On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, the Catholic Central community gathered in the gym for the annual Boys’ Bowl Mass, a cherished Spirit Week tradition that invites students, faculty, and staff to reflect on the deeper meaning of brotherhood, faith, and community ahead of this weekend’s Boys’ Bowl festivities.

Celebrated by Fr. Patrick Fulton, CSB, the Mass served as a reminder that Boys’ Bowl is about much more than football. 

In his homily, Fr. Fulton reflected on Catholic Central’s history and the role of the Basilian Fathers in shaping the school's community and brotherhood. He recounted how, 98 years ago, the Basilians were asked to take over the school and faced the challenge of uniting students from two rival Catholic schools that had come together to form Catholic Central.

Rather than allowing those divisions to persist, the Basilian Fathers worked to create a culture rooted in community, faith, and brotherhood.

“We stand here today to show that it does work,” Fr. Fulton told students.

Connecting that history to this year’s school theme, Right Here, Right Now, Fr. Fulton reminded students that each of them belongs at Catholic Central for a reason.

“You are right where you need to be,” he said. “God knew that you needed CC, and CC needed you.”

Fr. Fulton encouraged students who may sometimes question their place or purpose to look around at the community they share each day.

“If you ever doubt that you aren’t right where you need to be, look at the wonderful life we have together,” he said.

Referencing the Gospel, Fr. Fulton noted that Christ never promised an easy path. Just as the first Basilian Fathers faced challenges in building a unified school community, today's students face challenges of their own.

However, he reminded students that no one has to face those challenges alone.

“We have the guy to the right, left, in front, and behind us who are here to help make life easier,” Fr. Fulton said. “You just have to lean on them.”

As we prepare for another Boys’ Bowl weekend, Fr. Fulton reminded students that the annual tradition offers a unique opportunity to appreciate both the school's rich history and the future being built by the current generation of Shamrocks.

“Boys Bowl is a chance when we get to look around and see God's hand at work,” Fr. Fulton said.

He encouraged students to recognize the traditions and brotherhood that have shaped Catholic Central for generations, while embracing their role in creating new memories and carrying that legacy forward.