Catholic men join priest in seeking God in Alaska’s mountains

CatholicAnchor.org
Crossing mountain passes, hopping giant boulders and trekking across two ancient glaciers, 16 Catholic men marched into Alaska’s backcountry seeking God, friendship and adventure.

The hikers were taking part in the seventh annual Father’s Hike, July 10-12, which brings dads and Catholic priests into the alpine regions of Alaska each summer.

Dominican priest Father Dominic David Maichrowicz, of Holy Family Cathedral in Anchorage, joined the men this year. He celebrated morning Masses, led the group in morning and evening prayers and was available to hear confessions as requested.

This year, the three-day trek took the hikers into the Talkeetna Mountains near Hatcher Pass where they camped alongside alpine lakes, shared dinner and informal conversations that ranged over topics such as Catholic theology, liturgy, the saints and outdoor adventure tales.

The yearly outings were initially launched by men from Anchorage’s Holy Family Cathedral with the blessing of the Dominican priests and religious brothers who serve there.

Open to priests, fathers and single men who are Catholic, the hike is also for men considering Catholicism and those who simply want to strengthen their commitment to fatherhood and family.

For information about future hikes and outings, contact Beav Deering at beavandmichele@gci.net or (907) 258-0386.