In October, our thoughts turn to winter in Alaska. Light is dwindling and the weather is growing colder. For some that may bring joy; time in a warm house with comforting food and people nearby. For those who are homeless, however, October in Anchorage is the beginning of a long, cold period where daily activities are more difficult because of weather and darkness.
The annual Red Mass takes place on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral in Anchorage. Held in many American cities, the Red Mass is a special liturgy for all who practice law, especially asking God’s guidance for attorneys, judges and politicians. Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz will celebrate the Mass, which will be followed by a brunch and presentation at the downtown Marriott Hotel. Father Patrick Travers, the judicial vicar for all three dioceses in Alaska, will give a talk entitled: “The foundation of Natural Law in American Law.”
Anchorage’s oldest church marked a momentous milestone on Sept. 15 — that was the day Holy Family Cathedral turned 100. Celebration of the centenary reflected the joy and solemnity that many parishioners felt in being part of the mother church of the Anchorage Archdiocese. Marked by great festivity, the centennial Mass was celebrated by Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz accompanied by 13 priests, including several former pastors of the cathedral.
Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz is encouraging parents to enroll their children in the archdiocese’s safe environment program, “Circle of Grace.” The program provides information to children about their value and sacredness and the importance of asking people they trust to help them when they feel mistreated or when they are exposed to things that make them uncomfortable.
The following is a listing of events and liturgies that Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz plans to attend and celebrate in the month of October.
Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz has extended an invitation to area Catholics to attend the Oct. 8 St. Francis Stewardship Awards in Anchorage. The annual banquet honors Alaskans who serve the church in the spirit of Saint Francis.
On Feb. 11, 1779 two Spanish ships slipped away from the dock at San Blas, Mexico and sailed into the dark toward Alaska. Three Catholic priests had joined the perilous mission — Father Juan Antonió Garcia Riobó and Father Matiás de Santa Catalina Noriega, Franciscans from Mexico, and Father Cristóbal Antonio Díaz, a secular priest from Peru.
There are scenes of parish celebrations, children’s programs, liturgies, church dedications and most evident, the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, first communion, matrimony and even ordinations. The inclusion of the various cultural groups and celebration with Alaska Natives in church as well as in their communities is very evident, too.
When I first began my ministry in Russia 20 some years ago I recognized two subjects were off limits for me to speak of with my parishioners — alcoholism and abortion. Although most of the parishioners were affected by the disease of alcoholism either though a spouse, a relative, neighbor or friend no one wanted to talk about what to do. I knew that most every woman sitting before me every Sunday had undergone an abortion — and most likely numerous abortions. And the men as well sitting before me probably played a major role in those decisions.
Catholic Social Services in Alaska has eight different programs, each and every one of which could stand alone, but they all stand together under our mission to compassionately serve the poor and those in need, strengthen individuals and families, and advocate for social justice. The fact that we have a diversity of programs speaks to the needs in our community. Catholic Social Services has built itself to grow and fit with the needs of our population. Our broad mission allows that flexibility.