When people speak of Archbishop Schwietz, they invariably describe him as “pastoral.” I like to think of Pope Francis’ words: priests should be “shepherds living with the smell of the sheep.” Anyone who’s lived on a farm knows that’s a dramatic statement.
Planned Parenthood, Alaska’s largest abortion chain, has teamed up with the ACLU and the Center for Reproductive Rights to sue the state in order to repeal state regulations on second trimester abortions.
For four years now, Catholic Men For Life, an apostolate of Holy Family Cathedral, has organized this Mass and the ensuing peaceful prayer vigil outside Planned Parenthood. The all-day event takes place twice a year, during the larger spring and fall 40 Days For Life prayer campaigns, which take place outside abortion clinics around the world, including Anchorage.
Until recent years, there was a nearly decade-long drought in priestly ordinations. However, in the last three years, two men have been ordained, and another is scheduled for this summer. There are currently six men in seminary, which is the highest number the archdiocese has ever seen.
Saint Therese of Lisieux wasn’t yet recognized by the Catholic Church as a saint when Alaska’s very first bishop “made a rather hasty move,” in selecting her as the patron saint of Alaska.
One of the final paintings of renowned Alaskan artist Byron Birdsall was a commissioned piece by the Anchorage Archdiocese in which he created an original watercolor of Saint Therese of Lisieux, the patron saint of Alaska.
Christmas is fast approaching and as we prepare to celebrate this joyful holiday, we are also rejoicing in the installation of our new archbishop. Catholic Social Services welcomes Archbishop Paul Etienne to Anchorage and we look forward to working with him. We also celebrate our work and cherished partnership with Archbishop Emeritus Roger Schwietz.
Prior to retiring, Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz offered a Mass of thanksgiving for the youth of the archdiocese. More than 100 young people gathered at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral in Anchorage on Nov. 6.
Following the Nov. 9 installation of Anchorage Archbishop Paul Etienne as the successor to retired Archbishop Emeritus Roger Schwietz, the Catholic Anchor spoke to several Alaskans at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral. Here’s the video of their responses.
That commitment resulted in the establishment of a unified Catholic school system, the founding of a new Catholic elementary school in the Mat-Su Valley, and a measure of financial stability for Kodiak’s struggling elementary school.