Submitted by Jo-Ann Kelly, Religious Education and Curriculum Support Lead Teacher, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools
On February 11-12, 2025, I had the incredible privilege of joining the Flying Fathers on the Red Deer leg of their first Alberta tour in 20 years. This unique team of hockey-playing priests, were born out of an act of charity. In 1964, Fr. Costello, a former Toronto Maple Leafs player turned priest, organized a hockey game to raise funds for a boy’s surgery. The overwhelming success of that event launched a movement that has since raised over $4 million over 900 games, proving that faith, sport and service are a powerful combination.
For their Alberta tour, four priests from different parts of Canada traveled to Red Deer: Fr. Daniel Corso and Fr. Matt McCarthy from Ontario, Fr. Josh Gundrum from Manitoba, and Fr. Kris Schmidt from Camrose, Alberta. Their visit, made possible through the support of Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools and Elk Island Catholic Schools, provided a unique opportunity for students to engage with faith in a dynamic and personal way. As the Flying Fathers visited several schools, they shared their journey’s of faith and vocation, connecting with students in meaningful conversations and encouraging them to listen to God’s calling in their own lives.
As the Religious Education Lead Teacher for Red Deer Catholic Schools, I had the honor of accompanying the Flying Fathers during their visit to five schools. One of the more memorable moments took place at Holy Family School, where priests joined students for an exciting floor hockey game. The gym was filled with laughter and cheers especially when the students managed to score against the priests.
The tour culminated in a much-anticipated Staff vs. Flying Fathers hockey game at the Servus Arena, which drew a crowd of 1,350 students and staff. These priests, each with a rich background in high-level hockey, were not only excellent players but also incredibly inspiring. Their stories were filled with faith, courage, and a love for both God and the game.
The priests’ authenticity resonated deeply with students. They shared personal reflections on how hockey had shaped their lives and how they maintained their love for the sport, even as priests. Fr. Dan spoke about the lesson his parents taught him about prioritizing God over hockey, which later became invaluable during times of hardship. Fr. Matt shared a powerful testimony of finding peace through faith during a personal struggle, while Fr. Kris described the joy of continuing to play hockey after becoming a priest. They encouraged students to pray for guidance in discovering their own vocations and to trust God’s calling.
Reflecting on the experience, I am deeply grateful. The Flying Fathers’ visit was a powerful reminder of the happiness that comes from being together in faith and the importance of witnessing our faith with joy. It showed how the priesthood is relatable, accessible, and rooted in a deep love for both God and others. Their visit strengthened our community, and the memories created will stay with our students, bringing them closer to God, the Church, and each other. The Flying Fathers’ legacy continues, inspiring future generations with the message that faith, fun, and community go hand in hand.
- Jo-Ann Kelly
