News roundup and coming events

CatholicAnchor.org

Below is a round-up of recent news and upcoming events across the Archdiocese of Anchorage, Alaska.

Contemplatives in action

Starting on Saturday, Sept. 26 and continuing monthly for one year, the Secular Discalced Carmelites will meet in a group setting to discuss Holy Scripture, explore the work of the Trinity in Christian discipleship and the role of contemplative prayer. To learn more, email carmel907@gci.net.

Vacation Bible School at Holy Cross

Holy Cross Church in Anchorage is running a vacation Bible school July 20-24 at Kasuun Elementary School. The VBS is open to children in kindergarten through 5th grade. The cost is $25 per child. Each day goes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with lunch. For more information or to find out how to assist the VBS, go to holycrossalaska.net or call Theresa at 349-8388.

Open-air art to benefit Clare House

All are welcome to the ninth annual Plein Air weekend, July 25-26. “Plein Air” is a French term meaning “painting outdoors on location.” Admission to the event is free. There will be artists painting on site, artwork for sale and a silent auction. Proceeds will benefit Clare House, the Catholic Social Services-run emergency shelter for women with children. The event will take place July 25-26 at 5801 Barry Avenue in Anchorage from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, call 333-0793 or email donkolstad@gci.net

Patriotic rosary at St. Benedict

A patriotic rosary is prayed at St. Benedict Church in Anchorage with a special intention for the United States. According to organizers, the gatherings focus on prayers for peace, an end to abortion, the strengthening of families and building strong foundations of faith in younger generations. The rosary, which takes place every third Monday of the month, begins at 6 p.m. and takes about 40 minutes. Booklets are provided.

Youth nights at St. Benedict

St. Benedict Church in Anchorage hosts a youth night every Wednesday evening from 7-9 p.m. in the upper room, above the Lumen Christi High School gym.

Perpetual Eucharistic adoration at St. Elizabeth

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Anchorage just marked its 10th year of holding perpetual eucharistic adoration. For information on adoration or to sign up for a weekly hour of prayer, contact Steve Siebs at 830-4472 or by email at adoration135@hotmail.com.

HUGSS program seeks volunteers needed to distribute school items to children in need

For the 14th year the HUGSS program (Help Us Give School Supplies) will distribute backpacks, school supplies and coats to children in need.

The program, which is a partnership between Catholic Social Services, Lutheran Social Services and The Salvation Army, has served nearly 70,000 children — an average of 5,000 annually.

Supplies go to children enrolled in the Anchorage School District. This year’s distribution will take place at East High School on Aug. 11, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

The program is supported by private and corporate donations. In order to pull off the distribution of thousands of items, volunteers are needed the day before — on Aug. 10 — to sort items into grade level bags. On the following day, Aug. 11, volunteers are needed to direct and guide all participants who come in for supplies. For more information on how to volunteer, contact Kara Casanova at Catholic Social Services at kcasanova@cssalaska.org or (907) 222-7335.

Each year winter coats are donated by Fred Meyer. This year, however, the coat distribution will take place later, on Sept. 26, at The Salvation Army Campus (1701 C Street) beginning at 9 a.m.