Archbishop’s January Calendar
Below are some of the items on Anchorage Archbishop Etienne’s calendar for the month of January.
ALASKA NEWS
Archbishop Etienne’s Christmas homily: Humbly share the ‘Child of God’
Our God is very near and he comes in humility and with love. God who created the universe, now dares to be born in time, born of a virgin, born in human flesh, coming in the weakness and dependence of a new-born child. He comes as pure gift, not imposing himself upon anyone, but present to all who would receive him.
ACLU files lawsuit to force Kenai to allow satanic prayers at assembly meetings
The ACLU of Alaska filed a lawsuit Dec. 14 against the Kenai Peninsula Borough on behalf of two plaintiffs who wish to use time set aside for opening prayers at assembly meetings to voice support for atheistic ideologies and celebrate Satan.
Pope names Juneau’s Bishop Burns as new bishop of Dallas
“I am humbled and grateful to our Holy Father, Pope Francis, for this appointment as the next bishop of the Diocese of Dallas,” Bishop Burns told Juneau’s Southeast Alaska Catholic newspaper. “At the same time, this announcement fills my heart with gratitude for the privilege and honor of serving the priests, deacons, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Juneau.”
Upcoming Events in the Anchorage Archdiocese
The following events will be taking place in the Anchorage Archdiocese.
Archbishop Schwietz’s encouragement shaped a generation of deacons
He opened the door for deacons to wear the Roman collar on a gray shirt when in sacramental service; in serving and visiting the sick at hospitals and retirement homes; while serving the homeless at Bro. Francis Shelter; and while working in ministry at the jail or at the prisons. But more than these acts of support, Archbishop Schwietz was a great teacher.
Archbishop Schwietz partnered with Philippines to build solidarity and bring priests to Alaska
During his early years in Anchorage, Archbishop Roger Schwietz saw a vision for what he termed “mutual giving and a need to reach out” that led to a long collaboration with an archdiocese half a world away.
Planned Parenthood sues Alaska to perform later-term abortions
Planned Parenthood, Alaska’s largest abortion chain, has teamed up with the ACLU and the Center for Reproductive Rights to sue the state in order to repeal state regulations on second trimester abortions.
Catholic men gather for Mass, prayer near Anchorage abortion clinic
For four years now, Catholic Men For Life, an apostolate of Holy Family Cathedral, has organized this Mass and the ensuing peaceful prayer vigil outside Planned Parenthood. The all-day event takes place twice a year, during the larger spring and fall 40 Days For Life prayer campaigns, which take place outside abortion clinics around the world, including Anchorage.
Growth in Alaska priesthood traced to Archbishop Schwietz’s influence
Until recent years, there was a nearly decade-long drought in priestly ordinations. However, in the last three years, two men have been ordained, and another is scheduled for this summer. There are currently six men in seminary, which is the highest number the archdiocese has ever seen.