Climbing for a new church: The 2024 Stanley Glacier journey

Just east of Banff, near the start of Highway 93, thirty one intrepid hikers gathered to trek up Stanley Creek and gaze up at the Stanley Glacier. ​

We were joined by many other hikers, including those participating in Parks Canada tours to the other notable feature of this trail, the Stephen Formation.

​The Stephen Formation is a thin layer of rock closely related to the famous Burgess Shale, containing equally impressive Cambrian fossils, such as trilobites

It’s fascinating to think that colliding continents, about 100 million years ago, brought ocean floor sediments dating back 400 million years to the surface! The hike began with a steady climb through alpine forest, lasting about an hour. ​

​​Although moderately challenging, it was necessary to keep going as people had pledged for us to complete the hike and help build our parish church! Along the way, a curious grouse watched our progress.

​As a person who gets out hiking and climbing up to 75 times a year, it was a highlight of the season to share the trail with the Members of the Seeds of the Word Community. To spend time with people committed to God, discerning priesthood, and consecrated life is awesome, as we were on a wonderful trail taking in the beauty of God.”  ~Kevin Papke, Angels on High Hike organizer

Our group stood out, with many of us wearing Angels on High t-shirts from previous years. We were also joined by members of the Seeds of the Word Community, making us a noticeable presence among fellow hikers. 

After about an hour, the trees thinned, and we crossed Stanley Creek. We made our way up the valley to a beautiful waterfall and cave system at the base of the mountain wall.

Some of us explored the caves, while others admired the waterfall or simply took in the views. The top of our hike was our lunch spot, a small meadow which looked up to the Stanley Glacier. While not as massive as the Columbia Icefield between Banff and Jasper, it’s impressive to see a glacier that even summer heat can’t fully melt. Each winter, new snow adds to the ice, continuing the glacier’s growth.​

The descent proved to be a bit more challenging, as the loose scree (small rocks along the slope) left more than one hiker with dirty pant legs. But once we were down from the glacial overlook, we made the final hour-long trek through the trees back to the parking lot, where our companions awaited the last hikers.

I am deeply grateful to our organizing team and to the faithful from St. Gabriel’s, along with all the diocesan parishioners, who joined us on this memorable hike. In this season of Renewal, it is truly uplifting to experience the strength of our diocesan community—to share the gift of presence and embody a church rooted in encounter and witness. Our next fundraising event will be a special dinner on Friday, October 25, 2024 at the St. Gabriel’s School gym in Chestermere. If you feel moved to support our efforts in building a new church, please visit: saintgabrielparish.ca

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Written by Fr. James Hagel, pastor of St. Gabriel the Archangel parish in Chestermere. Photos courtesy of Fr. James Hagel, Andreas Berko, and Pat Cooper.