‘Bike the Faith’ set for Aug. 13

Bike riders and outdoor enthusiasts should prepare for “Bike the Faith,” an event to celebrate Bishop-elect Ryan Jimenez’s ordination and to raise funds for the CNMI Marriage Encounter and the Solomon Islands Catholic Community.

The event is set for Aug. 13 at 6am, starting at the American Memorial Parkparking lot.

Bishop-elect Jimenez explained BTF is an inter-faith event “to integrate my advocacy for healthy living for our community along with strengthening our faith.”

BTF organizing members Russ and Kanae Quinn chimed in and said “in this time of divisiveness, it is great to be a part of something that brings us together, the way God intended.”

BTF registration form is available at http://bikethefaith.weebly.com and via the Facebook page. Site registration will begin at 5:30am. The starting “suggested donation” is $10. An “inspired donation” would be welcome at $20. Lastly, a “heavenly donation” where the sky is your limit is welcome for amounts above $20. Custom-designed t-shirts (thanks to the Tan Siu Lin Foundation and Saipan Apparel) will go to the first 300 registrants/donors.

BTF is not a race. It is a faith-raising fund-raising journey. The primary beneficiary is the Solomon Islands Catholic Community, our sister community with great needs to minister to our fellow Catholics there. The Marriage Encounter local program will be able to continue to advocate for healthy families with its various programs.

The bike ride is an opportunity to enjoy a ride in faith. From the AMP, the peloton will go up Navy Hill to GCA for a prayer with Pastor Ray Kinsella. We then roll to Kristo Rai Church for a prayer. Then we meander along Middle Road to Life in the Son Church at Gualo Rai to receive blessings with Pastor Eric Abragan. Enjoying the view of Middle Road, we go south and turn to Quartermaster onto Beach Road. Saipan Community Church and Pastor Roger Abe await us for our beachside blessing. Then it is the final smiles from the miles to the ordination location at the Mount Carmel Cathedral for the celebration and final blessing by Bishop-elect Jimanez.

You can’t ride the whole thing? So long as you register, you can meet up along the way. Safety is a priority and we appreciate the support of DPS and other volunteers along the way. Helmets, water and proper riding equipment are a must. The brighter the shirts and colors, the better! This is consistent with the Jesuit tradition that we “find God in all things.” So all shapes, sizes, colors and faith are welcome under God’s Grace—but safely to churches we shall go. You don’t have a bike? BTF may “know somebody” so feel free to e-mail Russ and Kanae Quinn at saipanruss@yahoo.com and kanaequinn@yahoo.com.

Younger riders? Welcome but only with a parent or guardian guiding like we always do as a community. Lastly, tell a friend, make a friend. Tell a friend about BTF and make a friend at the BTF.

Perennial marathon runner and Hell rider Ben Babauta wondered aloud whether this was going to be an annual event. In response, Bishop-elect Jimenez said, “Faith, Love and Hope is the daily marathon we run with God, and so together we can do this every year right? Philippians 4:13 tells us ‘Through Christ I can do all things.’”