News & Notes from the Anchorage Archdiocese

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The following is a listing of some upcoming public events, liturgies and other news items across the Archdiocese of Anchorage, Alaska.

Theology & Literature at Cathedral

The Theology & Literature club at Holy Family Cathedral will meet again on Nov. 19 at 7 p.m., to discuss “In this house of Brede,” by Rumer Godden. Published in 1969, the book begins with the astonishing decision of an unusually talented and successful English civil servant to enter an enclosed Benedictine convent after the close of WWII. Philippa Talbot is a war widow with almost every worldly blessing: an excellent education, an interesting career and a handsome and distinguished suitor. She eats delicious food, drinks the best wines and goes not a waking hour without lighting a cigarette. Yet all this is not enough, and to the shock of everyone Talbot gives it all up for the Abbey of Brede — home to ninety sisters and many incoming new postulants. Many conflicts are resolved as the sisters work out their salvation living according to the 1500-year-old Rule of Saint Benedict. The upcoming discussion is open to the public.

Eastern church to celebrate Byzantine liturgy at cathedral

Father Michael Sidon, the priest of St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church in Anchorage, will celebrate the Byzantine liturgy on Nov. 12 at Holy Family Cathedral.

The liturgy will begin at 12:10 p.m. and takes place on the Feast of Saint Josaphat, a 16th century Eastern Rite bishop who died trying to bring part of the Orthodox Church into union with Rome. The liturgy will be for the intention of unity within the church.

St. Andrew Church expands Eucharistic adoration time

Last month St. Andrew Church in Eagle River expanded time set aside for eucharistic adoration at the parish. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the main church now begins each Sunday evening at 6 p.m. with Benediction at 6:25 p.m. During the time of adoration, the main part of the church is low lit. This new gathering includes the parish’s high school youth group as well as a young adult choir to play intermittent solemn music between times of silent prayer. Adoration is open to the public. Mass on Sunday evening begins at 7 p.m.

Drivers needed for cancer patients

The American Cancer Society needs volunteer drivers to help with its Road to Recovery program — an outreach that transports cancer patients to and from treatment centers. Operating in Fairbanks, Mat-Su, Anchorage and Kenai, the program trains drivers and works with their individual schedules. Drivers should be available to volunteer for at least one drive a month, during which time they take patients from their home to treatment, free of charge. All reservations are made through the program’s volunteer organizers. The program provides training and at least 2-3 days’ notice before each transport request. If a driver cannot volunteer for a particular request, alternative drivers or options are set up for the patient. Patients utilizing the program are those who have no other transportation options. All transport requests take place between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information or to volunteer, call Tristan Walsh at (907) 273-2068.

Winter retreat at St. Therese’s Camp

All 11 to 14-year-olds are invited to a winter retreat at St. Therese’s Camp in the Mat-Su. Glory Bound is a winter retreat that provides an opportunity to take time out of the hectic holiday season to reconnect with faith and the camp community. The summer 2015 staff will return to St. Therese’s to lead three days full of recreational activities including sledding, skating on the lake, snowball fights, music, decorating Christmas cookies and much more. The camp will also have Mass, confession, adoration, cabin talks and a variety of spiritually focused sessions. First time campers are welcome. The upcoming camp takes place Sunday to Tuesday, December 27-29. The cost is $89 before Dec. 20 and $95 after Dec. 20. To register visit and click on the “Glory Bound” link.

Volunteer opportunities with Catholic radio

Organizers of the newly launched Catholic radio station in Anchorage, KHRM 94.1 FM, are seeking volunteers. With a studio located on the second floor of Holy Rosary Academy in Anchorage, KHRM has so far broadcast mostly EWTN content, a popular network of around-the-clock Catholic programming. All local volunteers will be trained. Anchorage Catholics who wish to help support the station can contact KHRM coordinator Brian Metras at khrm@metras.net. A website has been established at http://anchorageradio.wordpress.com to keep future listeners apprised of the development of Catholic radio in Anchorage.

Catholic Social Services seeks volunteers

Catholic Social Services (CSS) in Anchorage is seeking volunteers to assist in a variety of outreaches. Volunteer opportunities include data entry efforts to help caseworkers at the Brother Francis Shelter and Clare House. The agency also needs volunteers to assist clients as personal shoppers at the St. Francis House food pantry. Additionally, the Brother Francis Shelter is in need of socks to help guests prepare for harsh winter temperatures. During the upcoming annual gift-giving event, CSS needs donations for refugee or homeless families. For information about these and other volunteer opportunities, contact CSS at (907) 222-7300 or go online to cssalaska.org.