I often describe the work of the ministry of safe environment for the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau, but this work could not be accomplished without the dedication of the parishes’ and schools’ safe environment coordinators (SEC). Each parish has an SEC who ensures that your parish is following the safe environment policies for the archdiocese. Expressing…
What is the purpose of the synod? “We recall that the purpose of the synod, and therefore of this consultation, is not to produce documents, but “to plant dreams, draw forth prophecies and visions, allow hope to flourish, inspire trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships, awaken a dawn of hope, learn from one another…
The poet Mary Oliver wrote this: “It is a serious thing just to be alive on this fresh morning in this broken world.” Consider all she packs into that statement. It’s great to be alive, but it’s serious. The morning is fresh, perhaps glorious, but the world is broken. What will I do with this…
Dear Fr. Leo, I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around the idea of purgatory. I believe in a just and merciful God, but this doctrine feels like it forgets that God’s perfect justice was shown by Jesus’ sacrifice, thus also showing His perfect mercy toward all men. While, ultimately, I do believe there…
After seven years, Lisa Aquino, chief executive officer of Catholic Social Services (CSS), is moving on. Her new position as CEO with Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center allows her to continue in the field that aligns with her passion: accessing public health care. Throughout her tenure, Aquino oversaw an agency of the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau which…
Dear Fr. Leo: Will I see my dog in heaven? – M Dear M: Roy Rogers once famously quipped, “If dogs don’t go to heaven, when I die, I want to go where they went!” Not a bad thought, but to help answer this question, I like to invoke the theological principle: “Lex orandi, lex…
Dear Fr. Leo: You are a canon lawyer. I have a sister who recently got divorced and is thinking of going through an annulment. I have a two-part question. What is the status of divorced Catholics? Specifically, can they receive Holy Communion? Regarding the annulment, what is that all about? Will this mean her kids…
This month we find ourselves focusing on our children and young families as schools reopen for the fall. Back to school is often full of excitement, joy, and sometimes worry. Many parents purchase school supplies, read to their children, practice ABCs, and much more – all in preparation for their child’s first day back. All…
Have you ever been invited to Bill Gates’ house? Neither have I, so I was intrigued by a 2018 article in Business Insider, which gave a glimpse into his digs. The place was valued at $127 million back then. It boasted a 2500 square foot exercise facility, including a trampoline room with 20-foot ceilings, a…
The soon-to-be saint Charles de Foucauld, who left behind a rich aristocratic life to live among desert-dwellers in Algeria, wrote to a friend, “to receive the grace of God you must go to a desert place and stay awhile…so that God can build his hermitage within…” But the irony of desert places is that they’re…