USD Magazine, Winter 2000

Each

Sunday during the fall , Monsignor Daniel Dillabough suits up in a National Football League locker room and runs out onto rhe stadium turf, surrounded by men twice his size and half his age. He's not playing, though. He's praying. And not just for divine intervention on a San Diego Chargers' third and long, although if a wide receiver happens to come down with a Hail Mary pass, he doesn't mind raking his share of high fives . OnAny Given un By John Titchen

Diego diocese before heading USD's mission and ministry department. Monsignor Eagen died in 1997. "In a way, my job is co continue what was most important co him," says Monsignor Dillabough. "He spoke about listening to the voices of the community and challenging all of us co live more deeply and fully the mission of the university." The pasror ofThe Immaculata Church for six years before assuming the vice presi– dent's position, Monsignor Dillabough encourages all members of the USO com– munity co discover and share the university's mission - education in a Catholic tradition. He enjoys participating in freshman retreats and "search weekends," introduc– tions co Catholic higher education. "I remember my first weekend as a student," says the 1970 College ofArcs and Sciences graduate. "To be part of it all these years lacer as a priest brought back a lot of memories of what USO is about." He reaches a Christian marriage class, using it ro illustrate how faith and values are applied in daily life. "What I like about working in the classroom is char it connects me with the primary purpose of this institu– tion, which is co reach. " The monsignor's love of communication was rewarded with a nickname by his stu– dents- "Father Casey," after radio disc jockey Casey Kasem. "What I really enjoy most is listening," says Monsignor Dillabough, "whether it's here on campus or off. Sometimes, everyone needs co talk about something-even if it's just about football. " + WI N T E R 2000 7

"What I have found most fulfilling in my life has been my work as a priest," he says, "and the one-on-one work with people where I can help chem talk about mission, values and faith ." He does the same for Chargers players, whom he has counseled the past nine sea– sons. The ream began the practice in 1961 by inviting the chancellor of the San Diego Diocese to breakfast on game days, in part to establish good relations in their new home city after moving from Los Angeles. Eventually, the visiting priest became the ream's chaplain. "Players and coaches gather in the morning before the game," says Chargers spokesman John Hinek, "and Monsignor Dillabough offers counseling and support for chose who wish co rake advantage of it. Ir's a tradition." The monsignor offers a pep talk of sorts before players rake the field, then roams the sidelines during the game. Some players have even sought him our on campus. "Ir's something I chink helps build and strengthen our community," says Monsignor Dillabough of his work with the Chargers. "Ir's my role ro foster and talk with people about USO and our mission, and I chink it can only help co talk with as many people as possible." He rook over the Chargers assignment from his close friend, Monsignor I. Brent Eagen, who served as chancellor of the San

"Ir's a lot of fun when they're winning," says Monsignor Dillabough slyly, "because then I can kind of rake some of the credit. When they're not doing so hot, well, I try to keep in the background." USD's vice president for mission and ministry since 1998, Monsignor Dillabough doubles as rhe chaplain for Chargers, hold– ing informal morning Mass on game days, talking with players who share the Catholic faith and generally giving the ream support. On campus, he leads major events such as the All-Faith Service and the annual Alumni Mass, teaches religious education classes and directs the spiritual side of the students' education.