Fr. David Nations C.M. is a multi-tasking Vincentian priest. He is fluent in Spanish and has ministered to the Latino community for over 30 years. He fixes bothersome IT issues, hems and mends his own vestments, cooks and bakes for large gatherings, knits, remodels homes, repairs engines, and currently is learning how to offer mass…
Lea Bouton, a current teacher at Lumen Christi High School (LCHS) in Anchorage, made the gift of donating her kidney to her former student, Jesse Batac in July 2025, saving his life. When Bouton met Batac nearly ten years ago he was a 10th grade student in two…
Sr. Jean Rhoads is not one to shy away from adventure, and on May 27, 2025 she began a new one, arriving in Alaska for the first time. It is Sr. Jean’s 50th year as a Daughter of Charity, and, while Alaska is a popular tourist destination for those celebrating milestone anniversaries, Sr. Jean didn’t…
More than just a nice day golfing, the annual Archbishop’s Golf Tournament exists to support the archdiocese’s seminarians as they undergo rigorous studies to become blessings to the faithful. This year’s event was held August 7 at Anchorage’s Moose Run Golf Course. It is the archdiocese’s goal to “get a priest into every parish and…
Originally printed in the June 2025 issue This is the first in a series of articles highlighting thrift stores in the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau. Thrift stores are a relatively new invention in the history of human societies. The reason is simple, historian Susan Strasser in her book Waste & Want explains, “until the second half…
On July 1, 2025, Dave Ringle stepped down as the executive director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Therésè Conference, in Juneau, Alaska. He is succeeded by Jennifer Skinner, the new executive director of the society. As I have journeyed in my position as leader of St. Vincent de Paul within…
Originally printed in the May 2025 issue Some scholars believe that the saying “the eyes are the windows to the soul” originated in ancient Greece or Rome. Regardless of its origins, this saying has endured over time because it contains elements of truth. I had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis on two occasions. I…
Originally printed in the April 2025 issue Bonnie Bezousek, the new executive assistant to Archbishop Andrew Bellisario, carries on an unusual ministry. Away from her office, her favorite calling is to spend one-on-one time with friends and family to be present to their adventures in life. “This is my emphasis right now,” said Bezousek (pronounced bee-SOO-zak)….
Originally printed in the March 2025 issue Each January Catholic schools all over the United States celebrate the richness of Catholic education. Our schools develop the whole person by teaching subject matter, addressing student struggles, and modeling healthy interaction through the lens of faith. This year Catholic Schools Week was January 26 – February 6….
As Patricia “Pat” Kennish quietly walked onto the stage, as if she was trying to go unnoticed by the crowd, people cheered and applauded her. Seeking out the spotlight is not Kennish’s style, she admitted. So, as she made her way to the announcer with a faint smile, she gently grabbed her trophy, shyly took…