The North Star Catholic / EDITOR'S PICKS Archives - Page 118 of 170

Affirming ‘absolute truth’ is not a knock against Christianity

I write this column to young, 20-something Catholics. You are a treasure for the church, and in need of real answers to the hard questions you face. I also write to parents who suffer when a child leaves the church and perhaps even loses her faith in God. Today’s young people need clear answers to questions that come at them from friends, the culture and even family members. Parents need help answering questions children pose. We must do better in this regard because the church is hemorrhaging young people.

Showing mercy in the most challenging situations

Pope Francis calls us to focus on mercy this year, and our society asks us to focus on Child Abuse Awareness for the month of April. But what do mercy and child abuse awareness have in common?

In search of a ‘A Love Supreme’

Love is a serious word, it carries many emotional meanings but fundamentally it conveys the sense that we would be willing to give up all else, not for this thing but for this person or persons, these people who have cast their lot with us and are willing to travel the world’s paths with us until death. Love then is serious business.

EDITORIAL: Churches must welcome out-of-wedlock pregnancies

Churches have a particular challenge regarding the issue of out-of-wedlock pregnancies. On the one hand, the teachings of Christ and his church affirm that sex is to be reserved for the bond of faithful, lifelong marriage. Many churches have effective youth and young adult outreaches to help parishioners strengthen moral resolve in this area. And yet, a percentage of young people fall short. In some cases, this leads to a pregnancy. This is impossible to hide from public view — especially if mothers choose life for their unborn child and carry her to term.

Native drummer finds harmony in ancient Catholic faith

Growing up, Daney remembers that Native heritage was an unspoken common denominator among his closest peers. They also shared a Christian faith, and the group’s desire to gather for Bible study somehow created a curiosity about drumming, which they would go on to explore.

Reported abortions at record low in Alaska

Alaska saw a record low number of reported abortions last year. According to the state’s Bureau of Vital Statistics 1,334 abortions were performed in 2015, the fewest since 2003 when Alaska began recording data. Last year’s figures represent a 12 percent drop over 2014 and a nearly 32 percent reduction from a decade ago when 1,956 abortions were reported.

Anchorage’s largest Catholic high school announces new principal hire

A former Catholic school student in Anchorage has been tapped to lead Anchorages largest Catholic high school. In April Lumen Christi High School announced that Brian Ross, of Anchorage, would take over the reigns from outgoing principal John Harman.

50th anniversary numbers for Anchorage Archdiocese

The following statistics on the Archdiocese of Anchorage are drawn from the 2015 Official Catholic Directory which annually compiles and publishes figures on all dioceses across the United States.

Archdiocese’s ‘Season of Blessings’ concludes with May 14 grand finale

The yearlong festivities marking the 50th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Anchorage will culminate with a May 14 Mass and celebration. Archbishop Roger Schwietz has extended an invitation to Alaskans to join the grand finale.

Catholic Social Services marks 50 years serving Alaska’s vulnerable

Catholic Social Services in Anchorage celebrates its 50th anniversary this spring, marking a half-century of living out its mission of providing help and creating hope for vulnerable Alaskans. It’s a history defined by remarkable personalities, social change, the detritus of a devastating earthquake and a death in a city dumpster that inspired a shelter.