CatholicAnchor.org Worry captures and holds onto us so that we can’t seem to shake it. The advice, “Don’t worry” seems simplistic when facing a life threatening disease, loss of a job or a breakup of our family. But the call to not worry rests on whom we place our trust in and where we find…
CatholicAnchor.org Safe Environment I am often asked, “When will we stop hearing about reports of abuse or how badly reports were handled by those representing the Roman Catholic Church?” We know there will continue to be reports from the past until all victims are able to come forward. We also know there will continue…
CatholicAnchor.org It has been an exciting past year with Pope Francis becoming the leader of our church. Like many of you, I find great wisdom and inspiration in the pope’s words. The Holy Father helps us to reflect more deeply on how God’s love can open our hearts to solidarity with our neighbors and move…
CatholicAnchor.org A favorite quote of mine comes from George Bernard Shaw: “God created man in his image and then man returned the favor.” We might say the same about how many people try to make the church into the image of the present culture or serve the present political agenda. The left wants the church…
CatholicAnchor.org The introduction of a couple of bills in the Alaska Legislature this session aim to establish a registry where you can file an advance directive for health care, for easy access by health professionals. These measures beg at least a couple of questions. Can an advance health care directive comport with Catholic teachings on…
CatholicAnchor.org Safe Environment “Things have a price and can be sold, but people have dignity; they are worth more than things and are above price….” “In a frail human being, each one of us is invited to recognize the face of the Lord…” Pope Francis spoke these words last year in his address to the…
CatholicAnchor.org The pastor at my church told a story a few weeks ago that is seeping into my Lent, so with apologies to Father Pat Malone, I retell it here. As a Peace Corps volunteer years ago, before becoming a priest, he lived with a family in a remote African village. He loved the family,…
Ash Wednesday is nearly here! I am quite sure, of course, that you will be delighted to hear that; somebody has to break the news. Ah, but let me break it over you gently: if you are willing to get started a few days early on the annual question, What’cha doing for Lent?
CatholicAnchor.org I’m probably preaching to the choir here, suggesting an Alaskan book to a readership of Alaskans who have no doubt devoured this book by now. But if somewhere on the Last Frontier there’s a person who has not read, “Pilgrim’s Wilderness: A True Story of Faith and Madness on the Alaska Frontier,” do…
CatholicAnchor.org From what I was later told regarding the following event, it probably happened on a cold November weekday in the year 1924. The setting was a country church named Saint Henry in rural North Dakota. The event was a christening ceremony. Seemingly, there was a certain urgency about occasion and the ritual about…