The North Star Catholic / Staff Reports, Author at The North Star Catholic

Archbishop Schwietz celebrates anniversary with Mass, memories

Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz, who was the seventh bishop of Duluth and now archbishop of Anchorage said it was a “strange feeling to be back here in this pulpit.” “It’s so good to be with you,” he said, as he began his homily for a Feb. 2 Mass celebrating the 25th anniversary of his episcopal ordination at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in Duluth, Minn. He was joined by Duluth Bishop Paul Sirba, a small group of area clergy including Father Scott Medlock of Anchorage and several seminarians for the Anchorage Archdiocese.

Holy Family to replay audio of pope’s address to Alaskans

Pope John Paul visited Anchorage on Feb. 26, 1981, and celebrated Mass on the Delaney Park Strip. To commemorate this event as part of its 100th anniversary celebration year Holy Family Cathedral will play a recording of Saint John Paul II’s homily with a reception of finger foods and drinks provided by the Polish American Club of Alaska. This event will start at 7 p.m. on Feb. 26 in the Holy Family Center. All are welcome. For more information, call the cathedral at 276-3455 or logon to: holyfamilycathedral.org

Letters to the Editor

The Catholic Anchor welcomes letters to the editor. Here are some letters which appeared in the latest issue of the Catholic Anchor.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton hires new principal for next year

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School in Anchorage will be under new leadership next year when long-time principal Jim Bailey officially retires in May. The hiring of incoming Principal Kathleen Gustafson was announced Feb. 3. She will begin work at the conclusion of the current academic year. According to an announcement by the school, Gustafson, is a veteran of the Anchorage School District. Originally from Park Rapids, Minn., she has worked in public education in Alaska for the past 25 years.

Screening to explore erosion of religious freedom in U.S.

Alaska Family Action, a nonprofit group that advocates for freedom of religion, pro-life and pro-marriage issues in Alaska, will offer a free screening of the documentary “One Generation Away.” Exploring the erosion of religious liberty in America, the film will show on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at The Crossing (22208 N. Birchwood Loop, Chugiak), beginning at 6 p.m.

Presentation on C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien: ‘Awkward Allies, Lifelong Friends’

Dr. Bruce Edwards, a scholar, author and professor who has specialized in the works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, will explore the profound friendship of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien in a Feb. 17 presentation at the Willow Community Center, starting at 7 p.m.

Scout Sunday Mass set for Feb. 8 in Palmer

Scouts from Boy Scouts, Trail Life, Girl Scouts and American Heritage Girls are expected to be on hand for the annual Scout Sunday Mass with Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz on Feb. 8. This year’s gathering will take place with an 11 a.m. Mass at St. Michael Church in Palmer, where young scouts will receive religious awards for completing objectives related to spiritual development and growth in their faith.

Archbishop’s Feb. Calendar

Here is a list of events and liturgies that Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz is scheduled to attend in January.

Father Fred Bugarin marks 40th year as a priest

Parishioners at St. Anthony Church in Anchorage helped Father Fred Bugarin celebrate his 40th anniversary to the priesthood last month.

Describing their pastor as a “bridge builder between people,” parishioners held a community celebration on Jan. 24-25.

Part of a small handful of priest ordained in Alaska, Father Bugarin immigrated to Alaska from the Philippines with his father in 1963. He attended Anchorage’s first Catholic junior high school before graduating from West High School in 1967.

Anchorage Archbishop Emeritus Francis Hurley turns 88

Anchorage Archbishop Emeritus Francis Hurley celebrated his 88th birthday on Jan. 12 with a gathering of friends at his private residence in Anchorage. He served as head of the Anchorage Archdiocese for 25 years, retiring in 2001 when current Archbishop Roger Schwietz was installed. Archbishop Hurley continues to live in Anchorage where he celebrates daily Mass in his home chapel, visits with friends and former colleagues and regularly attends major funerals and Catholic events in the archdiocese.