It’s possible to love both sports and faith! Fr. Burke Masters is proof of that, as he grew up loving baseball but chose to put God first by becoming a priest. God made a way for him to still be involved in sports, though. Never in his life did Fr. Burke ever imagine he would become a chaplain for the Chicago Cubs.

John Morales interviews Father Burke Masters, known as the “Baseball Priest,” in their segment “Getting to Know Our Priests.” Father Burke recalls a significant moment in his baseball career: hitting a grand slam in a 1990 regional tournament, aiding his team’s progression to the College World Series. That moment is something he always looks back upon with a smile.

Father Burke, currently serving as the pastor of St. Isaac Jokes Parish in Hinsdale, Illinois, and the Catholic chaplain for the Chicago Cubs, discusses his childhood in a sports-oriented family, the influence of sports on his life, and how the discipline he learned in sports helped in discerning his vocation. He stresses the importance of investing time in your relationship with God, explaining that his own time he spent in adoration led him to hear God’s call. He encourages you to always make time for God so that you don’t miss out on hearing His plan for you. Try to make a Holy Hour whenever you can.

Having been a priest for 21 years, Father Burke says he loves his calling, especially in interacting with people, celebrating sacraments, preaching, and counseling.

Ironically, enough, the Chicago Cubs are not his favorite team! He reveals his personal love for the Philadelphia Phillies, Eagles, and 76ers, due to his family’s background as Cardinal fans.

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