St. Therese’s Camp in Wasilla works its way into one’s heart. Perhaps it is sling-shotting chickpeas at clay pigeons with friends. Perhaps it is seeing counselors bounce Fr. Dylan James off the “blob” and into the brilliantly shining waters of Neklason Lake. Or perhaps it is glimpsing God in the trees, in the mountains, in…
Q: Dear Fr. Leo, When I was at Mass in Florida, they did an unusual penitential rite. I didn’t catch it all because it caught me by surprise, but it was not the “I confess,” or the “Lord have mercy” one. It only had two parts, and it was over before I knew what…
Christ prayed that his followers “be one, as You, Father, are in me and I in you.” However, the Church’s unity has become progressively obscured by the proliferation of churches that are not in communion with each other, starting with the Oriental Orthodox schism and the East-West schism in 1054. These breaks further accelerated with…
When I was a young boy, I went through a phase of yelling and screaming. My Mother handled it in two ways: ignoring me, hoping that the behavior would pass, or, finally, having had enough when it didn’t pass, she would firmly shout, Andrew, stop it! Just stop it! No explanation was necessary; I recognized…
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) consecrated the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Orlando, Florida, for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The feast was first established in…
Special Religious Development (SPRED) is a national program that helps the developmentally disabled come closer to God. Catechists and persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities accompany one another in parish-based, small faith communities. In these communities, the members deepen their awareness of God in their everyday lives and cultivate a sense of belonging within local…
Three Yup’ik children honored their faith and their culture when they received their First Communion at St. Anthony parish in Anchorage on May 16. Each first communicant wore a special kuspuk, a hooded overshirt traditional in many parts of Alaska. Celia Haskins, 9, wore a pink kuspuk. Dionna Weaver, 9, wore a white kuspuk, and…
During the past two years, Archbishop Andrew Bellisario, C.M., and the priests in the archdiocese gathered for synodal listening, discussion, and discernment sessions about the minimum age for parishioners to be eligible to receive the sacrament of Confirmation in the archdiocese. After hearing from some of those entrusted with catechesis and consulting with others, together…
When Debbie Brewer first heard from a fellow teacher about a brand-new Catholic school opening in Anchorage, she made a phone call on a Sunday afternoon. By that evening, she had a job. School started Tuesday. That spontaneous beginning turned into one of the most enduring partnerships in Lumen Christi Catholic High School’s history. Now…
Friday, May 8th, marked the first anniversary of the election of Pope Leo XIV. It is important to pray for our Holy Father and his intentions, especially for his intention for peace and reconciliation in our world: a peace grounded in love and justice. The Gospel Reading on May 8th was from the 15th chapter…