News & Happenings around the Anchorage Archdiocese
The following news and upcoming events are taking place across the Anchorage Archdiocese.
EDITOR’S PICKS
Packed family conference urges Alaskans to ‘build a Catholic culture’
If attendance at last month’s Fairbanks Catholic Family Conference is any indication, Alaskans are hungry for ideas to strengthen and pass on their faith amid a culture that no longer supports the family. More than 600 people braved snowy roads and sub-zero temperatures to attend the Feb. 9-11 conference sponsored by the Fairbanks Diocese.
Byzantine Catholics begin ‘Great Lent’ by first asking for forgiveness
With the blessing of the Anchorage Archbishop Paul Etienne, St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church in Anchorage held its second-annual Forgiveness Friday Vespers for clergy Feb. 9.
102-year-old parishioner treasures time with God
Frances Banish is no newcomer to the Catholic Church. Despite living through nine popes and experiencing more than a century of sacraments, she is hungry for more.
Alaska bishops highlight dignity, sanctity of human life as key to moral teachings
Alaska’s bishops released a pastoral letter affirming that all Catholic moral teachings stem from the foundational belief in the dignity and sanctity of every human life. From this flows the church’s affirmation of marriage as between one man and one woman, the rational for religious freedom, the role of chastity in human relationships, and the church’s teaching on human sexuality.
Archbishop Etienne asks for help in discerning mission of Anchorage Archdiocese
The goal of the parish-based events is to foster a “a formal process of discerning and defining our mission as the local church of the Archdiocese of Anchorage,” Archbishop Etienne wrote Feb. 22 on his blog. “First and foremost, I invite all of you to please pray during this time that we may be sensitive and alert to where the Holy Spirit is leading us, and that we may humbly follow and boldly accomplish what God is asking of us.”
LISTEN: St. Vincent de Paul Society featured on Alaska Public Radio
The St. Vincent de Paul Society based out of Holy Family Cathedral in Anchorage was highlighted on Alaska Public Radio this week.
Alaska bishops emphasize human dignity as foundation of Catholic moral teachings
The bishops of Alaska released a pastoral letter on Feb. 14 affirming Catholic teaching on human dignity, sanctity of human life, marriage, religious freedom, chastity, and sexual orientation and gender identity.
The light of Christ pierces the thickest darkness
As the plane took off into the night, my heart cried: “Lord why so much darkness, so much hatred of you and yours?” As I prayed the plane rose over the city, I glanced through the small windows and was overwhelmed at the many lights below.
Consider a Lenten partnership with Catholic Social Services
During Lent when we are asked to seek the Lord in prayer and the Scriptures, and to give of ourselves through service and sacrifice. At Catholic Social Services we hope to partner with you in providing a place to share your many gifts