Youth planning to attend the Alaska Catholic Youth Conference (ACYC) are in for some new surprises and activities. Organizers for the annual conference, held at Lumen Christi High School and Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral from June 6 -9, are aiming for an engaging, uplifting and challenging event — open to middle and high school students.
A recent reflection on the sacrament of confirmation by Bishop Robert Barron as published in the Catholic Anchor got me thinking back on my 26 years confirming Catholics. Conferring the sacrament of confirmation has always been a great joy in my ministry as bishop, but in looking back over the years I can see that my message changed at some point. That is, of course, because the world has changed a great deal since 1990.
On May 6 at Holy Family Cathedral Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz ordained David Van Tuyl as a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of Anchorage. Read the full story of his journey in the upcoming June issue of the Catholic Anchor.
A presentation on the alleged relics of Christ will take place Monday, May 16, at Heritage Place in Soldotna. Presented by local historian and former U.S. Senate candidate Bob Bird, who has studied the Shroud of Turin extensively, the talk will examine the scientific and historical evidence for the existence of Christ’s relics.
This spring, Holy Rosary Academy will celebrate the graduation of its largest class in recent years. Seven full-time students, and three part-time students will participate in the 2016 commencement exercises on May 18 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral. The seniors have collectively been offered over $1 million in scholarships from colleges and universities across the country. The following are short profiles of each of the students.
On May 23, Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio, a world-renowned commentator on religious issues and guest speaker on EWTN, will be in Anchorage to dust off the Church Fathers and provide a fresh look at these remarkable men.
It’s out with the old and in with the older for a new look at Holy Family Cathedral in downtown Anchorage. Of the many renovations, the most eye-catching upgrade towers above the pews in the form of six 125-year-old stained glass windows. “They could be older than that,” said Dominican Father Anthony Patalano, who is pastor of the cathedral.
Lumen Christi Catholic High School, a grades 7-12 ministry of St. Benedict Church in Anchorage, will graduate 13 seniors on May 12. They’ve excelled academically, being offered, collectively, over $1 million in scholarships. But they’ve also achieved out-of-school successes. Whether dancing with a local troupe, running the Iron Dog or obtaining a pilot’s license, they’re actively pursuing their dreams.
Following decades with very few men following a call to become Alaskan priests, the tide is changing — even surging. As with most good things, however, this springtime of vocations comes with a cost — an average of about $325,000 for one man to be fully trained for the priesthood.
St. Therese’s Camp, an independent Catholic summer camp in Wasilla, spans 57 acres of forest, lake and campground facilities. The first summer camp began in 2014 and has been growing steadily ever since. Now in his third year operating the camp, Director Rudy Poglitsh expects attendance this summer to exceed 200 children.