Upcoming Events in the Anchorage Archdiocese
The following events will be taking place in the Anchorage Archdiocese.
EDITOR’S PICKS
Archbishop Schwietz’s encouragement shaped a generation of deacons
He opened the door for deacons to wear the Roman collar on a gray shirt when in sacramental service; in serving and visiting the sick at hospitals and retirement homes; while serving the homeless at Bro. Francis Shelter; and while working in ministry at the jail or at the prisons. But more than these acts of support, Archbishop Schwietz was a great teacher.
Advent shines through “black blizzards”
So, my friends, when life often seems to resemble a dust bowl with not a sign of hope to be found, Christians gather in their churches to continue celebrating the year of grace all over again, a moment in time when we will see “the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.”
Archbishop Schwietz partnered with Philippines to build solidarity and bring priests to Alaska
During his early years in Anchorage, Archbishop Roger Schwietz saw a vision for what he termed “mutual giving and a need to reach out” that led to a long collaboration with an archdiocese half a world away.
Archbishop Schwietz was a loving father to his priests
The bishop, with the laying on of hands, imparts the gift of the Spirit and then the priest, placing his hands inside those of his bishop, promises perpetual obedience. To the secular world this must seem horribly arcane but not to priests.
Archbishop Schwietz smelled like his sheep
When people speak of Archbishop Schwietz, they invariably describe him as “pastoral.” I like to think of Pope Francis’ words: priests should be “shepherds living with the smell of the sheep.” Anyone who’s lived on a farm knows that’s a dramatic statement.
Planned Parenthood sues Alaska to perform later-term abortions
Planned Parenthood, Alaska’s largest abortion chain, has teamed up with the ACLU and the Center for Reproductive Rights to sue the state in order to repeal state regulations on second trimester abortions.
Catholic men gather for Mass, prayer near Anchorage abortion clinic
For four years now, Catholic Men For Life, an apostolate of Holy Family Cathedral, has organized this Mass and the ensuing peaceful prayer vigil outside Planned Parenthood. The all-day event takes place twice a year, during the larger spring and fall 40 Days For Life prayer campaigns, which take place outside abortion clinics around the world, including Anchorage.
Growth in Alaska priesthood traced to Archbishop Schwietz’s influence
Until recent years, there was a nearly decade-long drought in priestly ordinations. However, in the last three years, two men have been ordained, and another is scheduled for this summer. There are currently six men in seminary, which is the highest number the archdiocese has ever seen.
‘Hasty move’ ends with St. Therese of Lisieux as Alaska’s patron saint
Saint Therese of Lisieux wasn’t yet recognized by the Catholic Church as a saint when Alaska’s very first bishop “made a rather hasty move,” in selecting her as the patron saint of Alaska.