Game Day Formation

Dec. 1, 2025

Watching sports as a family can become an arena where we bring faith into play for our children

By Jason Godin

Dec. 1, 2025

Networks have been airing NFL and college football games since early September. For months now, games have kicked off from Thursday through Monday nights. As the push for the playoffs reaches its peak this month, here’s a family playbook for football fans — turning ordinary game time into an opportunity to reinforce your family’s Catholic faith and values.

Begin Sunday mornings with Mass. Countless studies confirm the claim that when both parents — especially fathers — are present in the pews, faith is much more likely to be “caught,” as well as taught, for future generations. Since 2007, an increasing number of NFL games have been played at international sites on Sunday mornings. For nearly 20 years, then, we’ve had the chance to show our children that their relationship with God should take priority over any game.

Let them know you value time together. For many families, a typical week includes shuttling kids to all manner of practices, lessons, play dates and extracurricular activities. The pace can be frenetic. Spending time together to watch the game can serve as a welcome pause — a chance to simply be together. Let your children know how much such time matters to you — and how you hope it matters to them, too.

Be honest about the ads. When the game cuts to break, help your kids think critically. It’s fine to laugh when a one-liner scores — but don’t hesitate to “throw a flag” when a commercial crosses the line or sends the wrong message about human life or love. These conversations help bring the wisdom of the faith beyond the Sunday homily and into your home.

Bow out of blowouts. Only three teams in NFL history have come back to win a game after trailing by 25 points or more at halftime. When a game is clearly out of reach, turn it off. Use that extra time to wash the dishes, go on a walk, or toss the football around with your kids.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that family life is where we typically “learn moral values, begin to honor God, and make good use of freedom” (2207). Simply watching a football game can become a forum for engaging the culture through the eyes of faith. We just have to take the opportunity — and snap to it

*****

JASON GODIN is a married father of two and a member of Archbishop John Roach Council 10031 in Chanhassen, Minn.

Supper at Emmaus (oil on canvas) by Rembrandt (1606-1669) (Photo Josse / Bridgeman Images)

Game Day Formation

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