As we come to another All Saints Day, Catholics have an excellent opportunity to remember their favorite role models within the Church – the saints who inspire, intercede, and cheer us on from heaven.
It’s a season for celebrating holiness, the communion that binds together: The Ecclesia Militans (the Church Militant on earth), the Ecclesia Patiens (the Church Suffering in purgatory), and the Ecclesia Triumphans (the Church Triumphant in heaven).
This time of year also happens to coincide with the height of the NFL season — when millions of football fans are deep into the weekly drama of fantasy football. And, believe it or not, there are striking similarities between fantasy football and the Communion of Saints.
Assembling the team
In fantasy football, you assemble players from across the league into one team. You might have a quarterback from Kansas City, a running back from Miami, and a receiver from Philadelphia — all working together, at least in your imagination, toward victory.
In the Communion of Saints, God has assembled believers from every place and time into one Body — the Church.
“For just as the body is one and has many members,” writes Saint Paul, “so it is with Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:12).
Across centuries and continents, the saints form a living team, united in Christ, all striving for the same end: the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
In both fantasy football and the Communion of Saints, unseen teammates work toward a shared goal. You’ll never meet the players on your fantasy roster, but their actions still affect your weekly score.
Likewise, you may never “see” your heavenly teammates, but their prayers have real effects on your soul.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church beautifully explains this mysterious bond:
“Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness… They do not cease to intercede with the Father for us” (CCC 956).
Player specialties
Just as football players rely on each other’s strengths, the saints each bring their own spiritual “specialty” to the field.
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux models simplicity and trust in God’s mercy.
Saint Joseph exemplifies strong and humble fatherhood.
Saint Cecilia inspires musicians to lift their art heavenward.
Each has a position to play in the grand design of God’s Kingdom, and every soul contributes to the victory in their own way.
In fantasy football, smart managers consult experts, read scouting reports, and tune into podcasts before setting their lineups. Christians, too, seek advice from those who know the game — the saints. We call on their intercession, not because God needs a middleman, but because He delights in a family that prays for one another.
As Saint Dominic once said,
“Do not weep, for I shall be more useful to you after my death and shall help you then more effectively than during my life.”
The saints are the spiritual professionals who have mastered holiness, and they gladly share their wisdom with us who are still learning to “run the race.”
Speaking of that race, Hebrews 12:1 paints perhaps the most vivid image of all:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us, and persevere in running the race that lies before us.”
The saints in heaven are that “cloud of witnesses,” the ultimate cheering section. They’re not passive observers; they are active encouragers, rooting for us to finish strong.
Heavenly stats
In fantasy football, you keep track of stats — yards, touchdowns, points. But God’s “stat sheet” looks quite different.
He records love, mercy, sacrifice, and faith. The Book of Life is not a scoreboard of worldly success but a record of grace received and charity given.
Saint John Paul II wrote,
“Holiness is not the luxury of the few; it is a simple duty for you and me.”
The saints are the Hall of Famers who have already achieved the crown of righteousness promised by Christ (cf. 2 Timothy 4:8), and they’re urging us to join them.
Finally, both fantasy football and sainthood thrive on community.
A fantasy league is fun because of the banter, camaraderie, and celebration among friends. Likewise, the Communion of Saints is not a solo game. Heaven is not an isolated reward; it is a communion — a family celebration where every saint rejoices in each soul’s victory.
“In the life of the blessed,” says the Catechism, “all charity is fulfilled, and all those who are in communion with God and with one another will forever sing His praise” (CCC 1029).
Hoist the trophy
In the end, fantasy football offers a passing thrill — a championship that fades when the season ends.
The Communion of Saints offers something infinitely greater: eternal fellowship, eternal victory, and a joy that never ends.
So, as we celebrate All Saints Day, let’s remember that we are part of a divine team — the Ecclesia Militans, the Ecclesia Patiens, and the Ecclesia Triumphans — one Church united in Christ.
And as we play our part on the field of life, we can be sure that the saints, our heavenly teammates, are cheering us on every step of the way.
“Run so as to win,” says St. Paul (1 Corinthians 9:24).