Catholic sports enthusiasts in Darwin are engaging in a highly practical way of combining their love of sport with their faith by training to become sports chaplains.
Daniel Ryan and Dean Chisholm recently completed a six-week online course with Sports Chaplaincy Australia, responding to an invitation from Darwin’s Bishop Charles Gauci.
The pair have been involved in local sport for many years in Darwin, as coaches and players, with Daniel previously representing Australia in kayaking.
Dean, who is in formation for the permanent diaconate and is part of the diocese’s Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, said sport was a particularly significant part of social life in Darwin.
“Everyone here is playing two or three sporting codes at once; most families just roll into different codes all year round,” he said.
“I think sport chaplains are really needed here, especially in this day and age, with so many life challenges and pressures.”
With a background playing Australian Rules football, kayaking professionally, umpiring and coaching, Daniel said he sees many parallels between sport and faith.
“Something I see in sport is discipline, which is essential for growth in faith,” he said.
“Also, in sport you generally have to prepare a lot and the rewards are delayed. We live in an instant culture, but in sport, many work for 10 months to hold up a trophy at the end of the year. Our faith is very similar in that we work towards something in the future.”
The training course highlighted several key aspects of sports chaplaincy, Daniel said.
“It’s a ministry of presence… and you reach the people on the periphery as well, which is something I’m fascinated by,” he said.
“Sport in general tends to gravitate towards the player with the best skills or the biggest name, but in sports chaplaincy, everyone’s equal – the weakest or the newest player on the team is no less than the person who scores all the goals.”
Bishop Gauci said the Diocese of Darwin had identified sports chaplaincy as a valuable area for ministry.
“We see it as a way to meet people where they are, particularly in spaces like sports fields that are central to community life in Darwin,” he said.
“The increasing recognition of chaplaincy's role in fostering community well-being has accelerated these efforts.
“We hope this training inspires more Catholics, both staff and laypeople, to embrace this ministry. Sports chaplaincy is an excellent way to live out our faith in action – supporting individuals and communities through presence, encouragement, and pastoral care.”
Sporting events in Darwin are unique meeting places for people of all ages and backgrounds, Bishop Gauci said, giving sports chaplains a wonderful opportunity to connect with people in a meaningful, grassroots way.
“The Church can provide much-needed pastoral support, offering a listening ear and spiritual guidance to players, coaches, and families,” he said.
“By being present in these spaces, the Church can also foster a sense of belonging and inclusion, creating opportunities for reflection and connection. Importantly, chaplains can help promote values like respect, integrity, and community spirit within sports.”
Bishop Gauci said engaging in the area of sport, whether it be as a participant or chaplain, provided a great opportunity for Catholics to witness to their faith.
“In sporting communities, chaplains can act as a bridge between faith and everyday life, demonstrating Christ’s love through their support, encouragement and care for all involved – regardless of faith background,” he said. “It’s a way to be salt and light in a space where many lives intersect.
“We’re excited to see how this ministry will grow and enrich lives in our diocese.”
Links
Sports Chaplaincy Australia
Chaplaincy (National Centre for Evangelisation)
Open the Way to Christ: Fostering a Pastoral Ministry of Sport
Words: Matthew Biddle
Images: Lightstock; Australian Catholic Bishops Conference