Editor’s note: This article was published in the February 2023 issue of the North Star Catholic. After graduating from Lumen Christi High School in May 2022, I sought out higher education at St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri, to pursue a Biomedical Engineering degree. After my first semester of college, I can say with certainty…
Editor’s note: This article was published in the February 2023 issue of the North Star Catholic. As Catholic Christians, we are a people of hope. We put our trust in the mercy, love, and healing power of God. With this new year, may we renew this sense of Hope that is given to us all,…
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…
There’s a fierce storm on the Sea of Galilee, and in its midst, a nearly capsized boat full of terrified disciples. The story of Jesus calming this storm is recounted in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke during this summer of Ordinary Time. But what does it mean for us? I like to get…
Catholic Social Services accomplished a milestone on June 6 with the help of all of you and many incredible partners. Together, we added 83 new beds to the shelter system at a time when it’s most needed. Thanks to so much hard work from our team, Complex Care at 303 W. Fireweed in Anchorage opened,…
Saint John Mary Vianney, patron saint of parish priests worldwide, would often say that “the priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1589). A little over halfway into my first year as a priest, I took the opportunity to draw near to the origin of these words…
Do you think the Catholic Church in the United States can rebuild confidence and trust in the people of God after learning of or experiencing the abuse crisis? If so, how? As of June, it is 20 years since the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops gathered in Dallas to discuss and act upon the…
During my time in the 1980s, “hi, beautiful lady,” and other unsolicited comments were how a man who shined shoes expressed interest to young women walking by 8th Avenue and 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan. This was and continues to be a very common experience in many American cities for teenagers and adults. There are…
CatholicAnchor.org By GEOFF KENNEDY The 1961 movie “Hoodlum Priest” ended with a scene of a protester opposing capital punishment as the state executed a young man for murder. A security guard asks the protester if he really intends to change the world with his vigil. “No,” the protester replies, “I just don’t want the world…
CatholicAnchor.org This has weighed heavy on me for a number of years as I look at the church: Our faith is too fragile and based too much on feelings. Feelings are sand. Faith in God’s promises is built on the rock. There are two versions of Christianity in the world today. There is the Christianity…