Editor's Picks
Ask Fr. Leo: Queries on penitential rites and annulment
Q: Dear Fr. Leo, When I was at Mass in Florida, they did an unusual penitential rite. I didn’t catch it all because it caught me by surprise, but…
Exploring ecumenism in Anchorage and the life of the Church
Christ prayed that his followers “be one, as You, Father, are in me and I in you.” However, the Church’s unity has become progressively obscured by the proliferation of churches…
Bishops consecrate the United States of America to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) consecrated the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Orlando, Florida, for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The feast was first established in…
Special Religious development program assists the developmentally disabled
Special Religious Development (SPRED) is a national program that helps the developmentally disabled come closer to God. Catechists and persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities accompany one another in parish-based, small faith communities. In these communities, the members deepen their awareness of God in their everyday lives and cultivate a sense of belonging within local…
Yup’ik Alaska Native parishioners receive First Communion
Three Yup’ik children honored their faith and their culture when they received their First Communion at St. Anthony parish in Anchorage on May 16. Each first communicant wore a special kuspuk, a hooded overshirt traditional in many parts of Alaska. Celia Haskins, 9, wore a pink kuspuk. Dionna Weaver, 9, wore a white kuspuk, and…
Many more parishioners receive the sacrament of confirmation
During the past two years, Archbishop Andrew Bellisario, C.M., and the priests in the archdiocese gathered for synodal listening, discussion, and discernment sessions about the minimum age for parishioners to be eligible to receive the sacrament of Confirmation in the archdiocese. After hearing from some of those entrusted with catechesis and consulting with others, together…
A life in the lab: A teacher’s 30 years at Lumen Christi
When Debbie Brewer first heard from a fellow teacher about a brand-new Catholic school opening in Anchorage, she made a phone call on a Sunday afternoon. By that evening, she had a job. School started Tuesday. That spontaneous beginning turned into one of the most enduring partnerships in Lumen Christi Catholic High School’s history. Now…
First anniversary of the election of Pope Leo XIV / Primer aniversario de la elección del Papa León XIV
Friday, May 8th, marked the first anniversary of the election of Pope Leo XIV. It is important to pray for our Holy Father and his intentions, especially for his intention for peace and reconciliation in our world: a peace grounded in love and justice. The Gospel Reading on May 8th was from the 15th chapter…
Providing more than a bed for the night
Catholic Social Services (CSS) has built a well-earned reputation for providing the basics to the most needy in our communities, including food for the hungry, clothing and goods for those without, welcome and support to the refugee. But more than anything we are known for our years of providing a warm, safe and dry environment…
Catholics show support for the unborn
On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ending the federal right to abortion that permitted the deaths of over 60 million American children since the case was decided in 1973. Though many states have since restricted abortion, Alaska is not one of them. Nevertheless, the end of Roe v. Wade…
Synod seeks to build a ‘listening church’
Can you recall a time when you were speaking, but it seemed that no one was listening? Sometimes it seems clear because others are having side conversations when you are talking. Other times when the person you are speaking with appears distracted and when they respond, it is obvious they did not hear what you…
Pentecost, a call for Catholics to participate in the mission of the Church
The Feast of Pentecost, May 24 this year, marked the end of the Easter season as the Church commemorated the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, sealing them with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord were strengthened in the apostles as they…