The Catholic Church celebrates many great and well-known saints in October: our patroness, Thérèse of Lisieux (Oct. 1); the famous Francis of Assisi (Oct. 4); the very popular, and modern Carlo Acutis (Oct. 12); and Luke the Evangelist (Oct. 18). The month is full with other wonderful saints as well as the Feast of Our…
Forty-eight years ago, on November 4, 1978, I professed my final vows as a Vincentian: poverty, chastity, obedience, and stability (the commitment to remain a Vincentian for life). Over the years, people occasionally ask me which of the vows is the most difficult to live. Each time I am asked that question, I believe the…
Molly McManamin began her role as principal of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School in Anchorage this fall. She brings years of experience, gratitude, and a desire to continue to guide the school toward excellence. McManamin is a third-generation Alaskan born in Anchorage. She attended university in Tacoma and returned to begin her career and…
Michelle Waclawski began her role as Executive Director of Holy Spirit Center in Anchorage on July 14. Over the course of eight weeks, from mid-June to mid-August, she oversaw operations as over 1000 volunteer hours contributed to clearing weeds, putting new coats of paint on walls, and unveiling the years of love and care that…
Dear Fr. Leo, A canonical question for you. I have a Catholic friend who is civilly married. She recently came back to her Catholic faith, but her husband needs a declaration of nullity from his previous marriage before their own marriage can be convalidated. He is not Catholic and sees no point in getting an…
I had the distinct honor and pleasure to spend the morning recently with the team at St. Francis House Food Pantry, Catholic Social Services (CSS)’s long-time food pantry. St. Francis House is where our archdiocese collectively helps feed the hungry of the greater Anchorage area through CSS. St. Francis House Food Pantry has been feeding…
St. Michael parish in Palmer hosted a sacred music camp for youth entering grades 3rd through 12th in early August. The parish’s music minister, Ashleigh Hecimovich, organized the event with Rachel Alexander from St. Andrew parish in Eagle River. Hecimovich said, “Music in the liturgy should always turn our hearts toward God and lift our…