At the upcoming Anchorage mission, attendees will gather each night at the parish for a series of talks by Father Cameron looking at how one’s Christian life can be transformed by the developments of virtues. Each night, after the mission talks, attendees are invited to an Oktoberfest meal and social in the church basement. Father Cameron will also hear confessions after the mission talk each night. Babysitting will be provided.
The following is a roundup of news briefs, notices and upcoming events from across the Archdiocese of Anchorage.
Judge Suddock explained that “for all practical purposes” his ruling empowers an abortion practitioner “unfettered physician discretion” in determining whether an abortion is medically necessary and thereby eligible for state-funded Medicaid reimbursements.
In October, our thoughts turn to winter in Alaska. Light is dwindling and the weather is growing colder. For some that may bring joy; time in a warm house with comforting food and people nearby. For those who are homeless, however, October in Anchorage is the beginning of a long, cold period where daily activities are more difficult because of weather and darkness.
The annual Red Mass takes place on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral in Anchorage. Held in many American cities, the Red Mass is a special liturgy for all who practice law, especially asking God’s guidance for attorneys, judges and politicians. Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz will celebrate the Mass, which will be followed by a brunch and presentation at the downtown Marriott Hotel. Father Patrick Travers, the judicial vicar for all three dioceses in Alaska, will give a talk entitled: “The foundation of Natural Law in American Law.”
Anchorage’s oldest church marked a momentous milestone on Sept. 15 — that was the day Holy Family Cathedral turned 100. Celebration of the centenary reflected the joy and solemnity that many parishioners felt in being part of the mother church of the Anchorage Archdiocese. Marked by great festivity, the centennial Mass was celebrated by Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz accompanied by 13 priests, including several former pastors of the cathedral.
Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz is encouraging parents to enroll their children in the archdiocese’s safe environment program, “Circle of Grace.” The program provides information to children about their value and sacredness and the importance of asking people they trust to help them when they feel mistreated or when they are exposed to things that make them uncomfortable.
The following is a listing of events and liturgies that Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz plans to attend and celebrate in the month of October.
Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz has extended an invitation to area Catholics to attend the Oct. 8 St. Francis Stewardship Awards in Anchorage. The annual banquet honors Alaskans who serve the church in the spirit of Saint Francis.
On Feb. 11, 1779 two Spanish ships slipped away from the dock at San Blas, Mexico and sailed into the dark toward Alaska. Three Catholic priests had joined the perilous mission — Father Juan Antonió Garcia Riobó and Father Matiás de Santa Catalina Noriega, Franciscans from Mexico, and Father Cristóbal Antonio Díaz, a secular priest from Peru.