A total of 180 teens turned out for the annual four-day Alaska Catholic Youth Conference in Anchorage last month. Three Alaskan bishops and dozens of guest speakers and volunteers provided youth from all across the state with liturgies, sacraments, faith formation opportunities and concrete ways to serve their community.
On June 29, Anchorage Archbishop Paul Etienne received a wool vestment — called a pallium — from the hands of Pope Francis at the Vatican. This vestment dates back to at least the fifth century and symbolizes a bishop’s authority as well as his unity with the pope. Shortly before Archbishop Etienne’s departure to Rome the Catholic Anchor asked him about the upcoming trip and its purpose. The following Q&A interview is edited for length and clarity.
A total of 81 golfers comprising 21 teams turned out for the first ever Archbishop’s Golf Tournament to help raise funds to support a growing group of Alaskan men training for the Catholic priesthood. The June 7 tournament in Anchorage netted more than $14,500 to support the Seminarian Endowment Challenge, a fund which helps cover expenses of Alaskans pursuing the priesthood for the archdiocese.
These photos are of Anchorage Archbishop Paul Etienne receiving his pallium from Pope Francis on June 29 at the Vatican.
Father Robert Whitney celebrated his first Mass as a priest on June 24 at Holy Family Cathedral in Anchorage. He was ordained the day before at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral by Anchorage Archbishop Paul Etienne.
The following events are scheduled for the preparation and celebration of Deacon Robert Whitney’s ordination to the Catholic priesthood for the Archdiocese of Anchorage. All events are open to the public and the media.
On June 29, Anchorage Archbishop Paul Etienne will receive his pallium from the hands of Pope Francis at the Vatican. The pallium, which can only be worn by the pope or a metropolitan archbishop, is a wool vestment that dates back to at least the fifth century. Wearing of the pallium symbolizes a bishop’s authority as well as his unity with the Holy See.
In an effort to “solicit the Christian community to pray for those in authority, in particular the Governor of Alaska,” the annual Alaska Governors Prayer Breakfast will take place June 24 in Anchorage with Gov. Bill Walker.
To think that God merely populates seminaries by sheer force of his will, or only calls men in private visions and inner stirrings is a misconception which does not reflect the experiences of the vast majority of seminarians and priests.
Anchorage Archbishop Paul Etienne will celebrate the closing Mass for youth gathered in Anchorage for the Alaska Catholic Youth Conference. The liturgy will begin at 11:15 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral. The public is invited to attend.