Holy Oils help to sacramentally unite Alaska’s widely dispersed Catholics

The Chrism Mass, a profoundly sacred liturgy, with roots in antiquity and hopes in eternity, was celebrated at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral in Anchorage on March 16. Sacramental oils, used throughout the 138,000 square mile Anchorage Archdiocese were blessed by Archbishop Schwietz at the annual Mass. Two-dozen priests gathered with the archbishop and Bishop Renato Mayugba, visiting from Laoag Diocese in the Philippines. The clergy renewed their commitment to the priesthood and loyalty to the archbishop — an integral part of the ancient liturgy.

TONIGHT: Chrism Mass to begin at 7 p.m. on March 16

The annual liturgy is one of the church’s most ancient ceremonies — the blessing of sacramental oils. At the Mass, Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz will bless the chrism or holy oil used by archdiocesan parishes throughout the year for anointing the sick, confirmations and baptisms. Clergy and parishioners from around the archdiocese will be in attendance.

Public Witness: Alaskans set to walk Stations of the Cross through Anchorage

Hundreds of people are expected to take part in the annual Good Friday Faith Walk on April 3. The annual devotion begins at various points across Anchorage with groups of area faithful walking and praying the Stations of the Cross. As they wind through the city streets, the participants meditate on the steps Jesus Christ took through his Passion and death on the very first Good Friday. The various groups eventually meet together at Anchorage’s Town Square to pray the final stations together with Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz.

Catholic men urged to pray for end to abortion March 19 in Anchorage

Catholic Men for Life, a lay apostolate at Anchorage’s Holy Family Cathedral, has invited all local Catholic men to gather on Saturday, March 19, to peacefully pray for an end to abortion.

The gathering will begin with Mass at 7 a.m. offered by Dominican priest Father Dominic David in the secluded parking area on the west end of 40th Avenue. Following the outdoor Mass, participants will walk over to the sidewalk in front of the Planned Parenthood abortion facility at 4000 Lake Otis Parkway at 8 a.m. for a continuous rosary vigil until 3 p.m.

Alaskans invited to weigh in on sexual abuse, dating violence curriculum

The Alaska Safe Children’s Act requires that Alaska school districts teach students about sexual abuse, dating violence and personal bodily safety. The law faced criticism earlier this year in the Senate Education Committee when committee chairman, Sen. Mike Dunleavy of Wasilla, amended the bill to allow school districts the option of opting out of the curriculum. Additionally, Dunleavy added sections banning abortion providers like Planned Parenthood from working in schools, and requiring schools to get permission from parents before their children can participate in sexual education classes. The final bill removed these provisions.

Honoring earth’s Creator in how we eat

And our use of the world’s resources also reflects our relationship to others: when most of the commercial chocolate available is produced by slave labor, often by exploited children, do I have a responsibility to drive across town and buy the cocoa which is in my cupboard now? The one that’s labeled “Equal Exchange, Fairly Traded, Small Farmer Grown” and is much more costly than the kind at the grocery store?

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