As election season politics plays out in Alaska Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz is urging Alaskans of all faiths to engage in civil dialogue and discourse when debating in the public square. “Over the years, what falls in the bounds of being acceptable seems to be disintegrating,” Archbishop Schwietz said in a statement that was read at an Aug. 18 interfaith prayer service just outside St. Anthony Church in Anchorage.
On Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Father Michael Shields will lead a “Mothers’ Day of Healing” retreat at St. Michael Church in Palmer. The gathering, which is geared for women in all stages and phases of motherhood, will include eucharistic adoration, spiritual reflection and fellowship. Father Shields also will be available to hear confessions. Refreshments and childcare provided.
nation. He serves both as archbishop of Anchorage and as the temporary apostolic administrator over Fairbanks until it is assigned a new bishop by the pope. Combined Archbishop Schwietz oversees a geographic area that spans 550,000 square miles, or more than twice the size of Texas. Despite his added duties and frequent flights to small villages across Alaska, Archbishop Schwietz is now less than a year away from his 75th birthday. On July 3, 2015, he will reach the age at which all bishops must submit their resignation letter to the pope.
CatholicAnchor.org Cathedral young adult group moves The Holy Family Cathedral young adult group, for ages 18 to 35, has moved its meeting site. Previously it met at the Blessed Sacrament Monastery, but gatherings — including eucharistic adoration and socials — now take place at Holy Family Cathedral on Wednesdays. Adoration is 7-8 p.m. in the…
CatholicAnchor.org Sundays 11 a.m., Mass, AK Native Medical Center Sundays, 4 p.m., Dominican Rite Mass, Holy Family Cathedral Tuesdays, 10 a.m., MOMs group, St. Andrew Tuesdays, 11 a.m., Native Kateri Circle, St. Anthony Wednesdays, 12:45 p.m., Moving & Shaking Seniors, Holy Family Cathedral Wednesdays, 4 p.m., Children’s Rosary, St. Andrew, Eagle River Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m.,…
Sept. 10, 9 a.m., Mass for start of Lumen Christi High School academic year, St. Benedict
Sept. 11, 9 a.m., Mass for start of Holy Rosary Academy academic year, Our Lady of Guadalupe
Sept. 12, 9 a.m., Mass for start of Our Lady of the Valley School academic year, Sacred Heart, Wasilla
Sept. 13-14, Confirmations, St. Christopher by the Sea, Dutch Harbor/Unalaska
In his recent homily the pope posed a stark question: “When I give alms, do I drop the coin without touching the hand (of the poor person, beggar)? And if by chance I do touch it, do I immediately withdraw it?”
Catholic charity is not a matter of mere correct belief — it’s touching the flesh of the poor and thereby loving the Body of Christ.
Religion and science are not opposed at Lumen Christi High School in Anchorage. The 7-12 grade Catholic school has built a reputation for innovative science curriculum, while also teaching the tenants of Catholic faith.
The school is hoping to further enhance its science program thanks to a $15,000 grant that teacher Debbie Brewer received earlier this year. Brewer was chosen to take part in a national program that forms mentoring partnerships between high school science teachers and research scientists.
In an effort to promote Catholic education, three Anchorage youth were awarded scholarships for winning essays on the theme: “Jesus loves us; How do we spread that love?”
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas court in Anchorage organizes the annual student essay scholarship. This year the Daughters partnered with the Knights of Columbus council at Holy Family Cathedral, which allowed for an increased number of award winners.
It’s safe to say that we live in a time when the historic message of Christianity is being drowned out and watered down. Hyper individualism has many believing they can reinvent and reorient their lives however they wish. Belief in fixed moral realities and religious truths are increasingly difficult to swallow and are more likely to be seen as naïve sentiments held by children and those who grew up in a simpler time.