EDITOR’S PICKS

Catholic experts debate morality of marijuana

The dawning of legalized marijuana across the states in recent years, has prompted church experts to try to clear the haze about the much-debated drug. In November Alaskans will vote on whether to legalize recreational use of marijuana. Last year Colorado and Washington passed unprecedented laws making legal recreational use of marijuana. Lawmakers in those states have attempted to make ways to shift marijuana from the black market to a regulated and taxed commercial enterprise. Medical use alone is already legal in 18 states including Alaska.

Alaska’s parish bazaar season continues rich tradition

Colder days and longer nights signal the return of the centuries-old tradition of parish holiday bazaars and craft fairs. In the Archdiocese of Anchorage, as in parishes across much of the world, these annual events are major fundraisers, with proceeds going towards Catholic schools, building projects, altar linens, educational scholarships, charitable organizations and other outreaches. Area Catholics can assist parishes and their various outreaches while also getting a jump on Christmas shopping by patronizing these unique events.

Mat-Su school pilots classics-based Catholic curriculum

This year Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School in Wasilla is piloting a new curriculum for the 4th and 5th grades, as it discerns whether to implement a classical approach to education throughout the K-8th grade school.
The school was founded eight years ago but with a change in administration last year, the school was at a natural point to pilot a new curriculum approach, said acting Principal Joyce Lund.
“A number of schools, private and even diocesan schools are finding growth and enthusiasm in the rediscovery of rigorous, classical liberal arts curriculum,” she said, noting that over the last 15 years classics-based schools have seen rapid expansion.

Islam: Friend or Foe?

“Islam: Friend or Foe,” was the headline that drew nearly 50 attendees to a banquet room of the Sea Galley Restaurant in Anchorage earlier this fall. The speaker, popular Catholic scholar, writer and teacher Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio, was in Anchorage to kick off this year’s Theology & Brew monthly speaker series for young adults in the Anchorage Archdiocese.

Archdiocese hosting talk on impact of legalizing marijuana

Dr. Doris Gunderson, a leading expert on the social and psychological impact of marijuana use, will be in Anchorage later this month to speak with medical providers, priests and others on issues related to the legalization of marijuana. During her talk, Gunderson will present findings from several studies on the impact of legalizing recreational marijuana in Colorado, her home state, and will discuss the psychiatric impact of the drug.

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