Complex process yields next Anchorage archbishop
When dropping his resignation letter in the mail 16 months ago Archbishop Schwietz had no idea when his successor would be named or who he would be.
When dropping his resignation letter in the mail 16 months ago Archbishop Schwietz had no idea when his successor would be named or who he would be.
I anticipate that his ministry will include a focus on supporting our schools as well as on church vocations. As he brings new energy and enthusiasm to the office of archbishop and to his focus on the new evangelization, I pray that God will render fruitful his ministry and bless the continued growth in discipleship of our family of faith.
Changes are afoot in Alaska this November, both in the halls of government and the spiritual leadership of the Catholic Church. During these pivotal transitions the faithful should be fully engaged. First up is Nov. 8, when we have a duty to participate in advancing the common good of our immediate communities, state and nation by casting ballots that are guided by well-formed consciences and a commitment to uphold the non-negotiable moral teachings of Christ and his church.
With retirement just a few days away, outgoing Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz has invited youth and young adults to join him for a Mass in which he can give thanks for the many years of ministry with these generations and their leaders. The Mass will take place Nov. 6, 5:30 p.m., at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral in Anchorage.
Incoming Anchorage Archbishop Paul Etienne flew from Wyoming and landed in Anchorage on Nov. 3 to begin preparation for his Nov. 9 installation as the new Archbishop of Anchorage.
This year two Alaska Supreme Court justices, Joel Bolger and Peter Maasan, are on the ballot. Earlier this year Bolger and Maasan voted to strike down, as unconstitutional, a law providing for parental notification for a minor’s abortion enacted as an initiative by the people in 2010 with 90,000 Alaskan voters approving the initiative, a 56% majority.
The initial priority for his new archdiocese will be focused on the “New Evangelization,” a term associated with reintroducing and revitalizing the faith in cultures where many have gradually drifted from the Gospel.
The following announcements include news briefs and notices of upcoming events around the Archdiocese of Anchorage.
The following calendar includes liturgies and events which retiring Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz will attend, as well as liturgies and events which incoming Anchorage Archbishop-elect Paul Etienne will attend.
But I have another theory about this sudden burst of literary interest. People are desperate to escape from this election season. The good news: it’s over very soon. The bad news: Uncivil behavior may not go away.