The North Star Catholic / Joel Davidson, Author at The North Star Catholic

EDITORIAL: Pivotal moments ahead for Alaskan Catholics

Changes are afoot in Alaska this November, both in the halls of government and the spiritual leadership of the Catholic Church. During these pivotal transitions the faithful should be fully engaged. First up is Nov. 8, when we have a duty to participate in advancing the common good of our immediate communities, state and nation by casting ballots that are guided by well-formed consciences and a commitment to uphold the non-negotiable moral teachings of Christ and his church.

Incoming archbishop lands in Anchorage to prepare for installation

Incoming Anchorage Archbishop Paul Etienne flew from Wyoming and landed in Anchorage on Nov. 3 to begin preparation for his Nov. 9 installation as the new Archbishop of Anchorage.

Incoming Anchorage archbishop is man of prayer with heart for evangelization

The initial priority for his new archdiocese will be focused on the “New Evangelization,” a term associated with reintroducing and revitalizing the faith in cultures where many have gradually drifted from the Gospel.

Sister who boosted Alaska’s Catholic schools marks 70th jubilee

Sister Ann Fallon, 89, former superintendent of schools for the Anchorage Archdiocese, is celebrating her 70th year as an Adrian Dominican sister. From 2006-2011 she lived and served in Alaska, helping unite Catholic schools across the Anchorage Archdiocese into a Catholic school system. She also helped launch Our Lady of the Valley School in Wasilla.

EDITORIAL: The Catholic Church doesn’t just happen

Despite being founded by Jesus Christ and enduring for 2,000 years, the Catholic Church is not like a mountain range or old growth forest, which could endure even if all humankind were wiped from the face of the earth.

Alaskan teens brandish knowledge of Catholic faith in Truth Pursuit

In a time when many Catholic leaders are desperately looking for ways to engage teens, an event in Anchorage continues to inspire youth to dig into their Bibles, Catechisms and the teaching documents of the Catholic Church.

‘The Relic’ retires from the Anchorage Archdiocese

After 38 years working for the Anchorage Archdiocese, Vice Chancellor Eileen Kramer officially stepped down Aug. 31. Fondly known as “The Relic,” the much respected and devoted Kramer’s career spanned all three archbishops of Anchorage — Archbishop Joseph Ryan, Archbishop Francis Hurley and current Archbishop Roger Schwietz, who is slated to retire on Nov. 9 when Wyoming Bishop Paul Etienne takes over as the fourth archbishop of Anchorage.

Fairbanks Diocese loses second priest in three weeks

The Diocese of Fairbanks has lost a second priest in less than a month. On Oct. 12, the diocese reported that long-serving Jesuit Father Ted Kestler died in a fire.

Bishop Etienne says he ‘will be at home’ as new Anchorage Archbishop

In an Oct. 11 blog post Wyoming Bishop Paul Etienne said he “will be at home” as the new Archbishop of Anchorage. Slated to be installed as archbishop on Nov. 9, he wrote that he was thankful to retiring Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz for his “warm welcome and hospitality” during Bishop Etienne’s two day visit, Oct. 4-5, to his future archdiocese.

Alaska Native artist crafts gift for pope

Alaska Native artist Theresa Mike didn’t quite believe what she was being asked to do. This summer, Vincentian Sister Mary Peter Diaz requested that Mike marshal her artistic talents to craft an ornate book covering for Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz to deliver to Pope Francis along with the newly published volume, “Alaska’s Archdiocese: Faith in the Far North.”