The North Star Catholic / Events happening around the Anchorage Archdiocese

Here is a listing of news and upcoming events from around the Anchorage Archdiocese.

Presentations to explore unpack Catholic teachings

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Anchorage is hosting a series of faith formation events in the months ahead and has opened the gatherings to Catholics across the archdiocese.

The weekly seminar events, “open to everyone who is interested in deepening their understanding of the Catholic Faith,” will take place at the parish on Thursday evenings, 7-9 p.m., starting Sept. 10 and running through March 3, 2016.

Titled “The Catholic Faith Explained,” presentations will be based on the Symbolon video program from the Augustine Institute. Each week will cover a different aspect of Catholic faith, such as Scripture, tradition, prayer, church authority, Mary, the communion of the saints, heaven and hell and other topics.

Based on the videos, each lesson consists of watching the video followed by discussions and small group time in a casual atmosphere.

For more information contact Father Patrick Brosamer, at (907) 644-9716 or frpatrick@akseas.net.

Russian babies in need

The Mission to Magadan, Russia, an outreach of the Anchorage Archdiocese is in need of baby clothes ranging from newborn to five years.

In an email to supporters Father Michael Shields, pastor of the Church of the Nativity in Magadan, asked for donors to send new clothes due to the fact that the local government is now taxing clothing up to 30 percent.

Clothing items can be sent to:

Fr. Michael Shields, Box 171, Magadan, Russia 685000

Father Shields has asked that that the total value of each donation not exceed $50 so that the parish outreach can avoid paying the high tax for clothes items.

Upcoming retreat aims to strengthen marriages in Alaska

Married couples are welcome to the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend retreat Friday, Oct. 9 to Sunday, Oct. 11 at Holy Rosary Academy in Anchorage. WorldWide Marriage Encounter is an international Christian marriage enrichment program.

The weekend has been updated so there will be no overnight stay required. For more information visit http://alaskawwme.org or contact Deacon Bill and Sherry at (907) 248-5616 or billandsherry@gci.net.

Palmer parish seeks volunteers for Pioneer Home outreach

St. Michael Church in Palmer sends volunteers each Saturday and the first Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. to the Palmer Pioneer Home. The outreach does not take place on Saturdays following the first Thursday. Volunteers pray the rosary with residents who choose to participate and celebrate a communion service. On the first Thursday of each month Father Jaime Mencias celebrates Mass with all who choose to participate. All are welcome to these gatherings. For more information on how to participate in this outreach, call the parish office at 745-3229 ext. 10 or email frontdesk@st-mikesparish.org.

Contemplatives in action

Starting on Saturday, Sept. 26 and continuing monthly for one year, the Secular Discalced Carmelites will meet in a group setting to discuss Holy Scripture, explore the work of the Trinity in Christian discipleship and the role of contemplative prayer. To learn more, email carmel907@gci.net.

Patriotic rosary at St. Benedict’s

A patriotic rosary is prayed at St. Benedict Church in Anchorage with a special intention for the United States. According to organizers, the gatherings focus on prayers for peace, an end to abortion, strengthening families and building strong foundations of faith in younger generations. The rosary, which takes place every third Monday of the month, begins at 6 p.m. and takes about 40 minutes. Booklets are provided.

Youth nights at St. Benedict’s

St. Benedict Church in Anchorage hosts a youth night every Wednesday evening from 7-9 p.m. in the upper room, above the Lumen Christi High School gym.

Submitting notices for publication

Those interested in submitting news and upcoming event notices for publication in the Catholic Anchor newspaper may do so by sending an email to catholicanchor@gci.net or by standard mail to 225 Cordova St., Anchorage, AK 99501.

Please include a brief description of the event, along with contact information. News and notices will be published as space permits.

To guarantee publication of an event, consider purchasing a paid advertisement. For more information, contact Advertising Manager Sandy Busch at 297-7715.

Refugee outreach needs warehouse space

Catholic Social Services’ Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services program is in need of a warehouse or space by Dec. 1, 2015 to store furniture donations from the community. The storage unit does not need to be heated and ideally would be accessible at least twice a week. The space should be large enough to hold five or more couches, three or more kitchen tables/chairs and six or more bookshelves and other furnishings like lamps. For more information, call 222-7376.

Food pantry needs assistance

St. Francis House food pantry in Anchorage needs cereal, rice, dry pinto beans, reusable bags and foldable chairs for clients who utilize the outreach. Donations can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at 3710 East 20th Ave. For more information call Davie Rittenburg at 222-7323 or email drittenberg@cssalaska.org.

Socials for Worldwide Marriage Encounter alumni

Worldwide Marriage Encounter is hosting monthly prayer and dialogue evenings for all alumni of the program. The gatherings include fun social activities. A community calendar is located at alaskawwme.org.

Post abortion outreach support group

Project Rachel, a post-abortion support group is offering a new session for women who are suffering or confused because of an abortion — either their own or a family members, whether recent or long ago. Supported by the Anchorage Archdiocese, the Project Rachel healing group is free and confidential. For more information or to participate, call the confidential phone line: 297-7781 or toll free (866) 434-3344.

Shelter in need of supplies

The Brother Francis Shelter in Anchorage is in need of toothbrushes, razors and band-aids for clients of the downtown homeless shelter. Donations can be dropped off at 1021 East 3rd Avenue.

Clare House needs supplies

Clare House, the Catholic Social Services run shelter for women with children is in need of sugar, creamer and eggs. Donations can be dropped off at 4110 Spenard Road. For more information, call 907-563-4545.