Detroit-Area Catholics Plan To Stop Youth Sports Activities On Sundays

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DETROIT (AP) — The Roman Catholic Church in southeastern Michigan plans to stop its youth sports activities on Sundays in an effort to focus on rest and worship.

The Archdiocese of Detroit announced the policy on Wednesday. It's expected to be implemented this fall by the Catholic High School League and Catholic Youth Organization.

Archbishop Allen Vigneron wrote in a pastoral note that Sunday has lost its place as a holy day and he wants it centered on what he calls "God-centered pursuits."

Officials say the move has local roots in a 2016 gathering of clergy and members. They are aware of other U.S. dioceses moving toward limiting Sunday sports.

Pope Francis has called on Catholics to preserve Sunday's holiness. Pope John Paul II wrote about it in an apostolic letter in 1998.