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Incoming archbishop’s first homily calls faithful to ‘sit before God,’ then share his love

The morning faithful at the 9 a.m., mid-week Mass at St. Andrew Church in Eagle River were in for a surprise on October 4. Seven hours earlier the Vatican publicly announced that Pope Francis had appointed Bishop Paul Etienne, of the Wyoming Diocese, to be the next archbishop of Anchorage. Unbeknownst to most parishioners, the incoming archbishop was in the back vestibule of St. Andrew’s preparing to celebrate his first Mass in the archdiocese.

VIDEO: Archbishop Etienne addresses Alaska’s media

Here is a link to the video of the Oct. 4 press conference in Anchorage where newly appointed Archbishop Paul Etienne is introduced to Alaskan reporters by retiring Archbishop Roger Schwietz.

PHOTOS: Incoming Anchorage archbishop spends first full day in archdiocese

Incoming Anchorage Archbishop Paul Eitenne spent his first full day in the archdiocese on Oct. 4. He began by celebrating Mass at St. Andrew Church and Eagle River before heading into Anchorage for a press conference announcing his new assignment. To view photos of these events, click on the links below.

Incoming Anchorage archbishop aims to ‘travel to the peripheries’ to bring God’s love

So, what can you expect of me? I will give you my all. I love the Lord. I love being a priest. I love the church and the vision of the church’s full potential which is being charted by Pope Francis. Please be patient and pray with and for me as I come to know you, and know that from this moment I will be your humble servant who loves you with the heart of the Gentle Shepherd.

BREAKING: Pope Francis names new archbishop for Anchorage, Alaska

Pope Francis has named Bishop Paul Dennis Etienne, 57, to be the next archbishop of Anchorage, Alaska, and accepted the resignation of Archbishop Roger Schwietz, 76, who submitted his resignation last year upon turning 75 as required by the church’s canon law. Archbishop-elect Etienne has served as the bishop of Cheyenne Wyoming for the past eight years.

Brother Francis Shelter honors co-founders

Last week at a community celebration at the Brother Francis Shelter, Catholic Social Services publicly honored Brother Bob Eaton and Brother Dave Sifferman for helping found the landmark Anchorage outreach.

God can re-form us in love

Healing and reforming ourselves from flaws, whether we are victims or the ones harming, requires honest reflection, trust and risk. It is through this path that we cooperate with God to re-form ourselves into the people who are originally created with dignity and for love.

Spiritual pilgrimage & backyard healings

Of course, simply paying a visit to one’s own local parish, Our Lady of Lourdes in Cincinnati, for instance, might also authenticate one’s faith. However, the very thought of traveling to a far-off destination with a sacred history will inevitably prove to be an overwhelming desire.

Alaska Catholic family festival in Chugiak Oct. 8-9

Coming to Birchwood Camp in Chugiak Oct. 8-9 is the “Fall Family Faith Festival.” Part retreat, part recreational outing, the event aims to bring Catholics together to celebrate faith and family.

Alaska parishes gear up for traditional bazaar season

As summer wanes and temperatures fall, many parishes across the Anchorage Archdiocese are preparing to continue the centuries-old tradition of selling handmade goods, unique prepared foods and holiday items through annual parish bazaars and craft fairs.