The North Star Catholic / FEATURED Archives - Page 92 of 120

Abortion healing in Alaska: Church offers support & sacraments

Father Mark Francis has first hand experience of people confessing abortion in the confessional.
“The times that I’ve had a penitent come to confession and acknowledge an abortion, it’s usually after a very long time,” he said. “I immediately think to myself, ‘God be praised that this person has responded to the grace, that nudging, however long it took, and the person is seeking God, seeking forgiveness.’”
“By ‘long time,’ I mean years,” he explained. “At least a year. I can hear the physical sigh or tears beginning. A huge weight is gone.

Bioethicist clarifies Catholic teaching on IVF

The Catholic Church’s stance against artificial birth control is widely known. Perhaps less commonly known is the church’s position on artificial reproductive technology, particularly in vitro fertilization (IVF). On Feb. 10, about 50 people gathered at St. Andrew Church in Eagle River to hear internationally acclaimed bioethicist Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk present the church’s position on in vitro fertilization, its ramifications and some of the alternatives and counsel that may be offered to couples struggling with infertility.

Alaskan priests open up about blessings, challenges of celibate life

Embracing a life of celibacy is not the norm in an American culture saturated by sexual images aimed at selling goods and stirring desires. Nevertheless, the Catholic priesthood continues to draw men to a life of total service to Christ and his church. The Catholic Anchor recently asked several Alaskan priests to share how they came to embrace a calling that entails a vow to lifelong celibacy.

Archdiocese arose, grew & matured between two Alaska earthquakes

Alaska, as we know, is a vast territory abundantly blessed by extravagant displays of nature’s beauty. Those living in Alaska never tire from experiencing the beauty of creation, which can be at the same time inspiring as well as dangerous. So it only makes sense that the origin of the Archdiocese of Anchorage is connected with the work of nature. It was a great earthquake of 1964 — Good Friday — that set in motion the process of establishing the archdiocese.

Catholic schools’ enrollment noticeably larger at annual Mass in Anchorage

Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz commented on the size of the growing number of Catholic students at the annual liturgy. “Each year, the student body is growing a larger number of students,” he said. “It’s really a blessing for us — for the whole archdiocese.”

Alaska viewed as ‘high priority’ by leading gay rights group

Alaska has been targeted as a “high priority” state by a leading gay rights activist group strategically looking to roll back religious liberty provisions in states that safeguard the rights of business owners, private and religious schools and other entities to operate their organizations in accord with their religious views and deeply held beliefs.

Alaska Senate passes bill to restrict abortion providers from public schools, boosts parental rights

The Alaska Senate passed legislation on Feb. 26 that prevents Alaska’s public schools from contracting with abortion services providers for course materials or to provide instruction relating to human sexuality. Introduced by Sen. Mike Dunleavy of Wasilla, Senate Bill 89 also ensures a parent has the right to direct the education of his or her public school child, including the right to object to and withdraw the child from state-mandated tests, and from activities or classes on sexual matters which parents find objectionable. And the bill prohibits public schools from administering student questionnaires that inquire into personal or private family affairs of the student.

Alaska Governor’s Prayer Breakfast on March 19 in Anchorage

In an effort to “solicit the Christian community to pray for those individuals in authority, in particular the Governor of Alaska,” the annual Alaska Governor’s Prayer Breakfast will take place March 19 in Anchorage with Gov. Bill Walker.

Nationally known Catholic evangelist headed to Anchorage

Renown evangelist and speaker Deacon Harold-Burke-Sivers, will lead a four-day mission at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church March 7-10. The mission is open to those outside the parish. Deacon Burke-Sivers has appeared on many national and international radio programs, including Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Connection and EWTN among others. He holds a Master’s degree in Theological Studies from the University of Dallas, is a Benedictine Oblate of Mt. Angel Abbey and is a consultation team member for the National Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Directory for Catechesis.

Archdiocese marks 50 years with celebration Mass

A Mass of Thanksgiving celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Anchorage drew an intimate gathering of about 70 individuals at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral on Feb. 9 — 50 years to the day a new diocese was carved out of what was essentially the Alaskan wilderness.