Book Review: Holy Goals for Body and Soul

Holy Goals for Body and Soul: 8 Steps to Connect Sports withGod and Faith
by Bishop Thomas John Paprocki with Joe Paprocki
Notre Dame: Ave Maria Press, 2013

Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of Springfield, Illinois, is a hockey-playing, marathon-running bishop known as the “Holy Goalie” by those he plays hockey with.  In keeping with the Ignatian idea of “finding God in all things,” he wrote Holy Goals for Body and Soul to inspire teens and young adults to find the spiritual in the world of sports. 

Bishop Paprocki focuses on eight key lessons that can be learned from sports and applied to life and one’s relationship with God:  overcoming fear, dealing with frustration, coping with failure, developing fortitude, cultivating faith, valuing family, forging friendships, and having fun.

Writing in a conversational style, Paprocki shares stories from his own experiences as well as inspirational stories about others. He offers concrete advice for living a faith-filled life while taking care of one’s body at the same time. 

While this book is geared towards young people, those a little further along life’s path, especially those who are athletes, will appreciate the lessons as well.