Super Bowl Sunday Bet with Soul: Seattle Archbishop Etienne and Boston Archbishop Henning Wager for Charity
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As the world turns its eyes toward Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium this Sunday, Feb. 8, a different kind of competition is unfolding between Seattle and Boston. Archbishop Paul D. Etienne and Archbishop Richard G. Henning have put aside the gridiron rivalry to continue a tradition of a "friendly wager" rooted in faith and philanthropy.
The Stakes: Charity Over Pride
While the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks battle for the Lombardi Trophy, the two archbishops have agreed to a $500 donation to Catholic Charities. The funds are specifically earmarked for ministries that support and care for immigrants.
The decision to proceed wasn’t made lightly. Given the "gravity of everything going on in our world," the leaders debated if a wager was appropriate. Ultimately, they decided that the unifying power of sports was a message worth sharing.
More Than Just a Game
For Archbishop Etienne, the Super Bowl is a lens through which we can view community and character:
Unity: Sports provide a rare "shared cultural moment" for families and friends.
Life Skills: Programs like the CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) teach teamwork, hard work, and perseverance.
Integrity: Borrowing a sentiment from Father Ted Hesburgh, Etienne notes that athletes should play with heart but "not lose heart in defeat."
"Healthy competition is a part of so many aspects of human life. It’s good for people to have something to take their minds off of other matters... to just relax and hopefully be joyful." — Archbishop Paul D. Etienne
Two Cities, Two Legacies
The matchup brings a wealth of history to the field:
| Feature | New England Patriots | Seattle Seahawks |
| Leadership | Archbishop Richard G. Henning | Archbishop Paul D. Etienne |
| SB Pedigree | 6 Titles (Tied for NFL Record) | 1 Dominant Title (SB XLVIII) |
| Historical Note | Known for a stunning 2015 goal-line INT against Seattle | Seeking redemption for that same heartbreak |
A Moment of Levity in a Serious World
Despite the high stakes for their respective "12th Man" and "Pats Nation" fanbases, the archbishops remain grounded. Archbishop Etienne—who admits he's more of an Indiana Hoosier basketball fan and outdoorsman—plans to watch the game quietly from his couch.
Regardless of whether the confetti is blue and green or red and silver, the true winner is already decided: the vulnerable communities supported by the $500 charitable pledge.
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