10K Feet 2025 - Kate

From Father Schumacher:

“The mountain opens its secrets only to those who have the courage to be challenged by it.” St. John Paul II knew this to be true. He had a deep love for the outdoors. He loved to hike and ski and knew firsthand that the mountain doesn’t give up its beauty easily. You have to struggle up steep paths, endure the altitude, and push past your limits. Only then do you experience the silence, the majesty, and the views that take your breath away. The secrets of the mountain - its peace, its grandeur, its perspective - are only revealed through a climb and through effort.

But this also speaks towards the journey of faith and self-discovery. The mountain represents any opportunity that requires real courage: facing your storms, confronting your sins, stepping away from the noise of the world, putting down your phone for a week, seeking God in silence, finding reconciliation and actually accepting the fact that Jesus loves you. Our students were willing to climb in every sense, physically and spiritually, and because of that, hearts were opened. Clarity came. Healing began. And I know Heaven rejoiced. Many encountered and gave their life to Christ in a profound and real way.

For the first time a fire had us leave the camp for a night and Queen of All Saints Catholic Church in Crested Butte welcomed us like family. They gave us the keys to their parish hall, brought food, and gave us all a reminder of gift of our Catholic Church and what it means to be part of One Body.

Growth, freedom, clarity, JOY and ultimately abundant life are often hidden right behind effort, sacrifice, and a willingness to be uncomfortable for a time - but they are absolutely worth the climb. Thanks for all the prayers @AEI thank you! now put down the phone and be uncomfortable for a bit! Hail Mary full of grace…