Eight Catholics from around Australia recently completed Sports Chaplaincy Australia’s six-week course after receiving sponsorship from the National Centre for Evangelisation (NCE).
The course provides individuals with the skills necessary to serve as a sports chaplain at any level – amateur to professional – and is run by the national peak body for sports chaplains.
This year, for the first time, the NCE offered sponsorships for Catholics to complete the training. Upon completion of the course, participants are now eligible to apply for accreditation with SCA as a sports chaplain and to be placed in a sporting club.
Mary-Anne de Luca, from the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, said the course content was highly engaging and relevant, making the training an enjoyable experience.
“It was an absolute joy and a very thought-provoking experience to undertake the course with a group of genuine people across different Christian denominations,” she said.
“The facilitators, Steve and Allie, led with excellence, compassion and good humour. They were very attentive to our learning needs, and it felt like receiving a masterclass in sports chaplaincy from industry experts.
“A key message I have been reflecting on is the idea of ministry as guest. When invited into a sports team and its culture, sports chaplains enter as volunteers, with no motive other than to offer quality pastoral care and to be a living witness to the real presence of Christ’s love and mercy. It is always so energising to be in a space where you are encouraged to strengthen your prayer life as an essential part of the role.”
Mary-Anne said the training was an ideal way for her to combine her love of sport with her passion for the Catholic faith.
“I realised that the circles I surround myself with are very Church-centred, and I hoped this course would give me the tools to step beyond that comfort zone to bring the Gospel to people I might otherwise never meet,” she explained.
“Having now completed the course, I feel equipped and ready to grow as a sports chaplain and missionary disciple.”
Jince Mathew from Melbourne said he found the course “incredibly useful” and would be seeking accreditation to be a sports chaplain in his community.
“What impacted me most was the simple yet profound concept of being present; being available, being visible, and creating space for conversation,” Jince said.
“I feel like I’ve received a new toolbox full of practical strategies to live this mission. The training also allowed me to collaborate with men and women from diverse denominations and backgrounds, forming a supportive community committed to bringing Jesus into the world of sports.”
Sue Schulz from Adelaide said the material covered in the training course highlighted the importance of active listening, being authentic, and being truthful.
“I’ve heard from RCIA participants that they come to the faith because they have seen an example of someone and they want what they have,” she said.
“This seems to be a common theme across the stories I heard at the training about how people of any Christian faith have a ‘difference’ to them that others can see.
“For me, the training reinforces what I have been trying to do as a netball coach for many years; to be present for the girls, not just on the court or training but at all times, to build relationship with them and to be an example of living a life of faith in a modern, secular world.”
The NCE will continue to offer sponsorships for Catholics to complete SCA’s sports chaplaincy training course in 2026; either in-person or online. For more information and to apply, visit https://nce.catholic.org.au/sports-chaplaincy-training
Image: Supplied
Words: Matthew Biddle