El Cajon, CA — Every three months or so, when the clock strikes 5 p.m. and the staff of Catholic Answers heads home, the women refuse to leave the building. But it’s not a sit-in or a protest: it’s ladies game night. “Game night originated from the ladies of the office desiring a fun way to build camaraderie and de-stress from the demands of work,” internal activities director Kathy Stone said. Most recently, the women gathered in the lunchroom on the last Wednesday in July for a lively, two-hour game of Catch Phrase. As usual, dinner was potluck. But appetites are not the only things fed during game night: the apostolate’s sense of unity is fed as well. “These events build our rapport as a team,” development officer Anh Nguyen said. “It’s how we are able to give more of ourselves in our work for Christ. The strength of our apostolate depends on the unity of the staff.” Many of the men of Catholic Answers have reaped the benefits of lunchtime basketball to sustain camaraderie for more than fifteen years. Prior to the institution of game night, Catholic Answers female staffers met monthly for tea. Now they believe they have hit on the right formula for fun. “I look forward to game night,” customer service representative Meggie Moore said. “I’m blessed to work with wonderful, faithful people. Our daily tasks prevent much interaction outside of our respective departments. Game nights are a relaxed setting for me to bond with my coworkers.” The potluck menus are designed around the game for the night. Catch Phrase suggested the baked-potato bar. The frenzied action of the clue-givers passing the word disc back and forth before the timer goes off, all while fielding raucous guesses from teammates, is reminiscent of tossing a hot potato. The first game night comprised many rounds of Bunco and a smorgasbord meal. Healthy competition ensues over a game of Bunco or Catch Phrase just as much as over a game of lunchtime basketball. In between the laughter, food, and impassioned strategizing, the women share their lives. Stories of conversion, upcoming wedding plans, recipes, advice, and everything in between find their way into the conversation. “As a director, I know and understand how difficult it is for staff to release the pressures of the day,” Stone said. “Ladies game night is just a fun way to hang out and laugh—something we tend not to do enough of—and remind ourselves to thank the Lord for our blessings.” — Richaél Smith