The North Star Catholic / ALASKA NEWS Archives - Page 123 of 137

Nome considers taxing churches to raise city funds

The Nome City Council is moving forward with an unprecedented plan to tax local churches and nonprofits in an effort to increase city coffers. A recent article by KNOM.org reports that with the city budget projected to run a deficit, the council plans to move forward with an ordinance to remove sales tax exemptions from more than 40 local nonprofits including St. Joseph Catholic Church and 10 other churches. The city estimates the move will bring it an added $300,000. If the proposal passes, Nome would become the first town in the nation to tax its churches.

Alaska students thank ‘Rosary Lady’

CatholicAnchor.org Last month, students at Our Lady of the Valley School in Wasilla gathered in the nearby chapel at Sacred Heart Church to thank “The Rosary Lady,” a woman who has inspired many students and staff. Debra Lighthart spoke to students about her life and journey with the rosary. With her service dog, Striker, at…

Dominican friar urges Alaskans to redeem business world

“Understanding how the Gospel message is relevant in the commercial sphere is critical to overcoming a divided life whereby a Christian purports to operate under one set of values at home and another at work or in the market.” That was part of the message from an Oct. 13 talk given by Dominican Brother Thomas More Garrett at Holy Family Cathedral in Anchorage.

Alaska’s Catholic schools offer part-time options

Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Anchorage are exploring ways to expand their classes beyond traditional full time students. The idea is to give students greater options in Catholic education by allowing students, often homeschoolers, to enroll on a part-time basis. Part-timers can pick certain classes without being enrolled at the school full-time. Tuition is pro-rated.

Alaska deacon finds God’s grace at death’s doorstep

A year ago Deacon Curt Leuenberger lay in an Anchorage hospital surrounded by his wife, family, friends and clergy who gathered to pray, to perform last rites and then to say a final goodbye. The diseased and broken body of this former big game guide who once hunted Kodiak brown bears for a living was shutting down. After 52 years, four children and 10 grandchildren he was unconscious and stretched out on a hospital bed. His life was in the final stages of a premature end, so it seemed.

Nashville Dominican to speak at Theology & Brew

On Friday, Nov. 21, Theology and Brew in Anchorage will host a talk by Sister Joanna Marie of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, also known as the Nashville Dominicans. Alaskans have been acquainted with members of this fast-growing order through the energetic, youthful sisters who have taught at recent Alaska Catholic Youth Conferences. While wearing long traditional Dominican habits, the sisters are known for climbing mountains, playing soccer and generally keeping apace with the youth.

AUDIO: Who is the new Bishop-elect of Fairbanks?

CatholicAnchor.org On Nov. 8, the Diocese of Fairbanks held a press conference to announce that Bishop-elect Chad Zielinski had been chosen to serve as its new bishop. During the press conference Bishop-elect Zielinski shared candid thoughts about the role of a bishop, his shock at being chosen one and how he hopes to serve the…

How is a Catholic bishop chosen?

The ultimate decision in appointing bishops rests with the Pope, and he is free to select anyone he chooses. But how does he know whom to select? The process for selecting candidates for the episcopacy normally begins at the diocesan level and works its way through a series of consultations until it reaches the pope’s desk in Rome.

Military chaplain shocked at being named bishop for Fairbanks

CatholicAnchor.org Pope Francis decision to tapped Father Chad Zielinski to become the new bishop for the Diocese of Fairbanks shocked the active military chaplain at Eielson Air Force Base. Bishop-elect Chad Zielinski, at age 50, will be the 11th youngest of 267 active U.S. Catholic bishops. He will lead 11,000 Catholics who reside in the…

Archbishop’s November Calendar

CatholicAnchor.org Oct.28-Nov.7, Pilgrimage to the Holy Land Nov. 8, 6 p.m., St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School Action, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Nov. 9-13, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops meeting, Baltimore Nov. 20, 9 a.m., Mass, Our Lady of Guadalupe Nov. 20-22, Apostolic administrator duties, Fairbanks Diocese Nov. 22, 5:30 p.m., Native Mass, St. Anthony — …