By Fr Jackson Saunders 

My first memory of the thought of priesthood came to me in prayer when I was 15 and asking God to help me to become an AFL commentator.

At that time, I would never have imagined that, 18 years later, I would be serving as a priest and continuing to work as a sports broadcaster on radio. I wanted to pursue a professional calling career but, in fact, found another divine calling.

I am very blessed now to serve as the Assistant Priest of St Brendan’s Parish in Shepparton, and as a football and cricket commentator on 98.5 ONE FM in the heart of the Goulburn Valley.

Throughout the football season I juggle radio and parish commitments. Most weekends I commentate a football game on a Saturday and/or Sunday afternoon. The commentators and listeners are fascinated by the schedule I may have before or after games in the Parish. This can include Masses, Baptisms, weddings, funerals or hospital visits for end-of-life pastoral care. Small insights into these moments often come out live on-air, which raise awareness about my vocation and our Catholic faith.

National Vocations Awareness Week runs from Sunday, August 4, until Sunday, August 11, to promote vocations to the priesthood, married, religious and single life.
While my intention in broadcasting sport is purely to provide an engaging and informative commentary for listeners, I find that this work has also become a ministry. It is an opportunity for me to witness to my faith and vocation. The commentators themselves do much of the evangelising for me through light-hearted comments and banter during the sports broadcasts.

One of my fears, prior to entering the seminary, was that I would have to give up my love of sports broadcasting. In fact, I have found that this hobby has blossomed; that new doors and have opportunities opened themselves to me. My network of contacts in the media both locally and in Melbourne has expanded.

I have discovered in my prayer and life experiences that God wants me to continue to use this talent that he has entrusted to me as part of my ministry. Jesus says in John 10:10 that “I have come that you may have life and have it to the full.” St Irenaeus also famously wrote that “the glory of God is a human person fully alive.”

My involvement with sports broadcasting also provides a wonderful opportunity for connection with parishioners at Masses, students in our parish schools, with people in the wider community and with civic and political leaders in the Goulburn Valley.

I give thanks to God for my love of sports broadcasting and for the blessings he bestows upon me in all that I do.

 Go back to Sandpiper e-News 80 (2 August 2024)