On August 12 2013, 12 brave souls climbed Mt. Temple, the second highest mountain in Banff National Park at 3,544m (11,627ft) and became Angels on High. Angels on High is a mountain climbing adventure to fundraise toward a church building for St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish in Chestermere.
St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish was officially formed in 2007. The parish has 2,200 registered people, 3 weekend Masses, and 21 groups and ministries. While St. Gabriel’s supports the spiritual needs of its congregation, it seeks to aid in the well-being of the wider community. It has supported many local groups such as the Chestermere Food Bank, Chestermere Health Care Services, Chestermere Recreation Centre, Chestermere Winterfest and Waterfest, Christmas with Dignity, Feed the Hungry, and the Youth Encouraging Lasting Leadership group, along with national and international charities.
Angels on High began with a sold-out fundraising dinner on June 7, 2013 held at the St. Gabriel School gymnasium, where the parish community currently worships. With the help of corporate sponsors, Angels on High has raised over $45,000 and the 12 climbers themselves have raised over $16,000 in pledges.
In preparation for Mt. Temple, the climbers trained at Mt. Yamnuska, Prairie View, and Mt. Bourgeau. They also spent a few grueling evenings at the Prince’s Island stairs getting their legs and lungs ready for the elevation gain on Mt. Temple.
Fr. John Nemanic, pastor of St Gabriel Parish and a climber, supported Angels on High as a creative way to begin the monumental task of building a church. Fr. John says: “In as much as a home is always more than a house, a house is critical to a loving home. I see the future St. Gabriel church in the same way. The church building helps us become the church where we can encounter, praise, and serve Jesus in the world. What is great about Angels on High is that it was an innovative project, brought our parish community together, and encouraged personal growth.”
Ted Laing, one of the climbers and a parishioner at St. Gabriel’s, says that Angels on High inspired him to be part of building a Catholic church in Chestermere. “When Fr. John first floated this idea of Angels on High at church,” Ted notes, “I was excited because he was putting actions behind his vision for a new church and a new meeting place for us and for our community with the slogan, ‘Climb, Celebrate, Create’. I thought, ‘We need to back this guy.’ When I started training I kept thinking of the “3 C’s” that he embodies, ‘Christ, Courage and Commitment’. What better motivation for climbing Mount Temple?”
Johanne Hachez, another climber and parishioner, says about her experience: “Angels On High was an unforgettable adventure. Not only did I get to hang out in the mountains, my favorite place, but I got to participate in an exciting fundraiser for our future Catholic church. Along this journey I got to know some amazing individuals, see some pretty spectacular scenery and experience a thunderstorm way too close for comfort. The entire experience has refreshed and revived my faith. I can’t wait for the second annual Angels on High adventure.”
As an organizer, Sarah Papke was proud to see the climbers become Angels on High: “Kevin (her husband) and I are so thankful to be apart of these people’s lives. We love our community and especially our church community. One day we will have a Catholic Church building in Chestermere to worship, gather and grow in faith. This is just the beginning.” Kevin Papke adds, “It’s not a church we are building, it’s a community.”
MLA for Chestermere-Rocky View Bruce McAllister offered his congratulations to the climbers: “You are doing our community proud! I can’t think of a more worthy cause than the one you are pursuing. I encourage anybody to make a donation to enhance our community.”
Please join St Gabriel’s Parish as it concludes Angels on High 2013 with wrap-up parties following the parish’s weekend Masses on Saturday, September 7 (5PM) & Sunday, September 8 (9AM and 10:30AM). For directions to St Gabriel’s school and other parish information please visit www.saintgabrielparish.ca. Everyone is welcome!
Angels on High 2013 is only the start. St. Gabriel Parish’s goal is to build the church by 2018 enabling the parish community to worship and serve so others can reach even greater heights. Anyone wishing to support Angels on High can visit www.angelsonhigh.ca, on Facebook by searching ‘Angels on High’, or by calling (403) 455-0196.
The 12 Angels on High were: Fr. Cristino Bouvette, Mike Doucette, Johanne Hachez, Philip Holy, Ryan Jefferies, Ted Laing, Jeff Morris, Fr. John Nemanic, Kevin Papke, Marcel Seguin, Patrick Watson, and Owen Wourms.
