Two more young Alaskans are heading off to train for the Catholic priesthood this fall. The development continues a vocations surge in the Anchorage Archdiocese and will bring the total number of men in formation for the priesthood to five. Spencer Hodgson will graduate from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., this spring, and will…
Did you know that the word Lent comes from a word for springtime? Christian observances of a time of fasting before Easter go all the way back to Saint Irenaeus. But today, who observes Lent? Holidays have been pretty well appropriated by our general culture: Christmas, despite those who harp about a “war on Christmas,”…
Despite the growth of volunteer opportunities available to college graduates today, the Jesuit Volunteer Corps remains one of the most popular destinations for young Catholics looking for spiritual growth and a chance to serve. Caroline Proulx is one of seven young people — two men and five women — living in community in Anchorage as…
CatholicAnchor.org Despite the growth of volunteer opportunities available to college graduates today, the Jesuit Volunteer Corps remains one of the most popular destinations for young Catholics looking for spiritual growth and a chance to serve. Caroline Proulx is one of seven young people — two men and five women — living in community in Anchorage…
CatholicAnchor.org The pastor at my church told a story a few weeks ago that is seeping into my Lent, so with apologies to Father Pat Malone, I retell it here. As a Peace Corps volunteer years ago, before becoming a priest, he lived with a family in a remote African village. He loved the family,…
CatholicAnchor.org Alaska is caught in the international blight of human trafficking, a vicious form of modern day slavery. And the problem is more prevalent than most people realize, said Heidi Carson, who serves as victim’s assistance coordinator for the Archdiocese of Anchorage and works full-time at Covenant House Alaska, which provides shelter and other services…
CatholicAnchor.org The Dominican friars at Holy Family Cathedral are dearly beloved by the parishioners who they have served over the past four decades. It’s a mission that has shaped Catholicism in Alaska and one that continues to impact the city of Anchorage. This year marks the 40th year since the first Dominicans from the…
CatholicAnchor.org I’m probably preaching to the choir here, suggesting an Alaskan book to a readership of Alaskans who have no doubt devoured this book by now. But if somewhere on the Last Frontier there’s a person who has not read, “Pilgrim’s Wilderness: A True Story of Faith and Madness on the Alaska Frontier,” do…
CatholicAnchor.org My daughter Elizabeth has a home in a charming little town near Philadelphia. One drawback, however, are East Coast squirrels. As a former Alaskan, I know that those in the Last Frontier take pride in size, especially when it comes to conversing with Texans. If it comes down to it, Alaskans will even…