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Anchorage monastery’s mission continues after 2 founding nuns die

“A very diverse yet tightly-knit spiritual family has grown up around the monastery,” explained Therese Syren, a parishioner of Holy Family Cathedral, whose family was instrumental in building the monastery 30 years ago. “Any given day one can find a half-dozen nationalities represented in the congregation at Holy Mass there,” she said. The deaths of the monastery’s two eldest nuns are great losses, but their congregation’s mission is unchanged, explained Father Lilly. “Their work will definitely continue,” he said.

Anchorage teen eager to finally join Catholic Church

Why does a 15-year old Lutheran girl decide to become Catholic? When Anchorage teen Jamie Nagel began to think about joining the Catholic Church, she and her mom talked. Her mom wanted her to at least be confirmed in their family’s faith, and asked her to go through Lutheran confirmation classes, which were held in junior high. “I went to all the classes. Then I sat down and talked to her,” Nagel said.

New clergy assignments announced for Anchorage Archdiocese

Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz announced new parish assignments for several priests of the Anchorage Archdiocese. The new assignments affect St. Andrew Church in Eagle River and Sacred Heart Church in Wasilla.

Anchorage Archbishop Emeritus Hurley marks 45th year as a bishop

Anchorage Archbishop Emeritus Francis Hurley celebrated his 45th anniversary as a bishop on March 19. This came just on the heels of his 88th birthday, Jan. 12. With nearly nine decades behind him, he still begins each day presiding over Mass in his Anchorage home. Those taking part are friends, visitors and his own care-givers in their uniforms, huddled close in the humble, yet richly symbolic chapel.

Editorial: Meddle in Alaska’s politics

CatholicAnchor.org The March and April issues of the Catholic Anchor are historically our most political, as they come out at the time when the Alaska Legislature debates scores of bills that invariably shape Alaska’s cultural landscape. As Christians, we cannot shrink from politics or view it as the purview of elected officials and political insiders….

Changes to Alaska’s tax credits can boost Catholic schools

A change to Alaska’s education tax credit program could have a big impact on the state’s Catholic schools, according to Alaska Catholic Conference executive director Mary Gore. And private schools are poised to get the word out. The program, in existence since 2011, provided tax savings to qualifying individuals and companies who donated to Alaska’s public schools and universities. Now, those same benefits have been extended to the state’s private schools.

Retooled St. Francis awards to honor Alaska’s parish volunteers

The annual event honoring Alaskans who serve the Catholic Church in the spirit of Saint Francis, has received some updates for 2015. For starters, the event is now officially called the St. Francis Stewardship Awards to better reflect the stewardship aspect of the program. The event time has also changed from its traditional date in February to early October, closer to the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi. Additionally, this year’s awards will highlight, specifically, the work of parish volunteers.

Anchorage Archbishop issues rules restricting marijuana use

CatholicAnchor.org In response to the legalization of marijuana use in Alaska, Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz has issued updated standards of conduct for all employees of the Anchorage Archdiocese. In a memo sent to all priests, deacons, religious employees and volunteers the archbishop instructed that all such pastoral ministers should refrain from “smoking, using, possessing or…

Mother Victorias dies at 84 as Anchorage monastery loses 2nd cloistered nun

On March 3 Mother Maria de las Victorias del Sagrado Corazon died at the Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament in Anchorage. She was 84. According to a notice from the Anchorage Archdiocese she was “peacefully surrounded” by her fellow cloistered Catholic nuns at the moment of her death. A viewing will be held at the Anchorage monastery (2645 East 72nd Ave.) on Friday, March 6 from 3-9 pm. with a rosary at 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held there on Saturday, March 7, at 11 a.m. with a public viewing 30 minutes prior to Mass.

Anchorage nun’s cloistered life was focused on prayer, saving souls

Mother Josefina was a cloistered member of the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. She began her religious life at age 19 in 1937. She moved to Alaska in 1985 with a small contingent of nuns who settled in Alaska 30 years ago. The sisters established a cloister in Anchorage at the urging of a group of local laity and an invitation from then Anchorage Archbishop Francis Hurley, who was first acquainted with the order while a child.