Steelers–Vikings Game Creates Conflict for faithful on Sunday
PITTSBURGH – A clash of loyalties is unfolding for Western Pennsylvania football fans this Sunday as the Pittsburgh Steelers face the minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland – a game coinciding with regular Sunday church services. The unusual 2:30 p.m. EDT kickoff time, necessitated by the overseas location, is prompting some Catholic dioceses to consider dispensations from mandatory Mass attendance, while others are holding firm.
The conflict is notably acute for devout Steelers fans who regularly attend Sunday Mass. While some bishops in cities with strong Irish heritage, like Boston, may grant allowances, Pittsburgh Bishop Mark Eckman and Greensburg Bishop Larry Kulick have not issued such dispensations and were unavailable for comment Friday. The situation highlights the intersection of faith and fandom for a region deeply devoted to both.
The Steelers’ return to Ireland is steeped in history. The team played a preseason “American Bowl” game against the Chicago Bears in Dublin in 1997, a venture championed by the late Dan Rooney, former Steelers owner and U.S. Ambassador to Ireland. Though a regular season game eluded Rooney at the time, he later saw the Steelers play in London in 2013. This week’s game marks the first NFL regular season contest played in Ireland.
Local clergy are offering varied perspectives. Rev. Brandon Cooper, assistant rector of Christ Church North Hills, downplayed the potential disruption, noting it’s a week 4 game and suggesting parishioners could stream services or attend a later Mass. “It’s week 4, it’s not a playoff game, so I don’t think it’s going to have a huge impact,” he said.
However, Rev. James O’Connor, a pittsburgh native and son of former Mayor Bob O’Connor, acknowledged the excitement surrounding the game but emphasized the importance of attending Mass. “I think the most important thing is to get to Mass,” O’Connor stated. Barlow, a leader with a Christian unity group, echoed this sentiment, framing faith as a “marathon and not a sprint,” suggesting missing one service isn’t detrimental, but encouraging continued faith practice.
