Roman Catholic Champs!!!

Last weekend Joseph and Michael participated in a Catholic trivia competition called "Roman Catholic Challenge."  Boy, did they make this momma proud!  For weeks they have been studying hundreds of Catholic trivia facts, and it was inspiring to see how much they learned about their faith!  Often, they would quiz their cradle-Catholic parents...and totally stump us!  :}   For example, can you name the 9 choirs of angels?  Me neither.  But my boys can; they are:  Seraphim, Cherubim, Archangels, Angels, Virtues, Dominions, Powers, Principalities, and Thrones.  They also had to have all the Beatitudes memorized, the 10 Commandments, the names and dates of all Holy Days of Obligation, the Stations of the Cross, several Latin phrases, and over 3 pages of saints and what they are the patron of!!!

The competition involved 2 other Catholic schools from the surrounding area.  Joseph's team was called "DEIS IRAE", which is Latin for "The Day of Wrath."  Apparently, their tactic was to instill fear in their opponents.  And it worked, because they won first place and $40 each! 

Michael's team was called "MILITUS CHRISTI," which is Latin for "Soldiers of Christ."  Even with such an intimidating name, it was hard to be fearful of his group because they looked so darn adorable in their coordinating bow-ties.

However, bow-ties also give the aura of extreme intelligence, which they proved true by winning second place and $25 each in the competition!

Joseph and Michael's teams happened to be in the same age group this year, so for the championship they ended up facing one another!   It was so much fun to watch because Joseph and Michael were each their teams' captain, which meant that they were the spokesmen for their teams.  As you can see in this photo, Joseph was a confident and relaxed team captain.  Michael was also confident, but a bit more intense and competitive :)

This picture just makes me laugh...

It was taken moments before the championship round.
Joseph is praying.  Michael is being a carefree clown :)

I love how different each one of my boys are...it sure keeps life fun and interesting!  :)

The boys had a blast all day.

They absolutely love their Catholic friends AND their Catholic faith.

What more could a mother hope for?