Two Alaska Supreme Court justices are up for election this fall. The judges are Justices Peter Maasen and Joel Bolger, who helped strike down a voter-approved law requiring at least one parent be notified before an abortion could be perform on a minor girl. On Nov. 8 Alaskans will decide whether to remove Maasen and Bolger.
When dropping his resignation letter in the mail 16 months ago Archbishop Schwietz had no idea when his successor would be named or who he would be.
I anticipate that his ministry will include a focus on supporting our schools as well as on church vocations. As he brings new energy and enthusiasm to the office of archbishop and to his focus on the new evangelization, I pray that God will render fruitful his ministry and bless the continued growth in discipleship of our family of faith.
Changes are afoot in Alaska this November, both in the halls of government and the spiritual leadership of the Catholic Church. During these pivotal transitions the faithful should be fully engaged. First up is Nov. 8, when we have a duty to participate in advancing the common good of our immediate communities, state and nation by casting ballots that are guided by well-formed consciences and a commitment to uphold the non-negotiable moral teachings of Christ and his church.
With retirement just a few days away, outgoing Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz has invited youth and young adults to join him for a Mass in which he can give thanks for the many years of ministry with these generations and their leaders. The Mass will take place Nov. 6, 5:30 p.m., at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral in Anchorage.
Incoming Anchorage Archbishop Paul Etienne flew from Wyoming and landed in Anchorage on Nov. 3 to begin preparation for his Nov. 9 installation as the new Archbishop of Anchorage.