The North Star Catholic / FEATURED Archives - Page 102 of 121

Hundreds of Alaskans rally to defund Planned Parenthood

On Aug. 22, hundreds of pro-life advocates in Alaska joined tens of thousands from around the nation in praying and fasting to end abortion and the public funding of the largest provider of abortions in America — Planned Parenthood. Local gatherings in Fairbanks and Anchorage were part of a nation-wide effort in more than 300 cities to pray and protest outside Planned Parenthood clinics following the release of undercover videos showing the abortion giant harvesting body parts of aborted babies and then haggling over the value of each part with prospective buyers.

Newly merged Alaska endowments increases Catholic school scholarships

In an effort to increase opportunities for a Catholic education, the Anchorage Archdiocese has merged two education scholarship funds to provide more financial assistance to students attending local Catholic schools. After the archdiocese contacted donors earlier this year, Archbishop Roger Schwietz approved combining the Jackson Scholarship with the Archangel Fund, a move that nearly doubles money available to students for annual scholarship payouts.

Anchorage’s Holy Family Cathedral marks 100 years on Sept. 15

On Sept. 15, Holy Family Cathedral marks 100 years of providing the sacraments and spreading the Gospel in downtown Anchorage. Located at the corner of 5th Ave. and H Street, the cathedral campus occupies most of an entire city block. That wasn’t the case back in 1915 when the humble wood-structure parish became the first church built in Anchorage.

Without Planned Parenthood, Alaska women still have many health care options

There are thousands of health care providers across the nation — and hundreds in Alaska — that provide health services for women, including women with low incomes, without performing abortion. And there might be more such providers if they had access to Planned Parenthood’s massive public subsidies.

Anchorage to host gathering of 11th century Catholic order

Hundreds of members of an international Catholic religious order dating back to the 11th century will soon be walking the streets of Anchorage. Alaska is host for the annual meeting of the northwest chapter of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre Sept. 18-21. While possessing an exotic name and a centuries-long history in the Catholic Church, the work of the order is right out of today’s headlines.

Anchorage Archbishop urges Alaskans to join pope in praying for creation

Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz is asking fellow Alaskans to join Pope Francis on Sept. 1 in observing the “World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.” The inaugural event is intended to be an annual observance and is seen as a sign of solidarity with Orthodox Christians who each year set aside Sept. 1 as a day to celebrate creation and pray for the protection of the earth.

Alaskans to join Aug. 22 prayer campaign to shut down Planned Parenthood

On Aug. 22, pro-lifers in Alaska will join thousands around the nation in praying and fasting to end abortion and shut down Planned Parenthood. The gathering is part of a nation-wide effort to pray and protest outside Planned Parenthood clinics following the release of undercover videos showing the abortion giant harvesting body parts of aborted babies and then haggling over the value of each part with prospective buyers. In Anchorage pro-life advocates will gather outside the Planned Parenthood clinic at 4001 East Lake Otis Parkway from 9-11 a.m.

Inspiration, tears, friendship all part of Alaska Catholic Youth Conference

This year’s Alaska Catholic Youth Conference in Anchorage challenged me to dig deeper into my understanding of Catholicism and, as a result, how to practice my faith in daily life. This intense four-day spiritual journey featured a large variety of workshops, ranging from tech addiction to medical bioethics to human dignity, as well as keynote speakers after every meal.

Catholic radio launches in Anchorage

Catholics radio has launched in Anchorage and KHRM, 94.1 FM aims to evangelize, educate and inspire area Catholics and all others who tune in. The station’s vision is to “proclaim the truth of the Catholic Church with listener-supported radio in Anchorage that strengthens Catholics’ faith and acts as a voice and a resource for Catholic values and moral stances on public issues.”

Alaska teens have love-hate relationship with digital devices

Teens clamor clearly for two things they feel elude them: true solitude and authentic friendship. Alaska Catholic Youth Conference attendees directly named digital devices as threatening their interior life and distorting their social connections. They perceive their peers as inauthentic and distracted in face-to-face exchanges, leaving little room for the vulnerability and generosity required to build emotional intimacy.