The North Star Catholic /

Anchorage’s LGBT law seen as threat to religious liberty in the public square

The Anchorage Assembly passed an ordinance last month establishing “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as classifications of prohibited discrimination in the Anchorage civil code. The move places sexual orientation and gender identity on the same legal level as race and religion.
Religious liberty advocates are deeply concerned that the new ordinance compels local churches, faith-based groups and business owners to violate deeply held beliefs by forcing them to hire employees who are openly living a homosexual and/or transgender lifestyle, while also forcing service companies and rental organizations to promote, serve and facilitate causes and events which violate their moral beliefs, especially in the area of sexuality.

Synops of the Synod: Show, then tell

For three weeks, Cardinals, archbishops, priests from around the world gathered in Rome to grapple with how Catholics can better reach out to families — inviting them to a fuller encounter with Christ and his church. While much of the global press focused on hot-button debates about whether to let divorced and civilly remarried couples return to Communion, or how the church can use different language in reference to gays and lesbians and those living together outside of marriage, the expressed purpose of the synod was to find ways to support the first cell of the church — the family.

Anchorage Archbishop impressed by seeing pope’s courage

I saw Pope Francis on the eventful day of Sept. 23 in Washington, D.C. and marveled at his determination to be fully present to us. Here was a man just three years older than me. He clearly suffered limitations of his mobility but never let that stop his ministry. It made me feel that my own little aches and pains of growing older are nothing in comparison with what he was experiencing. At times he seemed very weary but continued on courageously.

Alaska’s DC delegation impressed by pope’s address to Congress

Alaska’s three-member congressional delegation expressed deep gratitude that Pope Francis took time out of his apostolic visit to the United States to become the first-ever pontiff to speak to both houses of Congress on Sept. 24 in Washington, D.C.

Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, both Catholic, attended the historic papal address in the House Chambers, along with Representative Don Young. Also in attendance were the president’s cabinet and members of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Encounter with pope leaves lasting memories for Alaskans

Several Alaskans made personal, cross-country trips to see Pope Francis during his historic five-day apostolic visit to the United States. He started in Washington, DC, where he met with President Barack Obama, addressed Congress and canonized Saint Junipero Serra — the first saint to be canonized on American soil. Among the Alaskans were Father Tom Lilly, Mary Gore and her sister Annie Gore and Joan Nockles. These pilgrims recalled their trip to with much joy and fondness.

News & Notes from the Anchorage Archdiocese

The following is a listing of some upcoming public events, liturgies and other news items across the Archdiocese of Anchorage, Alaska.

November Calendar Events Across for Anchorage Archdiocese

The following events are scheduled across the Anchorage Archdiocese in the month of November.

Upcoming schedule for Archbishop Schwietz

CatholicAnchor.org The following upcoming events are on Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz’s calendar for the month of November: Nov. 14 – 9 a.m., Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Exemplification, St. Elizabeth Nov. 14 – 3:30 p.m., Reconciliation, St. Andrew Nov. 16-19 – U.S. Bishop’s meetings, Baltimore Nov. 21 – 5:30 p.m., Mass for King Islanders Christ…

Embrace greater simplicity

Speaking of the church at large, the Pew Research Center found some years ago that there is a movement among the younger generation toward simplicity. They insist that they are spiritual but not religious and are inspired by simplicity.

Organizer challenges Alaskans to join pro-life rally outside Planned Parenthood

The organizer of this year’s 40 Days for Life prayer campaign in Anchorage has issued a challenge to fellow pro-life advocates to join the midpoint rally of the ongoing campaign. The Oct. 10th rally takes place at the Planned Parenthood abortion clinic at 4002 E. Lake Otis Parkway in Anchorage and will coincide with the National Protest Planned Parenthood day. The rally runs from 9-11 a.m.