People seem increasingly frightened to admit that the Catholic Church is the “one, holy, catholic (universal) and apostolic church” founded by Jesus Christ more than 2,000 years ago. This is especially the case when Catholics are in the presence of Protestants — our separated brethren in Christ.
The following information includes news items and notices regarding upcoming events in the Archdiocese of Anchorage.
Renown evangelist and speaker Deacon Harold-Burke-Sivers, will lead a four-day mission at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church March 7-10. The mission is open to those outside the parish. Deacon Burke-Sivers has appeared on many national and international radio programs, including Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Connection and EWTN among others. He holds a Master’s degree in Theological Studies from the University of Dallas, is a Benedictine Oblate of Mt. Angel Abbey and is a consultation team member for the National Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Directory for Catechesis.
Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz is scheduled to attend the following liturgies and events during the month of February.
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.
In Anchorage, prayer vigils take place in front of Planned Parenthood, where abortions are performed at 4001 East Lake Otis Parkway. In past years, the vigil was organized and coordinated through the national 40 Days for Life website. This spring campaign, however, was not officially organized but pro-life advocates are still gathering outside the abortion facility to pray.
When something significant happens — something of historical note — we take notice. The death of Archbishop Francis Hurley, along with the prayers, rituals, funeral and finally his burial at the Cooper Landing cemetery of St. John Neumann Parish, was certainly one of those moments. It is the first time that the Archdiocese of Anchorage witnessed the death and bid farewell to its retired archbishop through the church’s rituals and liturgies.