Alaska students raise funds for Mid-East Christians
Responding to the recent violence against Christians in the Middle East students from Holy Rosary Academy in Anchorage raised $2,068 in one week. Students competed among different grades to s
ALASKA NEWS
Vincent de Paul Society a light in ‘terrible darkness’
Long-time member Kerry Whitney said her experiences serving with the St. Vincent de Paul group have deepened her faith over the years. “They know we care about them, not their color, race, creed or financial situation — just them as they are,” Whitney added. “Most of them have already been turned away from all other agencies when they come to us for help. We are their last hope so to speak.”
Friar to explore church’s view of business ethics
Dominican Brother Thomas More Garrett will be giving a talk in Anchorage titled “Pontifical Business: The Papacy & the Contemporary Business Professional.” The Oct. 13 presentation will take place at Holy Family Cathedral at 7 p.m.
Catholic experts debate morality of marijuana
The dawning of legalized marijuana across the states in recent years, has prompted church experts to try to clear the haze about the much-debated drug. In November Alaskans will vote on whether to legalize recreational use of marijuana. Last year Colorado and Washington passed unprecedented laws making legal recreational use of marijuana. Lawmakers in those states have attempted to make ways to shift marijuana from the black market to a regulated and taxed commercial enterprise. Medical use alone is already legal in 18 states including Alaska.
October News & Happenings
Here is a listing of news briefs along with upcoming events, liturgies and other gatherings and presentations that are taking place in October across the Anchorage Archdiocese.
Alaska’s parish bazaar season continues rich tradition
Colder days and longer nights signal the return of the centuries-old tradition of parish holiday bazaars and craft fairs. In the Archdiocese of Anchorage, as in parishes across much of the world, these annual events are major fundraisers, with proceeds going towards Catholic schools, building projects, altar linens, educational scholarships, charitable organizations and other outreaches. Area Catholics can assist parishes and their various outreaches while also getting a jump on Christmas shopping by patronizing these unique events.
Auction for Holy Rosary Academy on Oct. 25
Holy Rosary Academy will hold its annual Auction Gala on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Anchorage Downtown Marriott. The evening will include a silent and live auction, dinner and dancing. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The auction benefits the general operations of the K-12th grade school including $50,000 a year to help qualified families afford tuition.
Anchorage parish to host ecumenical hymn singing
Holy Cross Church in Anchorage is hosting an evening of singing favorite hymns on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. According to organizers, the ecumenical event will include members of other Christian communities for the “simple joy of singing and praising God.”
Anchorage mission on evangelization, holiness, prayer & more
St. Benedict Church in Anchorage is hosting a six-day mission, Oct. 18-23, with Dr. Bob Schihl, the founder and director of the innovative website CatholicApologitics.org, which offers college-level courses in church history, theology and apologetics. The mission is open to the general public.
Mat-Su school pilots classics-based Catholic curriculum
This year Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School in Wasilla is piloting a new curriculum for the 4th and 5th grades, as it discerns whether to implement a classical approach to education throughout the K-8th grade school.
The school was founded eight years ago but with a change in administration last year, the school was at a natural point to pilot a new curriculum approach, said acting Principal Joyce Lund.
“A number of schools, private and even diocesan schools are finding growth and enthusiasm in the rediscovery of rigorous, classical liberal arts curriculum,” she said, noting that over the last 15 years classics-based schools have seen rapid expansion.