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Dear CYO Athletics Community,
On Pentecost Sunday we are reminded of and celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit in our lives as Christians and disciples.
Jesus came to the disciples at a time when they were afraid. They did not know what was to come or what was expected of them. He instructed them to "Receive the Holy Spirit" and breathed upon them. It became known to them that there are "Many Gifts But One Spirit". This had to be, without a doubt, a powerful experience for them. It had to embolden them, strengthen them and move them from their place of anxiety and unrest. And yet, it was not enough that they were no longer afraid. More importantly, they were empowered so that they could "Go Forth and Serve".
We gathered last week for our 5th Annual Spring Athletic Director Meeting. Among us were approximately 40 athletic directors, board members, coaches, commissioners and staff. We discussed the past year, proposed program changes and issues we need to address in the future. Recommendations were made to the Athletics Advisory Committee which will meet next week to finalize our implementation plan for 2012-13. As we gathered and shared perspectives, it was clear how different each one of us is and yet how important those involved in the different aspects of leadership all are for making the program the best it can be.
For the service of these committed individuals who volunteer their time, expertise and gifts to the youth of CYO Athletics, we are grateful. The gifts and fruits of the experience of our youth would not happen without them.
I was struck recently by the story of Bethany Hamilton, the professional surfer on whose life the recent hit movie, "Soul Surfer" was based. She had an idea at a young age of her goals both as a surfer and a Christian. Then a shark attack threatened to change all of that.
This incident could have derailed her vision of her life and what she could accomplish. She could have stayed angry, afraid, disappointed. But because of the strength of her faith and support of others around her, she was emboldened. The shark attack became a catalyst. It became a heightened opportunity, in her own words, to become a "Light for the World".
At this time of Pentecost, we are grateful for the Holy Spirit in our lives and the gifts and fruits we have received through its presence. And yet, like the early disciples and Bethany Hamilton, we are each called to go forth and serve with what we have been given.
Who among us is called to be light for the world by using our gifts for greater involvement in CYO Athletics?
Who among us is called to be an event volunteer, a referee a coach, a board member, a commissioner?
Lord, Send Out Your Spirit and Renew the Face of the Earth
Blessings,
~Tauno Latvala
Director of CYO Athletics | 
