We're Engaged!

After several years of theology, philosophy, and ministry, I finally understand the idea of giving a thanksgiving sacrifice. I think it's a very natural urge, when a person is extremely grateful.

Saturday, March 25th, 2006, I got engaged! But I know people want more details than that. I picked the date because it's the feast of the Annunciation, which is kind of appropriate. I really wanted to do it on a Feast day, and couldn't arrange for St Jospeh. Since it was a feast day, I didn't have to fast for Lent, so we could enjoy it a bit more! But mostly I just like symbolism and meaning, and this is ripe with it.

So, having selected the day well ahead of time, I made a fairly elaborate plan. I had ordered the ring (I got it custom made) on February 22nd, at which time they assured me it would be ready in 7-10 days. I finally picked it up on March 23rd- cutting it a little close!

I had a lot of plans, begining with Mass and Adoration in the morning. I had arranged for a priest to give us private adoration at Sacred Heart Church, since both Catherine and I have a devotion to the Sacred Heart (because we want to love each other with more than just a human love.)

Friday Night, after hanging out with some friends, I told her that I would pick her up at about 8:30am for Mass. But Catherine was tired, after having driven all the way from Saskatoon. So she asked if it was OK if I let her sleep in.

Now normally I try to be quite sensitive and accomodating, so when I said "No" and offered no explanation, I pretty much tipped her off that something was up for the next day. I drove home (when Catherine stays at my place, I stay at my parents') concerned that maybe she thought I was being a jerk. And the next morning, I remained concerned- but I knew that once we were in adoration, she would forgive me and be honoured. It was good, because at that moment I gave the whole day over to God, recognizing that what I wanted to do was ultimately to honour Catherine and for the glory of God, so I would be insufficient if left to my own devices anyway, but with God there was nothing to worry about! It also occurred to me that just as I had plans for Catherine that I did not want to tell her about, should telling her ruin them, but I just wanted her to go along with my leadings and trust me, so that must be what God desires of us!

Anyway, we went to Mass, and then to Sacred Heart Church. Sacred Heart Church is a quaint old Church (Built in the 30's- in Calgary, anything older than the 70's is old!) and the priest exposed the blessed sacrament in a monstrance which had a statue of the Sacred Heart for its base, and the host was framed by the Stations of the Cross. It was remarkably appropriate.

By this time, Catherine had concluded that I would certainly propose within adoration. But I didn't.

After benediction, the priest asked us when we planned to get married. I informed him that I had not yet proposed, but I didn't care that he had asked, since Catherine had put 2+2 together by then anyway. Then the priest gave us a thorough tour of his Church and facilities- I think he wanted us to book it for our wedding!

From there we went on to Banff.

My favorite Camp Ground in Banff is called "Two Jack". It's beautiful, located on the side of cascade Mountain, and heavily populated by Elk and Bighorned Sheep. We had lunch in a little shelter there- Roasting Hot Dogs over an open fire from the stove. How's that for classy!

From there we went to Lake Louise- probably one of the most gorgeous places in the world. (I could not find a photo that does it justice, but here's an idea.) We rented Cross Country Skis, though neither of us are avid skiers, and skied across the lake, to a place kind of between the 3 mountains on the far side. The sun was shining and warm, and there was even a little bird- a dipper- living up to it's name by dipping in and out of a creek, and singing a song. The snow was really heavy on the trees, and it was certainly a form of winter paradise. As we soaked it in, there was even a small avalanche on a nearby mountain! (We were in no danger, but it looked cool!) After enjoying the moment, and praising God for a bit, we decided to turn back. But I had taken my skis off, and when I went to get them, I stepped off the beaten trail- and fell up to my waste in soft snow! It was a bit off a job getting out.

After returning our skis, we enjoyed a beer and some bruchetta in the Chateaux Lake Louise, and listened to some cool Spanish Guitar renditions of Edelviess and Evita by a live musician. (When Catherine was in the bathroom, I bought his CD, and had him autograph it, writing "to Catherine- you are one lucky girl."

We then went to Emerald Lake Lodge, which was recommended by my sister in law, Laura. The Sun was setting as we arrived, giving us a spectacular sky. The restaurant is classy, but quaint, situated on a hill overlooking the lake. Even to get to it, we had to park some distance away and hike through cabin village of sorts.

Naturally, so beautiful a place was also quite pricey. As a Youth Coordinator, I am accustomed to the idea that I will never have a lot of money. Catherine and I agree that we need to embrace poverty as a cross but also as a gift from God. But I wanted to make this day special. I have never before, nor will I likely again, eaten in such luxury! I told Catherine to ignore the price, and simply to enjoy herself.

Imagine my embarrasment when my credit card was declined!

Since the establishment did not accept interact, and there was not even a cash machine amongst the little village, I had to go back to the car and retrieve Catherines Credit Card. (I payed her back the next day.)

From here we went to a Franciscan retreat center near Chocrane AB, where several of my friends (Notably Tara Close and Karla Valencia) were waiting. They had lit Candles all along the Stations of the Cross, so that Catherine and I could pray by candlelight. The candles were just tea lights in red glass containers, but looked awesome!

When we arrived, I saw my friends satnding on the hill. They were supposed to be hidden, but we had arrived too soon! Catherine had not seen them, so I turned off my headlights and backed up the car, in hopes of providing my friends with an escape route. Rather, they hid, by laying down in the snow.

Catherine and I prayed the stations, and on the 12th station (Jesus dies on the cross) I prayed about how Christ gave his life for the church, his bride, and asked God for the strength to do likewise, to love as Christ loved. And then I proposed.

Catherine reluctantly agreed.

Just kidding. She said "of course", and we hugged each other briefly, before she requested that we get off our knees in the snow. (I know it is customary for the guy to get down on one knee, but we were both kneeling before the crucifix.)

I did not at that moment give her the ring, partly because we were in a dark, snowy forest at night where she would not be able to see it and may lose it, and partly because we were not finnished praying the stations!

At the next station (XIII- Jesus is laid in His Mothers Arms) we consecrated our relationship to Mary, and then at the last station (XIV- Jesus is laid in the tomb) we considered our own mortality, and that even marriage is not eternal, but is a reflection, a sign of God's eternal love. This put everything in context.

After this we went before a statue of the Sacred Heart and prayed that everything in our relationship would be done for the Glory of God.

We then left, pausing briefly by the parking lot to yell "thank you" to our friends, who were waiting so they could clean up all the candles! (I have some amazing friends!)

We went back to my place, where we had Baileys Irish Cream and homemade Chocolate Dipped Strawberries (Tara Close taught me how!), and of course, I presented the ring- which is a size too large and is getting sized at the Jewellers. Here is a picture of a ring that looks nothing like the one I gave her. (The one I gave her is a solitaire, aqua marine, princess cut, set in yellow gold, with "In His Sacred Heart" inscribed on the inside... in case you care about stuff like that.

The next day we had a little celebration at my parents, and listened to the mix CD made for us by Carmen Shepherd (Thanks Carmen!).

So that is the tale of how it went down. Please pray for us! We plan to get married in December 30th of this year at St Phillip Neri's Church in Saskatoon.

Here is a picture of me trying to pursuade Catherine to have lunch with me some time.

You can see our other "engagement photos" at http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/iamnotcathy/album?.dir=/9bcd&.src=ph&.tok=phfLHsEBK_A4DQXsbcd&.src=ph&.tok=phfLHsEBK_A4DQXs