Sr. Mary Jo takes in the homerun celebration and videoboard replay and shares with her 180k Instagram followers as the White Sox jumped out to an early lead.
On Sunday afternoon, 29,767 people were in attendance to see the Chicago White Sox win their final game of the season before they headed to Houston for the playoffs – about 125 of them seated in Section 162 in left field were Catholic priests, brothers, sisters, people in religious formation, and consecrated people.
The Archdiocese of Chicago Office for Religious led an outing for members of Chicagoland religious communities. Earlier this season, the White Sox sparked great joy with a “pope hat” giveaway day, complete with Sr. Mary Jo Sobieck, OP, throwing out the first pitch while wearing a White Sox uniform over her habit and a mid-game Sign of Peace for the 40,000 recipients of a miter-style Sox hat. So, Sr. Mary Jo partnered with Sr. Mary Beth Bromer, CSSF, the archdiocesan vicar for religious, and a network of vocation ministers, gathered in part by Fr. John Eustice, CSV, through a summit meeting back in April.
Left to right, Fr. John, John’s mother Natalie, Br. Tony, and Ann.
“As Vicar for Religious, I believe events like this are important because they provide a joyful and visible witness to consecrated life, especially when many people encounter us only in ministry settings,” Sr. Mary Beth said. “These events remind others that religious priests, sisters, and brothers are people who enjoy friendship, recreation, and community life together. Bringing women and men religious together from other congregations strengthens relationships, builds community, and reflects our shared mission in the Church.”
Fr. John and Br. Tony Davies represented the Clerics of St. Viator, with Associate Ann Perez and Associate Dan Masterton assisting with logistics – including a giveaway hat, too, for the “Pew Crew” of dozens of women’s and men’s religious communities.
Fr. John appreciated the range of Catholic lifestyles and apostolates represented by the group and the way they shared themselves with fans around the bleachers, concourses, and sidewalks. “There was certainly a hunger to come together, and there was also a desire to share our lifestyles publicly so people can see us as we are. So many of the sisters were so excited to do this, and many of them had never been to a ball game before!” Fr. John said. “It was a unique swath of people stretched across Section 162. The fans who just happened to sit among us were delighted at the surprise and blessing of being together with us.”
How about a baseball cap over the religious habit! That’s the Pew Crew.
Sr. Mary Beth sat right in the middle of the big group, and she saw joyful and loving interactions all around. “I was especially struck by the positivity of the other fans. Many asked to take photos with religious and were delighted to see so many priests, sisters, and brothers gathered in one place,” Sr. Mary Beth said. “Their enthusiasm reminded us that our presence matters and that the joy of consecrated life continues to be a powerful witness.”
With the wide interest and wonderful experience, you can expect to see the Pew Crew out and about together again. “It was a great chance to bring together people who do so many different ministries and put the Gospel and Corporal Works of Mercy into action. We celebrated our common vows and found a unique way to encourage others to consider this lifestyle,” Fr. John said.
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The White Sox won 4-2, and now Pope Leo XIV, Sr. Mary Jo (center), and all the Sox fans are cheering for a big playoff run.