A coat of arms, or heraldic achievement, is a centuries-old tradition of creating graphic representations of significant persons, families or countries. Catholic bishops adopted the practice centuries ago when an increasing number of nobles received appointments to the episcopacy, bringing with them their family heraldry. Now, every newly elected bishop receives a coat of arms.
With the upcoming Nov. 9 installation of Bishop Paul Etienne as the new archbishop of Anchorage, the unique role of a bishop will be visibly celebrated in the installation Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral in Anchorage. There, Archbishop Etienne will assume leadership of the archdiocese as the faithful acknowledge the ancient Catholic teaching that the fullness of holy orders, in all its powers and responsibilities, rests in the hands of the local bishop.
A bishop’s installation is a time-honored tradition in the Catholic Church, and a vivid reminder about one of the faith’s central teachings — apostolic succession — which traces today’s bishops from an unbroken line down to the Twelve Apostles who were commissioned by Christ. With that tenet of the faith in mind, the Anchorage Archdiocese is busy preparing for its new archbishop. It is an occasion area Catholics are encouraged to help celebrate.
From teen shoe salesman in Tell City, Indiana, to archbishop of Anchorage, it seems his life has been full of unexpected turns. That’s how Bishop Paul Etienne of Cheyenne, Wyoming, described his elevation to archbishop and assignment to the Far North. But some people weren’t too surprised the pope chose him for greater responsibilities, namely the family who watched him grow up.
The installation of Bishop Paul Etienne as the new archbishop of Anchorage will be live streamed on the Catholic Anchor website — CatholicAnchor.org. The installation Mass, in which Archbishop Roger Schwietz will formally hand over leadership of the Anchorage Archdiocese to his successor, will take place on Nov. 9, beginning at 2 p.m.
Two Alaska Supreme Court justices are up for election this fall. The judges are Justices Peter Maasen and Joel Bolger, who helped strike down a voter-approved law requiring at least one parent be notified before an abortion could be perform on a minor girl. On Nov. 8 Alaskans will decide whether to remove Maasen and Bolger.
When dropping his resignation letter in the mail 16 months ago Archbishop Schwietz had no idea when his successor would be named or who he would be.
I anticipate that his ministry will include a focus on supporting our schools as well as on church vocations. As he brings new energy and enthusiasm to the office of archbishop and to his focus on the new evangelization, I pray that God will render fruitful his ministry and bless the continued growth in discipleship of our family of faith.
Changes are afoot in Alaska this November, both in the halls of government and the spiritual leadership of the Catholic Church. During these pivotal transitions the faithful should be fully engaged. First up is Nov. 8, when we have a duty to participate in advancing the common good of our immediate communities, state and nation by casting ballots that are guided by well-formed consciences and a commitment to uphold the non-negotiable moral teachings of Christ and his church.
With retirement just a few days away, outgoing Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz has invited youth and young adults to join him for a Mass in which he can give thanks for the many years of ministry with these generations and their leaders. The Mass will take place Nov. 6, 5:30 p.m., at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral in Anchorage.