Searching for a savior at the summer movies
Why these movies? Why Batman, Superman, Spiderman, Superwoman and The Fantastic Four? The human heart cries out for something greater — for good to triumph over evil.
Amid great darkness, a powerful story of light and love
At times I feel like the darkness of events around us is overshadowing the light. Last month there was another horrible mass shooting that killed more than 49 people and injured another 53 in Orlando, Florida. Yet another national and international tragedy has befallen us. More families suffering and lives lost.
Philippines sabbatical reveals a beautiful land, generous people
The physicality of Filipino spirituality flows into a practical empathy for others. Filipinos are the most kind, hospitable and generous people I’ve ever met.
Alaska governor has until July 28 to sign law on parental rights over sex education
The Alaska Legislature has sent legislation to Gov. Bill Walker to sign that requires sex education teachers as well as their curriculum and classroom materials to first be approved by local school boards before such classes can begin. Governor Walker has until July 28 to sign it, veto it, or do nothing and let it become law.
Alaska to send 119 pilgrims to World Youth Day in Poland
Alaska teens and college students plan to join Pope Francis and more than 2 million people at the World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland this month. It is a pilgrimage meant to change lives and open life-long connections.
Former Alaskan airman & would-be dad tells how he gave it up for priesthood
As an intelligence officer in the Air Force and with a desire to marry and have children, Father Tom Lilly wasn’t planning to become a Catholic priest.
Kenai youth offer service during ‘Works of Mercy’ trip to Sitka
Under the leadership of adult parishioners and Deacon Kevin Woodvine a group of eight youth from Our Lady of the Angels Church in Kenai traveled to St. Gregory Nazianzen Church in Sitka. There the group met up with local parishioners and Father Andy Sensenig, a priest of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
Mat-Su Catholic school grows Alaska veggies for those in need
Earlier this spring, students from Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School in Wasilla got their hands dirty as they put into actions Pope Francis’ call for a “Year of Mercy.” The idea took shape with a phone call from Diane Krauszer, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Palmer. She asked if students were willing to till soil, weed a community garden and prepare it for planting vegetables to give to Mat-Su Valley residents in need.
A challenge to be neighborly
Neighborliness is obviously more complicated today than in Jesus’ time. Nonetheless, countless people still suffer mentally and physically along the roads or in the streets of our world. Is the person in Nigeria, Lebanon, Syria, New York, Chicago, South Bend or Anchorage our neighbor? It is a question that should continue to make us all flinch until we find the answer.
Alaska tour guide headed to Rome to continue priestly formation
A tourist riding one of the fleet of buses exploring Alaska this summer might be surprised to learn that the personable young tour director enthusiastically reciting the state’s attributes is actually a seminarian studying for the Catholic priesthood.