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.
FEATURED
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.
Centuries old Mexican Catholic tradition surfaces in Anchorage
Traveling thousands of miles, a unique statue of the Virgin Mary appeared in Anchorage in early March.
Rooted in four centuries of Catholic devotion, the statue — La Virgen de La Defensa (Mother of Our Defense) — is the centerpiece of lively celebrations, prayers and the preservation of Catholic identity for the residents of two particular villages in Mexico, Atemajac de Brizuela and Juanacatlan.
Easter message from Anchorage Archbishop: ‘Christ has Risen!’
Christ indeed has risen from the dead. He has banished the darkness and taken away the terror of death. Forever now he rules all time and space and power. The forces of evil can fling their threats and stir up their violence, but never win. He is risen, our God is alive and with us. And his message: “Peace be with you.”
Multi-generational family keeps Alaskan cemetery focused on the Resurrection
Bury the dead. The words may seem over-simplified in the pragmatic rush of everyday life, but not for those Alaskans who have taken on the task of honoring them as prescribed within the corporal works of mercy. For Dan Belanger, burying the faithful departed and looking ahead to what awaits them in the hereafter comes as an inheritance — an duty he admits befell him with the passing of his father, but not without a bit of preparation. In the context of the battlefield, Dan knows death all too well, but deeper down, he forges ahead in a legacy that honors death as the gateway to eternity.
Holy Oils help to sacramentally unite Alaska’s widely dispersed Catholics
The Chrism Mass, a profoundly sacred liturgy, with roots in antiquity and hopes in eternity, was celebrated at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral in Anchorage on March 16. Sacramental oils, used throughout the 138,000 square mile Anchorage Archdiocese were blessed by Archbishop Schwietz at the annual Mass. Two-dozen priests gathered with the archbishop and Bishop Renato Mayugba, visiting from Laoag Diocese in the Philippines. The clergy renewed their commitment to the priesthood and loyalty to the archbishop — an integral part of the ancient liturgy.