News & happenings across Anchorage Archdiocese

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Mass to remember the departed

The annual Mass of Remembrance will take place on Monday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m., at St. Patrick Church in Anchorage. Sponsored by the parish’s Ministry Bereavement outreach, the Mass memorializes the deceased during what is often a difficult holiday season for those who are mourning the loss of loved ones. With solemn music and a candle-lighting service the upcoming liturgy seeks to honor the departed. Open to the public, the liturgy will be celebrated by Father Scott Medlock. Following Mass, there will be a light reception. For more information, call Caroline Millar at 333-4016.

Training for parish nursing Jan. 19

Registered nurses interested in serving as a parish nurse are invited to register for the course, “Foundations of Faith Community Nursing” that begins in January. The 40-hour course is designed to provide the basic knowledge and skills needed to initiate a parish nursing program.

According to a notice about the program, parish nurses serve faith communities as “trusted partners as they listen, council and pray with fellow parishioners,” in addition to providing health care.

According to the Providence website, programs like parish-based nurses are part of a national trend in which faith groups partner with health care givers. Nationally there are more than 10,000 faith community nurses who provide education, resources and advocacy for members of their congregation. These providers work to catch problems early as well as help people understand their medication and treatment plans.

For more information about the upcoming training sessions in January, call 212-5053 or visit the website Alaska.providence.org/choose/mission/Pages/faith.aspx

Pro-life prayer service to mark 43rd year since Roe

On Saturday, Jan. 23, at 2 p.m., the 16th annual Anchorage interdenominational prayer service marking the anniversary of Roe v. Wade takes place at the Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery on 9th Street and Cordova.

The event marks the 43rd anniversary of the 1973 Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion in the U.S. Under Roe and its companion case, Doe v. Bolton, abortion is legal through the ninth month of pregnancy for virtually whatever reason.

All are invited to attend the service and pray for those wounded by abortion. The gathering is sponsored by the Alaska Knights of Columbus, with the support of Alaska Right to Life. For more information, call James and Ann Curro, the
 Knights of Columbus
 State Pro-Life Couple, at (907) 349-3772.

Entries sought for rosary contest

Entries are being sought for the 2016 “Try Prayer! It Works!” contest. This national competition is sponsored by Family Rosary to encourage children to participate in “an inspiring faith experience” as they express their belief through art, poetry and prose.

The contest is open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Each year the competition attracts more than 1,000 finalist entries from approximately 22,000 participants nationwide. Children and teens from Catholic schools, parishes, home schooling and other Catholic organizations are invited to participate.

According to organizers, this year’s theme — “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers and sisters?” — is about doing God’s will. It is by listening to the Father and understanding his wishes for us that we join the family of Heaven.

In Matthew 12:46-50, Jesus is told that his mother and brothers are waiting to speak to him. Jesus asks, “Who is my mother and who are my brothers?” He then holds out his hand toward his disciples and says, “Behold my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother and sister and mother.”

“By doing God’s will, we are welcomed into the family of Jesus and His Holy Mother Mary,” said Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C., president of Holy Cross Family Ministries. “That’s why we must listen ever so closely. It is difficult to hear God speak when we are distracted by so many things: texting, email, commercials, friends, activities. It is important to set aside quiet time for prayer and meditation so we can connect with God and learn of his desires for us.”

The “Try Prayer! It Works!” Contest asks entrants to use creativity to depict their faith. For details or to download an application for the contest, go online to FamilyRosary.org/TryPrayer. All entries must be postmarked by Feb. 1, 2016. For more information, call Holy Cross Family Ministries at (800) 299-7729.

Search is on for longest married couple in Alaska

Worldwide Marriage Encounter, the Christian marriage enrichment program, is launching its annual search for the longest married couple in the United States and Canada.

Last year there were 50 state winners recognized at the same time for their longest marriages. The chosen Alaskan couple will be invited as honored guests at the World Marriage Day Celebration in Anchorage on Feb. 5.

Previous state winners can still vie for the overall national title, but only new couples will be recognized at the state levels.

In addition to the longest married couple for the entire United States, recognition will also be given to a couple from each state and territories who has achieved that distinction. Gifts will be presented to the national winner by the WWME national leadership team at a ceremony to be held at the winner’s location.

Nominations, which are open to all husband and wife couples regardless of religious affiliation, may be submitted by email or by phone. To nominate one’s own marriage or another’s requires the name of the couple, their wedding date and where they currently reside, plus a contact phone or email address of the individual nominating the couple. Submission can be emailed to dickanddiane66@bellsouth.net, or given over the phone at (321) 544-3440. All nominations must be received by Jan. 10.

Alaskans to join global celebration of marriage

A World Marriage Day Celebration sponsored by Worldwide Marriage Encounter will take place Feb 5 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral in Anchorage. A special wedding Mass will be celebrated by Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz, followed by the renewal of wedding vows, dinner and dancing. Tickets are available in area parishes or online at alaskawwme.org. For more information, call James or Shaharriet at 644-8677 or (Espanol) Felipe y Ana at 929-8450.

Babysitters needed for Clare House

Babysitters are needed while moms at the Clare House shelter are in workshops and meeting with case managers, Tuesday evenings, 6:30-8 p.m. and Wednesday evenings, 5:45-8 p.m. Volunteers are also needed to help Clare House staff with office work and front desk duties on Wednesday evenings, 5:45-8 p.m. and Thursday and Friday mornings, 9 a.m.-noon. For more information, email kcasanova@cssalaska.org

Mat-Su Catholic school’s annual auction

Our Lady of the Valley School in Wasilla will hold its 9th annual dinner auction on April 16 at the Curtis Menard Sports Center in Wasilla. Tickets are $45 early bird and $55 after Feb. 28. Reserved table seating is available. Donations and sponsors are being accepted. For more information, call 376-0883.

O’Connor book is topic of Theology & Literature club

The monthly Theology & Literature book discussion group at Holy Family Cathedral will meet Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. to discuss “Everything that Rises Must Converge,” by celebrated Catholic author Flannery O’Connor. The event is open to the public