A Mass of Thanksgiving celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Anchorage drew an intimate gathering of about 70 individuals at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral on Feb. 9 — 50 years to the day a new diocese was carved out of what was essentially the Alaskan wilderness.
Catholic students in Anchorage have taken a stand against proposed legislation to legalize doctor-prescribed suicide in Alaska. House Bill 99, titled “Voluntary Termination of Life,” was introduced to the Alaska legislature in February by Anchorage Democrat Representatives Harriet Drummond and Andy Josephson. The bill aims to grant physicians the right to prescribe lethal drugs for the purpose of suicide. Among the many citizens contacting representatives to oppose the legislation are high school students from Holy Rosary Academy in Anchorage.
In Alaska’s State Legislature this session, lawmakers face myriad bills of concern to Alaskan Catholics. Following is an update on several bills moving through the legislative process, including dates of upcoming hearings. For more information and to contact your legislators, go to akleg.gov or call 800-478-4648. To follow Catholic Anchor reports, including news updates on public testimonies and bill hearings, go online to CatholicAnchor.org. The current legislative session runs until April 19.
In the Alaska State Legislature, Democratic State Senator Berta Gardner has introduced two controversial bills to allow pharmacists in Alaska to dispense – without a doctor’s prescription – self-administered hormonal contraceptives, and to force health care insurers in the state to cover contraceptives, sterilizations and contraceptive procedures and devices – including those that cause abortion.
In Alaska’s State Legislature this session, lawmakers face myriad bills of concern to Alaskan Catholics, including legislation that deals with parental rights in education and expanding faith-based health care options. Following is an update on several bills moving through the legislative process, including dates of upcoming hearings.
Vandals damaged a gravesite headstone and monument, while stealing several items at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wasilla last week. Cemetery Consultant Dan Belanger said he has no idea who committed the crime. “Equipment and a headstone were shot at,” Belanger told the Catholic Anchor. “One headstone was run over and damaged, and supplies/equipment were stolen from the sheds.”
Holy Rosary Academy in Anchorage (1010 W. Fireweed Lane) will host an open house at the school on Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 6-9 p.m. The K-12 grade school employs a classical curriculum. Prospective families will be able to take a tour with current students and families and meet the faculty, principal and administrators. For more information, call 276-5822 or go to hraak.org.
St. Anthony Church in Anchorage is the site of an upcoming town hall event on Feb. 15 to address the lack of detox facilities in Anchorage. The evening, which runs 7-8 p.m., is being hosted by First Covenant Church and Catholic Native Ministry.
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court in Anchorage is trying something new with its annual scholarship essay. In hopes of hearing from more Catholic youth, the Catholic women’s group is offering two “camperships” to St. Theresa’s Camp in Wasilla for the summer season. Camp dates start in late June and run through the end of July. Each session is for one week and the “campership” would cover the cost for the week.
Holy Family Cathedral is hosting a women’s conference on Feb. 20. Themed, “Faces of Mercy,” the event includes popular national presenters and opportunities for discussion, prayer and socializing with other attendees. Last year, more than 4,000 moms across the nation registered for the event, which was broadcast in many venues. The upcoming conference runs from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. It will include two live-streamed presentations by popular Catholic presenters and breakout discussion groups following each talk.