ALASKA NEWS

Anchorage Archbishop Emeritus Hurley marks 45th year as a bishop

Anchorage Archbishop Emeritus Francis Hurley celebrated his 45th anniversary as a bishop on March 19. This came just on the heels of his 88th birthday, Jan. 12. With nearly nine decades behind him, he still begins each day presiding over Mass in his Anchorage home. Those taking part are friends, visitors and his own care-givers in their uniforms, huddled close in the humble, yet richly symbolic chapel.

Changes to Alaska’s tax credits can boost Catholic schools

A change to Alaska’s education tax credit program could have a big impact on the state’s Catholic schools, according to Alaska Catholic Conference executive director Mary Gore. And private schools are poised to get the word out. The program, in existence since 2011, provided tax savings to qualifying individuals and companies who donated to Alaska’s public schools and universities. Now, those same benefits have been extended to the state’s private schools.

Retooled St. Francis awards to honor Alaska’s parish volunteers

The annual event honoring Alaskans who serve the Catholic Church in the spirit of Saint Francis, has received some updates for 2015. For starters, the event is now officially called the St. Francis Stewardship Awards to better reflect the stewardship aspect of the program. The event time has also changed from its traditional date in February to early October, closer to the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi. Additionally, this year’s awards will highlight, specifically, the work of parish volunteers.

Natural Family Planning classes in Anchorage

A series of classes in Natural Family Planning (NFP) begins on March 24 in Anchorage. NFP is an umbrella term for certain methods used to achieve and avoid pregnancies. These methods are based on observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman’s menstrual cycle. No drugs, devices or surgical procedures are used to avoid pregnancy.

Anchorage Archbishop issues rules restricting marijuana use

CatholicAnchor.org In response to the legalization of marijuana use in Alaska, Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz has issued updated standards of conduct for all employees of the Anchorage Archdiocese. In a memo sent to all priests, deacons, religious employees and volunteers the archbishop instructed that all such pastoral ministers should refrain from “smoking, using, possessing or…

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