The North Star Catholic / FEATURED Archives - Page 110 of 120

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.

Rudderless fasting vs. Lenten tradition

In Alaska, thousands of miles to west, a friend is up in his years and living out his last week on earth. He is sick and dying, and I’m using the pangs of hunger throughout the day as a reminder to send “positive intentions” his way — more commonly known as prayers. But I am reluctant to call them that, just then. I have been reading some “out there stuff.” I have also studied the faith of the Mormons and of Jehovah Witnesses, and been comparing the two with my philosophical anchoring in a Lutheran church. I am contemplating an exhaustive study of Buddhism next.

40 Days for Life spring campaign begins in Anchorage

CatholicAnchor.org All are invited to participate in the spring prayer campaign of 40 Days for Life, February 18 to March 29. In 40 Days for Life, each fall and spring, pro-life advocates gather outside abortion facilities around the world to peacefully stand vigil, pray for unborn babies and help mothers choose life for their children….

Archbishop calls Alaska scouts to ‘respond to evil by doing good’

“Thank God for the gift of scouting and for our young people,” Archbishop Schwietz told the assembly. “Let us continue to pray for scouting in our society.” In his homily, Archbishop Schwietz spoke about the problem of evil and how the faithful are called to respond. Addressing the Sunday readings which recalled Job’s immense sufferings, the archbishop noted that Job “does not turn away from God but he turned toward God and asks, ‘Why is this happening?’”

Catholic schools seen to dig deeper, “teach the soul”

Anyone can go to any school and learn where the New England Patriots are from. Anyone can go to school and learn what R-O-U-G-H spells. But Catholic schools are something different. They not only teach the mind and the body, they also teach the soul. It’s important to know that God made you, and that God loves you as you.” With these words Father Frank Reitter’s homily challenged a gathering of more than 400 Catholic school students who traveled from across the Anchorage Archdiocese to attend a Mass that was celebrated as part of the nationwide Catholic Schools’ Week.

Archbishop Schwietz celebrates anniversary with Mass, memories

Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz, who was the seventh bishop of Duluth and now archbishop of Anchorage said it was a “strange feeling to be back here in this pulpit.” “It’s so good to be with you,” he said, as he began his homily for a Feb. 2 Mass celebrating the 25th anniversary of his episcopal ordination at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in Duluth, Minn. He was joined by Duluth Bishop Paul Sirba, a small group of area clergy including Father Scott Medlock of Anchorage and several seminarians for the Anchorage Archdiocese.

Legislation aims to free up faith-based health care options in Alaska

Alaska Senate Majority Leader John Coghill (R – North Pole) has introduced a bill exempting religious-based health care sharing ministries (HCSMs) from being regulated as health insurance in Alaska. A distinctive and attractive aspect of HCSMs for many Catholics and non-Catholic Christians alike is that HCSMs are not subject to federal or state contraceptive or abortion mandates.