The Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau hosted the first Native ministry meeting in Juneau in years in mid-October. The last time a Native ministry group met in Alaska’s capital was before the departure of Bishop Edward Burns, from the former Diocese of Juneau, in 2017, said Sister Frances “Sr. Frances” Vista, D.C., director of Catholic Native ministry for…
Ed Burke did not hear God’s voice blatantly calling him to the priesthood. It took years of listening to his mother share the adventurous stories of Catholic saints before he understood that God had great things in store for him, and he slowly found his calling to become a “spiritual hero” like them. “That’s what…
Alaskan boys between the ages of 13 and 17 years old participated in the Priestly Vocations Retreat at St. Therese’s Camp in Wasilla in late September. The weekend retreat saw 30 boys from different parishes across the archdiocese join together on Sept. 23-24 to learn about the priesthood. Priests currently serving the archdiocese discussed how…
The Korean Missionary Society of Alaska hosted a priest retreat in Juneau in early October for four Korean priests working for the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau. The retreat, which took place at the National Shrine of St. Thérèse in Juneau from Oct. 3 to Oct. 7, was an opportunity for silent reflection, prayer, and conversation amongst…
The Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau saw a handful of priests transfer to new locations throughout the region upon the order of its archbishop. Archbishop Andrew E. Bellisario, C.M., assigned the following priests to new parishes within the diocese: Father Michael Ko, KMS; Father Jose Thomas, MCBS; Father Steve Gallagher; and Father Madison Hayes, according to Vice…
Following the reassignment of Bishop Chad Zielinski, former bishop of the Diocese of Fairbanks, Pope Francis appoints Archbishop Andrew Bellisario, C.M., as the diocese’s apostolic administrator until a permanent bishop is chosen. “Please join me in extending prayers and support to Archbishop Bellisario as he assumes this additional responsibility,” Bishop Zielinksi said in a diocesan…
Sister Genevieve “Sr. Genevieve” Osayame, EHJ, celebrates 40 years of vowed life. The celebration took place at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Anchorage on Sept. 17. Sr. Genevieve is a member of the Sisters of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, and she has faithfully served numerous people through her work at Providence Alaska Medical…
Young Catholics from across the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau are preparing to travel to Lisbon, Portugal, in August 2023 for World Youth Day — an opportunity to experience the global Church, be a witness of Christ, and experience the Holy Spirit. World Youth Day typically includes catechetical formation and spiritual experiences, including daily Mass, opportunities for…
In honor of the Feast Day of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Anthony Parish in Anchorage held a celebratory Mass in July to commemorate the life of the first Catholic American Indigenous saint. On July 16, the Anchorage parish invited people to join their Kateri Circle for the special occasion. The spirituality of these communal groups…
