Editor’s note: This article was published in the April 2023 issue of the North Star Catholic. The first time I read a book by Jesuit Father Greg Boyle, I was on a long airline flight. As I became immersed in “Tattoos on the Heart,” my seatmates probably looked at me askance. I alternated laughing aloud, then…
Editor’s note: This article was published in the March 2023 issue of the North Star Catholic. Dear Fr. Leo, Can a Christian be in the military? What about the fifth commandment? — G Dear G, The quick answer is, “Yes, but only for the right reasons.” Christian soldiers do not wage war indiscriminately. Rather, they…
Editor’s note: This article was published in the February 2023 issue of the North Star Catholic. After graduating from Lumen Christi High School in May 2022, I sought out higher education at St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri, to pursue a Biomedical Engineering degree. After my first semester of college, I can say with certainty…
Editor’s note: This article was published in the February 2023 issue of the North Star Catholic. As Catholic Christians, we are a people of hope. We put our trust in the mercy, love, and healing power of God. With this new year, may we renew this sense of Hope that is given to us all,…
Young Catholics from across the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau are preparing to travel to Lisbon, Portugal, in August 2023 for World Youth Day — an opportunity to experience the global Church, be a witness of Christ, and experience the Holy Spirit. World Youth Day typically includes catechetical formation and spiritual experiences, including daily Mass, opportunities for…
I often describe the work of the ministry of safe environment for the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau, but this work could not be accomplished without the dedication of the parishes’ and schools’ safe environment coordinators (SEC). Each parish has an SEC who ensures that your parish is following the safe environment policies for the archdiocese. Expressing…
Dear Fr. Leo, What does the church teach about tattoos? I was always told it was forbidden. — A Dear A, Believe it or not, there is nothing in the Catechism that forbids tattoos per se. There is a text from Leviticus 19 that some look to for such a prohibition, but when viewed in the…
There’s a fierce storm on the Sea of Galilee, and in its midst, a nearly capsized boat full of terrified disciples. The story of Jesus calming this storm is recounted in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke during this summer of Ordinary Time. But what does it mean for us? I like to get…
Catholic Social Services accomplished a milestone on June 6 with the help of all of you and many incredible partners. Together, we added 83 new beds to the shelter system at a time when it’s most needed. Thanks to so much hard work from our team, Complex Care at 303 W. Fireweed in Anchorage opened,…
“Father, I abandon myself into your hands.” I went on a pilgrimage to Rome to witness the canonization of St. Charles De Foucauld on May 15. I want to thank Archbishop Andrew Bellisario, C.M., for sponsoring my travels to celebrate the canonization of St. Foucauld. The archbishop knew how important this event was for me…