Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools will welcome the Flying Fathers Hockey Team to Central Alberta next week.
The Flying Fathers will be visiting schools across the division to engage with students, and face off against RDCRS staff and students in an exhibition hockey game.
"We are thrilled to host the Flying Fathers in our schools," says RDCRS Board Chair Murray Hollman.
"Their visit provides a wonderful opportunity for our students to connect with their faith in a fun and engaging way. We believe this experience will be memorable for our entire school community."
The Flying Fathers are a group of Catholic priests who have been playing hockey and sharing their faith for over 50 years. The Flying Fathers are featured in the Grade 6 'Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ' textbook and are known for their entertaining on-ice antics and inspiring stories.
These priests will visit RDCRS schools on Tuesday, Feb. 11. During these visits, they will share their personal stories, discuss their vocation and engage in some friendly floor hockey with students.
The highlight of the Flying Fathers' visit will be an exhibition hockey game against a team of RDCRS students and staff on Wednesday, Feb. 12, from 1-3 p.m. at Servus Arena in Red Deer. Staff and students from across the school division will be on hand to cheer on both teams. Due to space constraints, the exhibition game is not open to the general public.
"We're excited to have the Flying Fathers back in Alberta after a nearly 20 year absence,” says Father. Kris Schmidt, a local member of the team.
“The Flying Fathers are remembered fondly by older generations from previous visits and now we’re excited to bring the unique combination of faith, fun, and hockey to a new generation.”
For more information on the Flying Father, visit www.facebook.com/flyingfathershockeyclub.
RDCRS serves over 9,600 students in 21 schools in Red Deer, Blackfalds, Sylvan Lake, Rocky Mountain House, Innisfail and Olds. It also supports the learning of 950-plus students in a Home Education Program.
