‘The Relic’ retires from the Anchorage Archdiocese

After 38 years working for the Anchorage Archdiocese, Vice Chancellor Eileen Kramer officially stepped down Aug. 31. Fondly known as “The Relic,” the much respected and devoted Kramer’s career spanned all three archbishops of Anchorage — Archbishop Joseph Ryan, Archbishop Francis Hurley and current Archbishop Roger Schwietz, who is slated to retire on Nov. 9 when Wyoming Bishop Paul Etienne takes over as the fourth archbishop of Anchorage.

Bishop Etienne says he ‘will be at home’ as new Anchorage Archbishop

In an Oct. 11 blog post Wyoming Bishop Paul Etienne said he “will be at home” as the new Archbishop of Anchorage. Slated to be installed as archbishop on Nov. 9, he wrote that he was thankful to retiring Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz for his “warm welcome and hospitality” during Bishop Etienne’s two day visit, Oct. 4-5, to his future archdiocese.

Alaska Native artist crafts gift for pope

Alaska Native artist Theresa Mike didn’t quite believe what she was being asked to do. This summer, Vincentian Sister Mary Peter Diaz requested that Mike marshal her artistic talents to craft an ornate book covering for Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz to deliver to Pope Francis along with the newly published volume, “Alaska’s Archdiocese: Faith in the Far North.”

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