February 2015 - The North Star Catholic

Gov. Walker restores funds for Alaska’s homeless in proposed budget

A program that distributes funds to assist homeless and emergency shelters across Alaska has been restored to Governor Bill Walker’s proposed capital budget. As previously reported the governor initially cut funding for the Basic Homeless Assistance Program (BHAP), which would have impacted dozens of organizations, including Catholic Social Services in Anchorage. On Feb. 18, Gov. Walker announced several changes to his proposed budget, including the addition of $9.2 million in order to restore funding for the homeless assistance program.

40 Days for Life spring campaign begins in Anchorage

CatholicAnchor.org All are invited to participate in the spring prayer campaign of 40 Days for Life, February 18 to March 29. In 40 Days for Life, each fall and spring, pro-life advocates gather outside abortion facilities around the world to peacefully stand vigil, pray for unborn babies and help mothers choose life for their children….

Planned Parenthood challenging Alaska law limiting elective abortions

Planned Parenthood is in court this week challenging a state law that prohibits Alaska abortion practitioners from being reimbursed by the state for performing “elective” abortions that are not done to preserve the life or physical health of the mother. With the help of ACLU of Alaska, Planned Parenthood is laying out its case for why the law should be overturned. The case, Planned Parenthood v Davidson, is being argued before Anchorage Superior Court Judge John Suddock. Supporters of the law note that it closes loopholes that have been exploited by abortion practitioners to gain public funding for so-called “elective” abortions.

Archbishop calls Alaska scouts to ‘respond to evil by doing good’

“Thank God for the gift of scouting and for our young people,” Archbishop Schwietz told the assembly. “Let us continue to pray for scouting in our society.” In his homily, Archbishop Schwietz spoke about the problem of evil and how the faithful are called to respond. Addressing the Sunday readings which recalled Job’s immense sufferings, the archbishop noted that Job “does not turn away from God but he turned toward God and asks, ‘Why is this happening?’”

Catholic schools seen to dig deeper, “teach the soul”

Anyone can go to any school and learn where the New England Patriots are from. Anyone can go to school and learn what R-O-U-G-H spells. But Catholic schools are something different. They not only teach the mind and the body, they also teach the soul. It’s important to know that God made you, and that God loves you as you.” With these words Father Frank Reitter’s homily challenged a gathering of more than 400 Catholic school students who traveled from across the Anchorage Archdiocese to attend a Mass that was celebrated as part of the nationwide Catholic Schools’ Week.

Grants cuts threaten CSS homeless outreach

A program that distributes funds to keep homeless and emergency shelters open across Alaska has been cut from Governor Bill Walker’s proposed capital budget. Unless legislators restore the funding, dozens of organizations, including Catholic Social Services in Anchorage will feel the pinch.