News & Upcoming Events across Archdiocese
The following information includes news items and notices regarding upcoming events in the Archdiocese of Anchorage.
Alaska Governor’s Prayer Breakfast on March 19 in Anchorage
In an effort to “solicit the Christian community to pray for those individuals in authority, in particular the Governor of Alaska,” the annual Alaska Governor’s Prayer Breakfast will take place March 19 in Anchorage with Gov. Bill Walker.
Nationally known Catholic evangelist headed to Anchorage
Renown evangelist and speaker Deacon Harold-Burke-Sivers, will lead a four-day mission at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church March 7-10. The mission is open to those outside the parish. Deacon Burke-Sivers has appeared on many national and international radio programs, including Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Connection and EWTN among others. He holds a Master’s degree in Theological Studies from the University of Dallas, is a Benedictine Oblate of Mt. Angel Abbey and is a consultation team member for the National Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Directory for Catechesis.
Archbishop Schwietz’s March Calendar
Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz is scheduled to attend the following liturgies and events during the month of February.
Archdiocese marks 50 years with celebration Mass
A Mass of Thanksgiving celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Anchorage drew an intimate gathering of about 70 individuals at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral on Feb. 9 — 50 years to the day a new diocese was carved out of what was essentially the Alaskan wilderness.
Students urge Alaska legislators to reject assisted suicide bill
Catholic students in Anchorage have taken a stand against proposed legislation to legalize doctor-prescribed suicide in Alaska. House Bill 99, titled “Voluntary Termination of Life,” was introduced to the Alaska legislature in February by Anchorage Democrat Representatives Harriet Drummond and Andy Josephson. The bill aims to grant physicians the right to prescribe lethal drugs for the purpose of suicide. Among the many citizens contacting representatives to oppose the legislation are high school students from Holy Rosary Academy in Anchorage.
Bills on the move dealing with parental rights, faith-based health care options
In Alaska’s State Legislature this session, lawmakers face myriad bills of concern to Alaskan Catholics. Following is an update on several bills moving through the legislative process, including dates of upcoming hearings. For more information and to contact your legislators, go to akleg.gov or call 800-478-4648. To follow Catholic Anchor reports, including news updates on public testimonies and bill hearings, go online to CatholicAnchor.org. The current legislative session runs until April 19.
Proposed bills would force Alaska pharmacists and insurers to supply abortion-causing contraceptives
In the Alaska State Legislature, Democratic State Senator Berta Gardner has introduced two controversial bills to allow pharmacists in Alaska to dispense – without a doctor’s prescription – self-administered hormonal contraceptives, and to force health care insurers in the state to cover contraceptives, sterilizations and contraceptive procedures and devices – including those that cause abortion.
Alaska legislation deals with faith based health care & parental rights in education
In Alaska’s State Legislature this session, lawmakers face myriad bills of concern to Alaskan Catholics, including legislation that deals with parental rights in education and expanding faith-based health care options. Following is an update on several bills moving through the legislative process, including dates of upcoming hearings.
Vandals shoot, drive over graves at Catholic cemetery in Wasilla
Vandals damaged a gravesite headstone and monument, while stealing several items at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wasilla last week. Cemetery Consultant Dan Belanger said he has no idea who committed the crime. “Equipment and a headstone were shot at,” Belanger told the Catholic Anchor. “One headstone was run over and damaged, and supplies/equipment were stolen from the sheds.”