CatholicAnchor.org Long time servant to Alaska, Sister of Providence Claire Gagnon, marked her 75th year as a religious sister earlier this summer. Sister Gagnon was the longest-serving Sister of Providence at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, where she worked for 28 years. She retired in 2003. A Frontiersman article from that year noted that…
The annual Red Mass takes place on Sunday, Sept. 28 at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Family Cathedral in Anchorage. Held annually in many American cities, the Red Mass is a special Mass at which the Catholic Church prays for all who practice law, especially asking the Holy Spirit’s guidance for attorneys, judges and politicians. Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz and Juneau Bishop Edward Burns will concelebrate the Mass.
At this time last year, I had tucked away in my dresser an 88-page divorce decree that narrated my descent into alcoholism, loss of myself, fear of my husband and the absolute death blow to marriage: infidelity. With the divorce, I was ready to write the last chapter of the story of our family. Though I created the story, I mourned and resented every word written down; for I am Catholic, and Catholics do not believe in divorce.
When you meet someone, be your most authentic self. As a friendship develops do these very simple things. Let people know you are a Catholic Christian (in a natural, unforced way). Ask friends about their faith — and just listen. Listen to your friend’s problems — maybe offer to pray for them. Share your problems with them — testify to how your faith helps you. Give them a book to read on the spiritual life. Share your story of faith in an authentic way. Answer objections to Christianity and questions that might come up.