News & events across the Anchorage Archdiocese

CatholicAnchor.org

Dominican to lead silent retreat

Dominican Father Mark Francis Manzano will lead the annual Legion of Mary silent retreat Jan. 30 to Feb. 1 at Holy Spirit Center in Anchorage. The retreat is open to the public. Call Liz for information on costs and reservations at 947-8335. Space is limited to 25 attendees.

Marriage preparation offered

On Jan. 9-11, Engaged Encounter will provide marriage preparation primarily for couples planning to marry in the Catholic Church. However, couples who are not Catholic are also welcome to attend the weekend. The event provides couples with an opportunity to gain the social tools and techniques that will help their marriage succeed. For information, contact Deacon Mick Fornelli at (907) 297-7770.

Opportunity for scouts to earn religious award

Boy Scouts interested in beginning work on either the Ad Altare Dei or Pope Pius XII award for January may contact Mary Beth Bragiel at 569-3008, or mb_oulliber@hotmail.com The purpose of the Ad Altare Dei (to the altar of God) program is to help Catholic youth develop a fuller understanding of our Christian way of life in our Catholic faith community. The Pope Pius XII award deals with different life choices (single, married, religious, ordained), occupations and ministries as calls from God. The awards are open to Catholic youth — registered as either Venture Crew Members or Boy Scouts. For more information, including eligibility requirements for the awards, go online to: nccs-bsa.org/emblems/AdAltareDei.php or visit nccs-bsa.org/emblems/PopePiusXII.php

Submitting notices for publication

Those interested in submitting news and upcoming event notices for publication in the Catholic Anchor newspaper may do so by sending an email to catholicanchor@gci.net or by standard mail 225 Cordova St., Anchorage, AK 99501.

Please include a brief description of the event, along with contact information. News and notices will be published as space permits.

To guarantee publication of an event, consider purchasing a paid advertisement. For more information, contact Advertising Manager Sandy Busch at 297-7715.

Catholic camp open this winter

St. Therese’s Camp in Wasilla remains open as a conference and retreat center throughout the year. Numerous parishes from the Anchorage Archdiocese have scheduled retreats at the camp this fall. To learn more about the camp, including costs and booking arrangements visit the website at stthereseak.com or call (907) 232-2066.

‘Sacred Harp’ choral music for all who like to sing

Holy Cross Church in Anchorage is hosting evenings of “Sacred Harp singing” on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, from 7-9 p.m.

The informal gatherings are open to the public and require no formal commitments. Attendees are free to simply visit and listen or join in the unique singing style. No formal training is required to sing in the Sacred Harp tradition.

Sacred Harp choral music originated in the American South. The name refers to the human voice, and Sacred Harp singing has its roots in a distinctive American style of music first developed in the 1700s. Sacred Harp music is performed a cappella (voice only, without instruments).

For more information about the upcoming gatherings at Holy Cross Church, call the parish at 349-8388.

Prayer for those wounded by abortion

On Saturday, Jan. 24, 2 p.m., the 14th 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 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 lasts approximately 40 minutes with refreshments served afterwards.

The prayer service is sponsored by the Alaska Knights of Columbus, with the support of Alaska Right to Life. For more information, email  lptrnak@outlook.com.

Young adults gather for prayer and socializing

The Holy Family Cathedral young adult group, for ages 18 to 35, meets each Wednesday for a gathering that includes eucharistic adoration and a social time. Adoration goes from 7-8 p.m. at the side chapel inside the cathedral, followed by a social in the church basement. Participants are free to bring snacks to share. For more information, email announcements@hfcyoungadults.com or find the group on Facebook at “HFC Young Adults.”

Patriotic rosary at St. Benedict

A patriotic rosary is prayed at St. Benedict Church in Anchorage with a special intention for the United States. According to organizers, the gatherings focus on prayers for peace, an end to abortion, strengthening families and building strong foundations of faith in younger generations. The rosary, which takes place every third Monday of the month, begins at 7 p.m. and takes about 40 minutes. Booklets are provided.

Native prayer group meets in Mat-Su

A Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Native prayer group meets every second and fourth Wednesday beginning 11 a.m.

On the second Wednesday of the month, the group meets at St. Michael Church in Palmer. On the fourth Wednesday it meets at Sacred Heart Church in Wasilla. The group is open to all. For more information, contact Ruth Stewart at 841-9560.