Diocese of Columbus
Recreation Association 

197 East Gay Street
Columbus, OH  43215-3229

(614) 241-2580

The objectives of our program are to unite the youth of our parishes and to help promote their spiritual, physical and
social welfare by bringing Catholic truths, principles and ideas into their everyday life.  The programs are intended
to be character builders, reflecting the ideals of good sportsmanship and Christianity.

Marty Raines
Executive Director
Director of Girls Athletics 
(614) 241-2580

Julius Palazzo
Director of Boys Athletics 
(614) 276-9373
 

National Center for Catholic Youth Sports

Message of Pope John Paul II to Athletes for the Jubilee of Sports People

"Your presence gives me the opportunity to shed light on the importance of sport, a discipline which, if
practiced in respect for the rules, becomes an educational instrument and a vehicle for important human
and spiritual values.  May today's initiative also serve to revitalize in each of you the commitment to ensure
that sport contributes to building a society characterized by mutual respect, loyalty of behavior, and solidarity
between peoples and cultures."       Pope Benedict XVI, September 21, 2005

"[The Church] considers sports as an instrument of education when elevated human and spiritual ideals are
fostered; when they form young people in a complete way in values such as loyalty, perseverance, friendship,
solidarity and peace. Sports, overcoming the diversity of cultures and ideologies, provide the ideal occasion for
dialogue and understanding among people for the construction of the desired civilization of love.  I therefore
invite you, to put into practice these values, based on the dignity of the human person, in the face of possible
interests that can cast a shadow on the nobility of sports."       Pope John Paul II, September 16, 2002