As the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles prepare to clash in Super Bowl LIX, Catholics and their friends gather for feasting, friendship, and a good fight.
Catholics love sports and enjoy games together. As Pope Francis has said:
Engaging in sports… rouses us to go beyond ourselves and our own self-interests in a healthy way; it trains the spirit in sacrifice and, if it is organized well, it fosters loyalty in interpersonal relations, friendship, and respect for rules.
Whether you’re playing on the field or watching from the couch, sports and sports celebrations draw us together in a deeply human way.
Here are nine ways a Superbowl party can reflect the culture that springs from our faith.
1. Feasting like it's a Solemnity
What’s a Super Bowl party without enough food to feed a monastery? Nachos, wings, and dips — even if the Saints aren’t playing, we can revel in the spread. We remember St. Paul’s wise words: “Drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach” (1 Tm 5:23) — but also, have a designated driver, because moderation is a virtue.
2. Brotherly love
Catholics love a good gathering, and what better excuse than football? Jesus said, “Where two or three are gathered in my name…” so start the party with a blessing (heck, invite your parish priest to give it!) and embrace the joy of friendship. Catholics get together a lot—Mass, parish picnics, fish fries—and while your Super Bowl party may not have incense (that’s just the wings burning), it still brings people together for something bigger than themselves. There’s real value in laughing, cheering, and groaning over bad ref calls as one, unified community.
3. Communion
No, we’re not comparing nachos to the Eucharist or your party to the Sacrifice of the Mass. There’s something special about sharing a meal and a moment. Football fans—especially those on opposite sides—may not always see eye to eye, but at least we can all unite over the universal truth that commercials should be funny and halftime should be wholesome.
4. The call to praise
Even St. Paul knew the power of sports: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race” (2 Tm 4:7). Watching elite athletes push themselves to the limit reminds us of the beauty of human effort. Whether you're marveling at a perfect pass or just celebrating that your team didn’t fumble, there's plenty to appreciate.
5. Holy debates (a.k.a. Yelling at the TV)
Catholics have been debating theology for centuries, so why not extend that energy to whether the receiver was actually out of bounds? From the great minds of St. Augustine to the armchair referees in your living room, spirited discussion is a Catholic tradition. Just keep it friendly, and no excommunications over bad calls.
6. The Ordo Amoris: Love of city, love of team
Cheering for your team is analogous to an act of patriotism! It’s not about blindly supporting every play, but rather embracing the deep connection to your hometown (or at least the place you decided to root for because you liked their mascot). Football, like faith, reminds us that we belong to something bigger than ourselves.
7. The pursuit of victory
Unlike Little League, the Super Bowl doesn’t give participation trophies. There’s a winner and a loser, and that’s okay! Sportsmanship — like sainthood — is about striving for greatness, whether that means winning with humility or losing with grace.
8. A halftime Hail Mary (not just the pass)
Teams have chaplains for a reason. Players know that victory isn’t just about strength—it’s also about heart. Before kickoff, say a quick prayer — not necessarily for your team to win (God isn’t picking sides), but for good sportsmanship, safety, and maybe just a little extra patience for that one friend who insists the refs are bought and paid for.
9. Forgiveness is key
If your team wins, be kind. If your team loses, be gracious. And if Uncle Joe double-dips in the guacamole again, try to forgive. At the end of the day, the Super Bowl is about more than just football—it’s about community, joy, and remembering that, win or lose, there’s always next season.