Special Religious Development (SPRED) is a national program that helps the developmentally disabled come closer to God. Catechists and persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities accompany one another in parish-based, small faith communities. In these communities, the members deepen their awareness of God in their everyday lives and cultivate a sense of belonging within local…
Three Yup’ik children honored their faith and their culture when they received their First Communion at St. Anthony parish in Anchorage on May 16. Each first communicant wore a special kuspuk, a hooded overshirt traditional in many parts of Alaska. Celia Haskins, 9, wore a pink kuspuk. Dionna Weaver, 9, wore a white kuspuk, and…
During the past two years, Archbishop Andrew Bellisario, C.M., and the priests in the archdiocese gathered for synodal listening, discussion, and discernment sessions about the minimum age for parishioners to be eligible to receive the sacrament of Confirmation in the archdiocese. After hearing from some of those entrusted with catechesis and consulting with others, together…
When Debbie Brewer first heard from a fellow teacher about a brand-new Catholic school opening in Anchorage, she made a phone call on a Sunday afternoon. By that evening, she had a job. School started Tuesday. That spontaneous beginning turned into one of the most enduring partnerships in Lumen Christi Catholic High School’s history. Now…
Catholic Social Services (CSS) has built a well-earned reputation for providing the basics to the most needy in our communities, including food for the hungry, clothing and goods for those without, welcome and support to the refugee. But more than anything we are known for our years of providing a warm, safe and dry environment…
On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ending the federal right to abortion that permitted the deaths of over 60 million American children since the case was decided in 1973. Though many states have since restricted abortion, Alaska is not one of them. Nevertheless, the end of Roe v. Wade…
Can you recall a time when you were speaking, but it seemed that no one was listening? Sometimes it seems clear because others are having side conversations when you are talking. Other times when the person you are speaking with appears distracted and when they respond, it is obvious they did not hear what you…
The Feast of Pentecost, May 24 this year, marked the end of the Easter season as the Church commemorated the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, sealing them with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord were strengthened in the apostles as they…
This past April, the Co-Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Juneau began renovations. It is hoped this project will be completed by Easter 2027. Built in 1910 by Fr. Edward Brown, S.J., third pastor of the parish, which began in 1882, the co-cathedral’s church building has weathered many years and served…
Dear Fr. Leo, Well, I did it. I proposed to my girlfriend and now she is my fiancée! What do I have to do next to get married in the Church? – B Dear B, Congratulations! As the great social philosopher Groucho Marx once said, “Marriage is a wonderful institution…but who wants…