The North Star Catholic / ALASKA NEWS Archives - Page 119 of 139

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton hires new principal for next year

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School in Anchorage will be under new leadership next year when long-time principal Jim Bailey officially retires in May. The hiring of incoming Principal Kathleen Gustafson was announced Feb. 3. She will begin work at the conclusion of the current academic year. According to an announcement by the school, Gustafson, is a veteran of the Anchorage School District. Originally from Park Rapids, Minn., she has worked in public education in Alaska for the past 25 years.

Screening to explore erosion of religious freedom in U.S.

Alaska Family Action, a nonprofit group that advocates for freedom of religion, pro-life and pro-marriage issues in Alaska, will offer a free screening of the documentary “One Generation Away.” Exploring the erosion of religious liberty in America, the film will show on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at The Crossing (22208 N. Birchwood Loop, Chugiak), beginning at 6 p.m.

Presentation on C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien: ‘Awkward Allies, Lifelong Friends’

Dr. Bruce Edwards, a scholar, author and professor who has specialized in the works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, will explore the profound friendship of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien in a Feb. 17 presentation at the Willow Community Center, starting at 7 p.m.

Anchorage archbishop recalls joy and pain of 25 years a bishop

Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz expressed gratitude for his time leading the Duluth Diocese and his past 14 years heading the Archdiocese of Anchorage. He began the interview by recalling the events immediately preceding his appointment by now Saint John Paul II to become a bishop.

Scout Sunday Mass set for Feb. 8 in Palmer

Scouts from Boy Scouts, Trail Life, Girl Scouts and American Heritage Girls are expected to be on hand for the annual Scout Sunday Mass with Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz on Feb. 8. This year’s gathering will take place with an 11 a.m. Mass at St. Michael Church in Palmer, where young scouts will receive religious awards for completing objectives related to spiritual development and growth in their faith.

News & upcoming events

Here’s a rundown of recent news and upcoming events in the Anchorage Archdiocese.

Feb. Community Calendar

Here’s a list of some of the events and liturgies happening around the Anchorage Archdiocese in February.

Holy Rosary wrestler is state champ

Holy Rosary Academy’s first season offering wrestling proved a success when freshman Michael Lucas won the state title in the 132-lb division of the Class 1-2-3A state wrestling championships in December. In an 8-2 decision, Lucas defeated Cody Greene of Valdez to finish the season with a 35-3 win-loss record.

Father Fred Bugarin marks 40th year as a priest

Parishioners at St. Anthony Church in Anchorage helped Father Fred Bugarin celebrate his 40th anniversary to the priesthood last month.

Describing their pastor as a “bridge builder between people,” parishioners held a community celebration on Jan. 24-25.

Part of a small handful of priest ordained in Alaska, Father Bugarin immigrated to Alaska from the Philippines with his father in 1963. He attended Anchorage’s first Catholic junior high school before graduating from West High School in 1967.

Anchorage Archbishop Emeritus Francis Hurley turns 88

Anchorage Archbishop Emeritus Francis Hurley celebrated his 88th birthday on Jan. 12 with a gathering of friends at his private residence in Anchorage. He served as head of the Anchorage Archdiocese for 25 years, retiring in 2001 when current Archbishop Roger Schwietz was installed. Archbishop Hurley continues to live in Anchorage where he celebrates daily Mass in his home chapel, visits with friends and former colleagues and regularly attends major funerals and Catholic events in the archdiocese.