athletes 4 Christ Fall Prayer Service, an opportunity to dedicate the upcoming season, their teams, and their talents to God.

Lion Athletes 4 Christ (LA4C) began last school year through a partnership with NDCL Campus Ministry as a way to intentionally connect faith and athletics. The group encourages student-athletes to recognize that their sport is more than something they do, it is another opportunity to live out their faith, grow as leaders, and use their God-given gifts for a greater purpose.
This year, Carmen Cirino ’27 and Elizabeth Keefe ’27 are helping lead LA4C in collaboration with fellow student-athletes and Campus Ministry.

During Thursday’s prayer service, students heard from Campus Minister Nick Carillon, Athletic Director Ryan Miller, and Fr. Jim Caddy, each offering encouragement and perspective as athletes prepare for the season ahead. Together, they challenged students to recognize the unique platform athletics provides and to approach competition with purpose, excellence, and faith.
Fr. Caddy also offered a special blessing over the athletes, musicians, and the equipment they will use throughout the fall season. Students brought items including cleats, shoes, gloves, instruments, and other equipment to be blessed.

Students were also invited to select a Scripture verse and write it directly on their equipment, giving them a visible reminder throughout the season of who and what they are competing for.
The message of the morning centered on a simple challenge: Compete for His Glory. Inspired by 1 Corinthians 10:31- “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God”, student-athletes were encouraged to pursue excellence, compete with passion, be great teammates, and represent themselves, their teams, and NDCL well.

Throughout the 2026-27 school year, Lion Athletes 4 Christ will continue to meet and provide opportunities for NDCL student-athletes to connect athletics with their faith through prayer, Scripture, fellowship, team chapels, service, and other events.

All NDCL students are invited to be part of LA4C. Students interested in becoming involved can connect with Carmen Cirino ’27, Elizabeth Keefe ’27, or Campus Ministry for more information about upcoming meetings and opportunities.

As our Lions begin another year of competition, the challenge is clear:
Compete hard. Pursue excellence. Represent NDCL well. Do it all for His Glory.