New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond is mandating that by 2014-2015, all Catholic schools in the diocese must stop scheduling events on Sundays in order to allow families to reclaim this day for God and family.

The Advocate is reporting that Catholic schools in New Orleans have already been tweaking their Sunday schedules to rid them of sports practices and other functions in anticipation of the new policy, which will now become effective by the 2014-2015 school year.

“It’s rooted in the fact that people have a number of obligations and commitments. Our society is fast-paced,” Archbishop Aymond said. “In living such a hectic life, people neglect sometimes, not purposefully, the very basics of faith and family.”

The policy applies to both archdiocesan-run schools and schools operated by independent religious orders. So far, most schools are on board, he said.

But some schools are admittedly having problems rescheduling their athletic programs with several coaches complaining that eliminating Sunday as a practice day will put Catholic school teams at a disadvantage against public schools.

“I understand where he’s coming from, but it puts us in a bind,” said Jesuit football coach Wayde Keiser, to The Advocate. “This year we play East Jefferson on Thursday. If we can’t practice on Sunday, they are going to be one up on us.”

The new policy is also causing schools to reschedule junior varsity games, which are typically held on Sundays. Cyril Crutchfield, head football coach at St. Augustine High School, said he had to cancel junior varsity games this year due to the rule.

Father Charles Latour, principle at Archbishop Hannan High School in Covington, Louisiana, has already stopped holding athletic tournaments that run into Sunday and is welcoming the change.

“We’re always running,” he said. “At some point, it’s important to stop and recognize that God has blessed us.”

Judging from the comments posted on the Advocate’s website, the policy appears to be a hit with the faithful.

“We need more bishops to do this,” Victor Badillo writes.

Clare Whitten agrees: “They need to quit worshipping sports. So what if the other team is one up. I would rather be one up in heaven than on the field myself and that is the message we should send to all kids. My kids don’t do sports that have Sunday activities. It is for family and charitable works. Bravo Archbishop Aymond!”

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