The North Star Catholic / ALASKA NEWS Archives - Page 93 of 140

Alaskans invited to weigh in on sexual abuse, dating violence curriculum

The Alaska Safe Children’s Act requires that Alaska school districts teach students about sexual abuse, dating violence and personal bodily safety. The law faced criticism earlier this year in the Senate Education Committee when committee chairman, Sen. Mike Dunleavy of Wasilla, amended the bill to allow school districts the option of opting out of the curriculum. Additionally, Dunleavy added sections banning abortion providers like Planned Parenthood from working in schools, and requiring schools to get permission from parents before their children can participate in sexual education classes. The final bill removed these provisions.

The end of Anchorage homelessness is coming into view

A movement is afoot in Anchorage as homelessness and the those experiencing it are increasingly on our minds. It could be because their numbers are higher or that they’re more visible, but it feels like more than that. It feels like people are noticing; people are concerned and standing up to say, “This must change!”

Hearing postponed for bill to restrict abortion providers from Alaska schools

CatholicAnchor.org The Alaska Legislature will now hear public testimony at 3:30 p.m. on March 15 on a bill to restrict Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers from teaching or distributing materials in Alaska’s public schools. Introduced by Senator Mike Dunleavy, Senate Bill 191 will provide for civil penalties and the revocation or suspension of teacher…

Answering objections to Christianity, like a Christian

In the midst of a secular society that preaches its doctrines from modern university classrooms and secular media platforms, we need to represent Christianity not as merely a good option, but the very best option for human flourishing and happiness.

Alaskan Catholics carry Body of Christ to the homebound

While the homebound ministers bring the Eucharist to all who make the request, the visits require meeting the recipients on their own terms. It’s wise to call ahead of a visit, the ministers note, and logistics of a visit can include negotiating icy driveways, yapping dogs and other obstacles. Inside the home, however, an underlying protocol of reverence applies.

Anchorage Concert Chorus to perform funeral Mass that sparked hope in Nazi prison camps

Defiant Requiem tells the story of the performance of Verdi’s funeral Mass by 150 prisoners at Terezin, also known as Theresienstadt, a camp in Czechoslovakia where Jewish artists and intellectuals were imprisoned. Dr. Grant Cochran, conductor of the Anchorage Concert Chorus, said the compelling story is what led his group to endeavor to bring the performance to Anchorage’s Performing Arts Center.

National Council of Catholic Women launch Alaska chapter

The group exists to give Catholic women of the country a common voice and an instrument for unified action in matters affecting Catholic or national welfare; to ensure proper recognition of Catholic principles in national committees and national movements affecting the religious, moral and material well-being of the country. The group aims to support the work of existing Catholic women’s organizations in meeting the needs of modern culture.

Abortion healing in Alaska: Church offers support & sacraments

Father Mark Francis has first hand experience of people confessing abortion in the confessional.
“The times that I’ve had a penitent come to confession and acknowledge an abortion, it’s usually after a very long time,” he said. “I immediately think to myself, ‘God be praised that this person has responded to the grace, that nudging, however long it took, and the person is seeking God, seeking forgiveness.’”
“By ‘long time,’ I mean years,” he explained. “At least a year. I can hear the physical sigh or tears beginning. A huge weight is gone.

Bioethicist clarifies Catholic teaching on IVF

The Catholic Church’s stance against artificial birth control is widely known. Perhaps less commonly known is the church’s position on artificial reproductive technology, particularly in vitro fertilization (IVF). On Feb. 10, about 50 people gathered at St. Andrew Church in Eagle River to hear internationally acclaimed bioethicist Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk present the church’s position on in vitro fertilization, its ramifications and some of the alternatives and counsel that may be offered to couples struggling with infertility.

Alaskan priests open up about blessings, challenges of celibate life

Embracing a life of celibacy is not the norm in an American culture saturated by sexual images aimed at selling goods and stirring desires. Nevertheless, the Catholic priesthood continues to draw men to a life of total service to Christ and his church. The Catholic Anchor recently asked several Alaskan priests to share how they came to embrace a calling that entails a vow to lifelong celibacy.