Childs takes on new challenges with Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The formation of the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau unified the church of southern Alaska into a single entity, and by doing so, new roles and positions were created to help lead the archdiocese toward the future.

LeAndra Childs, director of stewardship and communications, is at the forefront of that effort as she manages a similar unification, but of multiple differing departments.

“All aspects of life are about building relationships,” Childs said.

Childs was hired in September 2021. Her position is in charge of archdiocesan communications, grant applications, and fundraising events. She also focuses on managing the United in Mission Annual Catholic Appeal effort, the Seminarian Circle, and The North Star Catholic.

“Gratitude and transparency are key,” she said when asked about stewardship in the archdiocese. “It’s important for donors to know how their money is spent.”

Before joining the archdiocese, Childs acquired a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations from the University of Alaska-Anchorage. She then went onto have a vibrant career in non-profit work, and later managed a marketing role with Elvis Presley Enterprises.

Childs also has 10 years of religious education ministry experience with the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Anchorage, where she became the director of religious education and youth ministry and a parish administrator.

Childs explained that the United in Mission Catholic Appeal represents the new archdiocese as a missionary diocese, and its goal to spread the good word of the gospel throughout a large and diverse area, from Ketchikan and Metlakatla to Unalaska and so on.

“We have a big responsibility to respond well to people who have questions,” she said. “Everybody’s opinion matters, and it’s important that people feel heard.”

The United in Mission appeal is meant to replace the former appeals: One Bread, One Body, which was run by the former Archdiocese of Anchorage; and United in Faith, which was run by the former Diocese of Juneau.

Childs is also making changes to The North Star Catholic to provide readers with more relevant content, as well as sharing more information about archdiocese-related programs or events through social media.

“We have to understand the demographics of our entire archdiocese,” Childs said. “It’s a big challenge to address the needs and interests of everyone, including those facing language barriers.”

Childs is attempting to knock down language barriers by publishing newspaper articles and social media posts in English and Spanish. But the biggest challenge for Childs and the newspaper is connecting with the younger crowd.

“We’re focusing on the ways we communicate, especially with young people,” Childs said. “How can we reach them and keep them engaged? Our plan is to use digital platforms well and reach people where they already are.”

Childs noted that her department is utilizing digital platforms such as the AOAJ website, e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Since arriving at the archdiocese, Childs has also made it a priority to try and build rapport with the priests of each parish to better understand and accommodate their communities. Childs said many of them are the only point of contact between the archdiocese and rural parishes and missions.

“It goes back to relationships,” she said. “How you treat people matters, and everybody deserves respect and time.”

Editor’s note: Writer Anna Schulten contributed to this story.