The North Star Catholic /

April 12 public testimony on abortion, parental rights in Alaska

With only days left before the end of the current Alaska Legislature session, Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Alaska are applying pressure on Alaska lawmakers to reject a bill aimed at giving Alaskan parents greater freedom in directing the education of their children, including the right to opt out of standardized tests and controversial sex instruction classes. The bill would also prohibit organizations that perform abortions from teaching in public schools.

Trauma-informed care makes a difference at Catholic Social Services

Two years ago, Catholic Social Services transitioned from a traditional service model at Clare House to the trauma-informed care model, one that realizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery. This new model also seeks to recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff and others involved with the system, and it responds by integrating knowledge of trauma into policies, procedures and practices.

Miracles, doubt and building up faith

I like history, I’m fascinated by the historical Jesus, and, let’s face it, cynic that I am sometimes, I want a miracle now and then. Again, who doesn’t?

STUDENT ESSAY: Why I love attending Catholic school

Most people overlook Catholic schools but they are a great source for religious formation and a good source of knowledge and service. Catholic schooling has changed me for the better, and you might just be inspired to take another look at Catholic schools.

Affirming ‘absolute truth’ is not a knock against Christianity

I write this column to young, 20-something Catholics. You are a treasure for the church, and in need of real answers to the hard questions you face. I also write to parents who suffer when a child leaves the church and perhaps even loses her faith in God. Today’s young people need clear answers to questions that come at them from friends, the culture and even family members. Parents need help answering questions children pose. We must do better in this regard because the church is hemorrhaging young people.

Showing mercy in the most challenging situations

Pope Francis calls us to focus on mercy this year, and our society asks us to focus on Child Abuse Awareness for the month of April. But what do mercy and child abuse awareness have in common?

In search of a ‘A Love Supreme’

Love is a serious word, it carries many emotional meanings but fundamentally it conveys the sense that we would be willing to give up all else, not for this thing but for this person or persons, these people who have cast their lot with us and are willing to travel the world’s paths with us until death. Love then is serious business.

EDITORIAL: Churches must welcome out-of-wedlock pregnancies

Churches have a particular challenge regarding the issue of out-of-wedlock pregnancies. On the one hand, the teachings of Christ and his church affirm that sex is to be reserved for the bond of faithful, lifelong marriage. Many churches have effective youth and young adult outreaches to help parishioners strengthen moral resolve in this area. And yet, a percentage of young people fall short. In some cases, this leads to a pregnancy. This is impossible to hide from public view — especially if mothers choose life for their unborn child and carry her to term.

Native drummer finds harmony in ancient Catholic faith

Growing up, Daney remembers that Native heritage was an unspoken common denominator among his closest peers. They also shared a Christian faith, and the group’s desire to gather for Bible study somehow created a curiosity about drumming, which they would go on to explore.

Reported abortions at record low in Alaska

Alaska saw a record low number of reported abortions last year. According to the state’s Bureau of Vital Statistics 1,334 abortions were performed in 2015, the fewest since 2003 when Alaska began recording data. Last year’s figures represent a 12 percent drop over 2014 and a nearly 32 percent reduction from a decade ago when 1,956 abortions were reported.