“The split between the Gospel and culture is without doubt the drama of our time, just as it was in other times. Therefore, every effort must be made to ensure a full evangelization of culture, or more correctly, of cultures. They have to be regenerated by an encounter with the Gospel.” Pope Paul VI, Evangelii Nuntiandi #20
The Goal of the Message of Hope Foundation: To Propose the Hope of Jesus Christ in common and uncommon places.
Are we athletes/coaches/fans/parents who are trying to fit our faith into sports?
Or
Are we children of God participating in sports?
The Message of Hope Foundation understands the importance and positive influence that sports can have in today’s culture, yet we also believe that at its root, there is a great contradiction that reflects the inner turmoil found in many who take part in sports. On one hand, we recognize that sports can give us a sense of discipline in our work ethic and a sense of community by being part of a team despite our race, religion, or socio-economic background. While on the other hand we recognize that the same culture of sports can sometimes fuel a sense of unhealthy power and dominance over others, while promoting and embellishing an unhealthy and unclear definition of competition which often times leads to the exploitation of others and the erosion of our ability to make moral and ethical decisions on and off of the field.
Proposing a “Message of Hope”
Join us in the conversation to renew the athletic culture. Join us as we invite hope in our young athletes, propose a sense of purpose to our coaches, and to help promote the unconditional love in words and deeds from the parents on the sidelines. Join us as we propose Christ’s “Message of Hope” to the stands and playing fields of our communities.
With your support we can continue to provide these services to the community.
Presentations:
Sports from the Heart:
A comprehensive workshop and seminar that: looks at the current present day realities of today’s sports culture, discusses cultural issues at the root of much of today’s sports negative issues, while providing a foundation to build a healthy athletic community for coaches, parents, and players. For more information…Click Here
Coaching from the Heart:
A comprehensive workshop and seminar that: highlights the important role and impact of being an athletic coach in today’s American culture, while providing ideas and practical tools to create a healthy atmosphere for your players and parents. For more information… Click Here
Summer FCA Scholarship Program:
The Message of Hope Foundation is teaming up with The Daniel Foundation (www.danielfoundation.net) to co-sponsor a scholarship program so that any interested young man from Phoenixville high school can attend a summer sports camp run by ‘The Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ (FCA). For more information… Click Here
Proposing Christ to Sports (Website) Coming Soon:
An interactive place full of prayers, introspection, ideas, conversation, and thought-provoking discussions on ways we can live out our faith in today’s sports culture. This will have resources for coaches, players, and parents who are “wrestling” with trying to be faithful to their Christian ideals as they participate in sports. More details will be coming soon.
Baseball Lessons: (Coming Soon)
Founder/Director of the Message of Hope Foundation, Brett Illig, will be offering baseball instruction with a faith and community component. More details will follow.
Publication:
Integrating Faith and Sports
A weekly reflection that dissects today’s sports culture and its relevance to the Gospel. Click Here
If you would like to receive updates on our work within today’s Athletic Culture, please contact us to receive our monthly E-Newsletter.