Editor's Picks
A synodal Church: Communion, participation and mission
By Deacon Mick Fornelli The North Star Catholic At the request of Pope Francis, the next Synod of Bishops will be a three-year journey, with the people of God as…
Deacon Madison Hayes prepares for ordination with visits to parishes in Southeast Alaska
By Deacon Madison Hayes The North Star Catholic After a brief excursion through the Inside Passage on the Alaska Marine Highway during the winter of 2013 from Bellingham to Haines,…
After 50 years of ministry in the archdiocese, Father Dan Hebert continues to live his vocation in retirement
By Dominique Johnson The North Star Catholic Almost 50 years ago, Father Dan Hebert arrived in Anchorage, Alaska, as a missionary for the Religious Brothers of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This missionary experience helped lead him to the priesthood and 42 years of service in the archdiocese. Born and raised in Kankakee, Illinois, Father…
2021 Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau Catholic Extension Lumen Christi Award nominee
By Catholic Extension Catholic Extension’s Lumen Christi Award honors an individual or group working in an Extension Diocese who demonstrates how the power of faith can transform lives and communities. The Lumen Christi Award is accompanied by a grant for the honoree and his or her nominating diocese to be used for enhancing a specific…
Vacation Bible School programs continue faith formation during the summer
By Dominique Johnson The North Star Catholic Vacation Bible School (VBS) has been a way for children to grow in the faith during the summer while doing activities outside, making crafts and meeting new friends. Unfortunately, VBS programs last year were put on hold due to the pandemic, and religious education directors began planning how…
New Newman Chair at APU helps Catholics bring their faith to the public square
By Annette Alleva The North Star Catholic A spiritual and academic treasure can be found at Alaska Pacific University (APU) in the Cardinal Newman Chair of Catholic Theology and its newest assistant professor, Kevin F. Jones, Ph.D. Jones brings to this position academic and theological excellence, an impressive resume, and youthful enthusiasm. He has held…
Ask Father Leo: Can a divorced Catholic receive Communion?
Dear Fr. Leo: You are a canon lawyer. I have a sister who recently got divorced and is thinking of going through an annulment. I have a two-part question. What is the status of divorced Catholics? Specifically, can they receive Holy Communion? Regarding the annulment, what is that all about? Will this mean her kids…
Working together to serve the homeless
This month we find ourselves focusing on our children and young families as schools reopen for the fall. Back to school is often full of excitement, joy, and sometimes worry. Many parents purchase school supplies, read to their children, practice ABCs, and much more – all in preparation for their child’s first day back. All…
Catholic social teaching and the increasing wage gap
Have you ever been invited to Bill Gates’ house? Neither have I, so I was intrigued by a 2018 article in Business Insider, which gave a glimpse into his digs. The place was valued at $127 million back then. It boasted a 2500 square foot exercise facility, including a trampoline room with 20-foot ceilings, a…
Parish Profile: St. Rose of Lima, Wrangell
By Father Steve Gallagher The North Star Catholic If you’re flying the “milk run,” Wrangell is the second northbound stop in the panhandle – after Ketchikan. The actual town of Wrangell is located on the northwest coast of Wrangell Island, accessible only by water or air. Saint Rose of Lima is the center of the…
Remembering Dan Austin and his 100-burner stove
By Dave Ringle St. Vincent de Paul Juneau, General Manager I didn’t know Dan Austin well. One of his closest friends asked me to join the Juneau St. Vincent de Paul board on Father’s Day 2018. None of us knew that five weeks later, Dan would pass away. I did not know the circumstances at…
Seminarian Madison Hayes answers the call to serve God and country
By Effie CaldarolaThe North Star Catholic The Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau will welcome its newest priest when 33-year-old Madison Hayes is ordained at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe on August 6. Although Hayes has family ties to Alaska, he didn’t grow up in the state. Originally from Merced, California, he spent 16 years as…