CatholicAnchor.org “Where in the bible should I start reading?” This was a question for a parish priest from someone preparing to become Catholic. I recall this priest recommending that they begin with the Acts of the Apostles. It was because the Acts of the Apostles told the story of the beginning of the Christian communities…
CatholicAnchor.org As we welcome 2020, there is, with all New Years, a sense of hope for good things to come. Many start the new year with a resolution in the hope of changing their lives for the better. Statistics show that a small number who report making resolutions say they have been able to keep…
CatholicAnchor.org As we enter 2020, most of us are dreading the political rancor and divisiveness that grip our nation. We’re fatigued, angry, frustrated. To make matters worse, the American church is in the grip of division as well. Any trip to Catholic social media sites brings criticisms of Pope Francis and other Catholic figures that…
Come ye after me, and I will make you to be fishers of men. (Matthew 4: 12-23) It is a new year and we have a new chance. I take this seriously because I need another chance. I feel like I need so many chances, and I imagine you all feel that too. Every day…
CatholicAnchor.org The joke goes, what is the difference between ignorance and apathy? The answer is I don’t know and I don’t care. The Catholic Church is in a crisis of membership, and we can’t remain ignorant and we can’t surrender to apathy. There are about 100 million Catholics in the United States. It is an…
CatholicAnchor.org “It is how we live out our journeys and how we treat the people we meet that has the potential to transform our world,” said Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. As we start our Advent journey towards Christmas, I think of new birth and a new season. In this season, we celebrate the darkest…
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!” Isaiah 43:1 I have been called by name for 40 years of priesthood, and He calls all of us. I have learned Jesus doesn’t simply call your name but calls you to himself in a relationship of love….
CatholicAnchor.org Recently, I headed to a morning lecture at a local nursery: “Creating a Biodiverse Garden.” This nursery is huge, with every kind of plant, gift item, basket, and seasonal décor. It reminds me of Bell’s Nursery in Anchorage – elegant and fun to browse, although this being a bigger city, this nursery is like…
CatholicAnchor.org It is the month of Thanksgiving, and to all of you who are a part of our Catholic Social Services family, we wish you the best and most wonderful holiday. This holiday I wanted to share with you some of the warmest and best stories celebrating family and Thanksgiving that I know. These stories…
CatholicAnchor.org As the leaves turn and the temperatures slowly fall, we prepare for all that comes with the changing season. During this time of year, besides raking leaves and storing flowerpots, I recently attended a candidate forum. One of the less controversial questions asked of the candidates at this forum was to name their favorite…