CatholicFIT
“CatholicFIT is about bridging the values of the Catholic Church with our body’s natural desire and ability for strength and movement. Practicing this connection helps us live a healthy and fit lifestyle, so we can continue to serve others. No matter your age or fitness level, we hope to offer you and your family a new and motivating, faith-based perspective for becoming the healthiest version of you.” – CatholicFIT Creator, Dave Reddy
RSVP for the Family Fitness Challenge
at Trinity Catholic High School on April 21, 2018 at 9am
Sydney C., a third grade student at St. Rose Philippine Duchesne and participant in the CatholicFIT program, delivered the game ball on Saturday, Feb. 20th, 2016, at the SLU Billikens game at Chaifetz Arena. It was Celebrating Catholic Education Night - check out the article in the St. Louis Review.
Students in North County get "CatholicFIT"
From February to April, over 400 third and sixth grade students at 9 elementary schools* in North County participated in CatholicFIT during their regular P.E. classes. Teachers shared the "10 Pillars of Catholic Fitness" with weekly lessons that included tips and ideas for moving, eating and acting with intention. Parents were invited to review weekly handouts with their children to reinforce the lessons at home.
All families were invited to attend one or more evening "Faith and Fitness" workshops held in March and April. SSM DePaul Health Center partnered with the Northeast Deanery Federation of Catholic Schools to provide the CatholicFIT program. They also hosted a Finale event, including a morning family workout and breakfast on April 25th at the May Education Center on the DePaul campus.
"We are grateful to SSM DePaul for partnering with us to provide this program to families at our schools," said Cara Koen, Director of Advancement for the Northeast Deanery Federation. "CatholicFIT is one example of how our Catholic identity is integrated into all curriculum areas. In this case, bringing a celebration of faith, family and fitness to gym class in a tangible way."
Pictured at right: school parent Tara Reddy helps students from St. Ferdinand School make fruit kebabs as they enjoy a healthy breakfast after their morning workout.
*All 8 Northeast Deanery Federation Schools (Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, Christ, Light of the Nations, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Sacred Heart, St. Angela, St. Ferdinand, St. Norbert and St. Rose Philippine Duchesne) along with St. Ann School participated in CatholicFIT this year.
Check out the local news stories:
Curious about what we do at the workshops? See below for pictures.
SSM DePaul hosted our CatholicFIT Finale Workshop on Saturday, April 25. It was a great way to start our Saturday morning. Thanks to all who took the time to come and celebrate faith, family and fitness with us!
St. Angela Merici hosted the CatholicFIT workshop on April 16 in their school gym.
On the Feast of St. Joseph, March 19, our CatholicFIT Family Fitness Workshop was held at the Sacred Heart School Gym. Thanks to those who came out for a nice workout and great family fitness tips!
We celebrated St. Patrick's Day with a great family workout at the St. Ferdinand School Gym. Thanks to all who joined us! Here are a few photo highlights from the event.
Thanks to all who came out on a cold winter night for our first Family Fitness Workshop of the year, held on March 4 at Trinity Catholic High School.
Dave Reddy recently visited PE classes at St. Ferdinand School to demonstrate some of the CatholicFIT exercises and pillars to the 3rd and 6th grade students. Here are a few photos taken during his visit:
Last year, 6th grade students and their families were invited to participate in CatholicFIT - students during their regular P.E. classses at school, and families at the several Family Fitness Workshops (see photo slideshows below) that were held throughout the spring of 2014.
"I created the CatholicFIT idea after a decade of witnessing the strong association between one’s personal journey of faith and that of fitness," says Reddy. "I believe that lifetime challenges in health, fitness and spirituality are not only related, but also strongly effected by one’s childhood experiences. I hope to develop education and youth coaching programs that will foster a stronger foundational knowledge of faith, family and fitness." Reddy is a health and performance coach and a member of St. Ferdinand Parish along with his wife, Tara, and their three children. Reddy also serves on the Heath & Safety Advisory Committee for the Archdiocese of St. Louis Catholic Education Center. Read more about the program here.
The Professional Learning Team for P.E. teachers is working with Health and Performance Coach Dave Reddy to prepare to share the CatholicFIT faith and fitness program with 3rd and 6th grade students and their families beginning in February 2015. This year, support for the program is provided through a new partnership with SSM DePaul Health Center.
Learn more about CatholicFIT at www.CatholicFIT.com.
Thanks to all who have participated in a CatholicFIT family workshop.
Here are a few photo highlights from the workshops: