Pope Francis announced that the next Ordinary Synod of Bishops would take place in October 2023. In preparation for this synod, the Vatican has approved a new three-stage process for the next gathering of the Synod of Bishops. It aims to involve the whole Church at diocesan, national and continental levels. The theme chosen by…
By Deacon Mick Fornelli The North Star Catholic At the request of Pope Francis, the next Synod of Bishops will be a three-year journey, with the people of God as the focus. The Holy Father will inaugurate the three-phase synodal journey in the Vatican on October 9- 10, 2021. The following week of October 16-17,…
By Deacon Madison Hayes The North Star Catholic After a brief excursion through the Inside Passage on the Alaska Marine Highway during the winter of 2013 from Bellingham to Haines, I always desired to return and experience the Church among the communities of Southeast. This summer, I was blessed to finally have this opportunity as…
By Carol Sturgulewski The North Star Catholic Faith in God, in science, and in the future is bringing a generous gift to Lumen Christi Catholic High School students. The Anchorage school has received a $20,000 biotechnology grant from a private family foundation. The foundation made several gifts to programs in southern California this year, but…
By Dominique Johnson The North Star Catholic Almost 50 years ago, Father Dan Hebert arrived in Anchorage, Alaska, as a missionary for the Religious Brothers of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This missionary experience helped lead him to the priesthood and 42 years of service in the archdiocese. Born and raised in Kankakee, Illinois, Father…
By Catholic Extension Catholic Extension’s Lumen Christi Award honors an individual or group working in an Extension Diocese who demonstrates how the power of faith can transform lives and communities. The Lumen Christi Award is accompanied by a grant for the honoree and his or her nominating diocese to be used for enhancing a specific…
By Dominique Johnson The North Star Catholic Vacation Bible School (VBS) has been a way for children to grow in the faith during the summer while doing activities outside, making crafts and meeting new friends. Unfortunately, VBS programs last year were put on hold due to the pandemic, and religious education directors began planning how…
By Annette Alleva The North Star Catholic A spiritual and academic treasure can be found at Alaska Pacific University (APU) in the Cardinal Newman Chair of Catholic Theology and its newest assistant professor, Kevin F. Jones, Ph.D. Jones brings to this position academic and theological excellence, an impressive resume, and youthful enthusiasm. He has held…
Dear Fr. Leo: You are a canon lawyer. I have a sister who recently got divorced and is thinking of going through an annulment. I have a two-part question. What is the status of divorced Catholics? Specifically, can they receive Holy Communion? Regarding the annulment, what is that all about? Will this mean her kids…
This month we find ourselves focusing on our children and young families as schools reopen for the fall. Back to school is often full of excitement, joy, and sometimes worry. Many parents purchase school supplies, read to their children, practice ABCs, and much more – all in preparation for their child’s first day back. All…