The North Star Catholic / February 2016

Alaska Senate passes bill to restrict abortion providers from public schools, boosts parental rights

The Alaska Senate passed legislation on Feb. 26 that prevents Alaska’s public schools from contracting with abortion services providers for course materials or to provide instruction relating to human sexuality. Introduced by Sen. Mike Dunleavy of Wasilla, Senate Bill 89 also ensures a parent has the right to direct the education of his or her public school child, including the right to object to and withdraw the child from state-mandated tests, and from activities or classes on sexual matters which parents find objectionable. And the bill prohibits public schools from administering student questionnaires that inquire into personal or private family affairs of the student.

News & Upcoming Events across Archdiocese

The following information includes news items and notices regarding upcoming events in the Archdiocese of Anchorage.

Alaska Governor’s Prayer Breakfast on March 19 in Anchorage

In an effort to “solicit the Christian community to pray for those individuals in authority, in particular the Governor of Alaska,” the annual Alaska Governor’s Prayer Breakfast will take place March 19 in Anchorage with Gov. Bill Walker.

Nationally known Catholic evangelist headed to Anchorage

Renown evangelist and speaker Deacon Harold-Burke-Sivers, will lead a four-day mission at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church March 7-10. The mission is open to those outside the parish. Deacon Burke-Sivers has appeared on many national and international radio programs, including Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Connection and EWTN among others. He holds a Master’s degree in Theological Studies from the University of Dallas, is a Benedictine Oblate of Mt. Angel Abbey and is a consultation team member for the National Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Directory for Catechesis.

Archbishop Schwietz’s March Calendar

Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz is scheduled to attend the following liturgies and events during the month of February.

Archdiocese marks 50 years with celebration Mass

A Mass of Thanksgiving celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Anchorage drew an intimate gathering of about 70 individuals at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral on Feb. 9 — 50 years to the day a new diocese was carved out of what was essentially the Alaskan wilderness.

Students urge Alaska legislators to reject assisted suicide bill

Catholic students in Anchorage have taken a stand against proposed legislation to legalize doctor-prescribed suicide in Alaska. House Bill 99, titled “Voluntary Termination of Life,” was introduced to the Alaska legislature in February by Anchorage Democrat Representatives Harriet Drummond and Andy Josephson. The bill aims to grant physicians the right to prescribe lethal drugs for the purpose of suicide. Among the many citizens contacting representatives to oppose the legislation are high school students from Holy Rosary Academy in Anchorage.