Sixty people walked together through Chestermere on Saturday, Sept. 26, bringing their faith into the community as Saint Gabriel the Archangel Parish held its first Walk With Christ.
The procession began at the parish rectory and continued to Saint Gabriel’s Catholic School, where participants gathered for Mass and a feast day celebration.
Parish contributor Tony Hamilton-Irving reported the attendance and said the walk will become an annual event, with an invitation for all who believe in Christ to join next September.
The gathering marked the parish’s celebration of its patron saint. It also gave parishioners an opportunity to express their Catholic faith publicly while spending time together outside their usual place of worship.
In its invitation before the event, the parish welcomed Christians beyond its own congregation. The message described the walk as an opportunity to accompany other believers and show their shared commitment to following Jesus.
The schedule called for participants to leave the rectory at 316 Windermere Drive at 4:30 p.m., followed by Mass at the school at 5 p.m. and fellowship and snacks at 6 p.m.
Saturday’s celebration took place ahead of the Catholic feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, the archangels, observed on Sept. 29. The distinction places the community’s weekend gathering in the context of the Church’s calendar.
September also has a place in the parish’s history. According to its website, Saint Gabriel the Archangel Parish was established in Chestermere in September 2007, having previously been a mission of St. Mark’s.
The parish’s history records Mass being celebrated in the gymnasium at Saint Gabriel the Archangel School. That connection made the school a familiar destination for the inaugural procession.
The walk brought together those two parts of parish life: a public expression of belief and a gathering for worship and fellowship.
Residents interested in learning more about parish life or future celebrations can find notices and contact information through the parish website at saintgabrielparish.ca.
The invitation now extends to next September, when the parish plans to walk again and welcome other Christians to take part in what it intends to become a yearly tradition.