I am writing this from vacation, but I have been unable to “turn off” work while here. I know we all struggle with that. The thought holding me back that I cannot turn off is the proposed alcohol tax. In my work, I’m constantly reminded of our call to help others and live like Jesus,…
CatholicAnchor.org By Father Pat TraversPastor Holy Name, Ketchikan Diocese of Juneau This past October, I had the opportunity to travel to the Holy Land, and specifically to the holy city of Jerusalem. The trip was both a vacation and a pilgrimage, a break in my normal ministry to get more fully in touch with its…
CatholicAnchor.org Here’s a Lenten question: what is simplicity? At first glance, embracing simplicity seems rather – well, simple. Decluttering is trending sharply in our culture. Perhaps as a reaction to the enormous amount of stuff we accumulate, books focusing on getting rid of junk are proliferating. The best-selling Japanese writer Marie Kondo explains how to…
CatholicAnchor.org The bible says, “the beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord.” We need to pray for fear of the Lord more than the fear of people and what they think of us. It is a gift everyone receives at their confirmation. Do we believe we have this gift? What is the Fear of…
CatholicAnchor.org I have been asked more than once, why I serve in the role as Victim Assistance Coordinator for the archdiocese. My response is that I hope to show light in a time of pain and darkness for someone who is searching for the hope of healing and that they know they do not walk…
CatholicAnchor.org Last July, after 12 years of serving the parishes on the Kenai Peninsula, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate priests withdrew from ministry in the Archdiocese of Anchorage. Over the last seven months, Father Patrick Brosamer, Father Jaime Mencias and Father Michael Ko, KMS, have served as resident priests in Soldotna, Homer and Kenai. Though…
CatholicAnchor.org Catholic Social Services (CSS), with its emphasis on stewardship, begins the new year with its annual appeal to the Catholic community. CSS seeks to engage in the three tenets embodied in stewardship; an offering of time, talent and treasure. Among its many programs, CSS assists couples with unanticipated pregnancies and shelters the homeless, from…
CatholicAnchor.org The theme for Lent in 2020 is “Renewed by the Spirit.” Perhaps this theme could be a call to all of us to encounter God and allow Him to guide us. That can feel difficult, allowing ourselves to be guided with an open heart. There are so many influences trying to guide our lives…
CatholicAnchor.org I don’t love driving on dark rural roads. But several years ago, when I worked for Nebraskans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, I found myself chauffeuring guest speakers around one-traffic-light hamlets as we campaigned to convince citizens to support repeal of our death penalty. I remember, especially the evening Sister Helen Prejean was…
CatholicAnchor.org When I was first ordained, I studied apologetics. It is equipping yourself with the best answers to questions of what and why you believe. Apologetics was practiced by St Paul and is best represented by the biblical passage of 1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to…