The North Star Catholic / FEATURED Archives - Page 90 of 120

EDITORIAL: Churches must welcome out-of-wedlock pregnancies

Churches have a particular challenge regarding the issue of out-of-wedlock pregnancies. On the one hand, the teachings of Christ and his church affirm that sex is to be reserved for the bond of faithful, lifelong marriage. Many churches have effective youth and young adult outreaches to help parishioners strengthen moral resolve in this area. And yet, a percentage of young people fall short. In some cases, this leads to a pregnancy. This is impossible to hide from public view — especially if mothers choose life for their unborn child and carry her to term.

Native drummer finds harmony in ancient Catholic faith

Growing up, Daney remembers that Native heritage was an unspoken common denominator among his closest peers. They also shared a Christian faith, and the group’s desire to gather for Bible study somehow created a curiosity about drumming, which they would go on to explore.

Reported abortions at record low in Alaska

Alaska saw a record low number of reported abortions last year. According to the state’s Bureau of Vital Statistics 1,334 abortions were performed in 2015, the fewest since 2003 when Alaska began recording data. Last year’s figures represent a 12 percent drop over 2014 and a nearly 32 percent reduction from a decade ago when 1,956 abortions were reported.

Anchorage’s largest Catholic high school announces new principal hire

A former Catholic school student in Anchorage has been tapped to lead Anchorages largest Catholic high school. In April Lumen Christi High School announced that Brian Ross, of Anchorage, would take over the reigns from outgoing principal John Harman.

50th anniversary numbers for Anchorage Archdiocese

The following statistics on the Archdiocese of Anchorage are drawn from the 2015 Official Catholic Directory which annually compiles and publishes figures on all dioceses across the United States.

Catholic Social Services marks 50 years serving Alaska’s vulnerable

Catholic Social Services in Anchorage celebrates its 50th anniversary this spring, marking a half-century of living out its mission of providing help and creating hope for vulnerable Alaskans. It’s a history defined by remarkable personalities, social change, the detritus of a devastating earthquake and a death in a city dumpster that inspired a shelter.

Key changes announced for three leading parishes of the Anchorage Archdiocese

CatholicAnchor.org Archbishop Roger Schwietz announced several key pastoral changes involving leadership in three large parishes of the Anchorage Archdiocese. In an April 2 letter to clergy and parish leaders across the archdiocese, Archbishop Schwietz announced that St. Benedict Church, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church and Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral will all be under new…

Bill protecting Alaskans from serving same-sex marriages held in committee

In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling last summer that legalized gay marriage across the nation, including Alaska, the Alaska Legislature is set to hear testimony April 1 on a bill that would protect clergy and others authorized to marry a couple in Alaska.

April 7 hearing for bill to protect Alaskan’s parental rights in education

A bill aimed at giving Alaskan parents greater freedom in directing the education of their children, including the right to opt out of standardized tests and controversial sex instruction classes also prohibits Planned Parenthood and other organizations that perform abortions from teaching in public schools. Senate Bill 89 is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate State Affairs Committee on March 14 at 8 a.m.

Holy Week images from across Alaska

Check out the links listed here to view photo galleries of Holy Week from various parishes and location around Alaska.