The North Star Catholic /

Benedict XVI was right about Islam’s urgent task

On the evening of Sept. 12, 2006, my wife and I were dining in Cracow with Polish friends when an agitated Italian Vaticanista called, demanding to know what I thought of “This crazy speech of the pope’s about the Muslims.” That was my first hint that the herd of independent minds in the world press was about to go ballistic on the subject of Benedict XVI’s Regensburg Lecture: a “gaffe”-bone on which the media continued to gnaw until the end of Benedict’s pontificate.

Catholic Social Services in the midst of many changes

Catholic Social Services just completed the reaccreditations process by the Council on Accreditation (COA) this summer. A team visited us in August and had many positive things to say. Their report emphasized three elements: Our excellent continuous quality improvement program; our engaged and knowledgeable board of trustees; and the strong sense of teamwork they observed with people respecting each other and focused on delivering outstanding services.

Life, death and burning libraries

Harper Lee was notorious for avoiding journalists, and now she, or her representatives, say she gave no authorization for the book. But clearly, Mills spent months fishing, feeding ducks and drinking coffee with the reclusive writer. As part of her arrangement, Mills agreed to avoid certain subjects, and consequently the book seems a little banal. She says Lee is the best conversationalist this side of the Mississippi, but she offers few good examples. The book’s best quote, an African proverb, came from a friend of Lee’s, and is actually the point of this column: “Every time an old man dies a library burns down.”

Dreams of wine and eternity

I suspect there may be at least some people in the world who, unlike Peter, do dream about the best that life can offer: the best food, finest home and the most expensive wine. But, as my friend Peter admitted, all that does get a bit stale after a while. There must be something deeper and more lasting in this life than the taste of wine.

LETTER: Abortion isn’t really a political issue

In a robbery, a person who plans the robbery is considered just as guilty under the law as the robber himself. A Catholic who votes for, advocates, counsels or in any manner assists in or approves of the committing of abortions is likewise an accomplice to the action. The Catechism of the Catholic Church makes…

Alaska to appeal same-sex ‘marriage’ ruling

The ruling against Alaska’s marriage amendment comes at a time when the Catholic Church is grappling with how to support and defend long-standing ideals regarding marriage as the life-long union of one man and one woman and family life as the basic institution for the rearing of children.

Juneau deacon donates ‘Icons for Iraq’

“I got the idea as I was praying last week for Iraqi Christians,” explains Deacon Charles Rohrbacher. “I was pondering what I might have to offer that could be of help to the Christians in Iraq who are in such dire need and it occurred to me that donating this artwork might be a way to help out.”

Alaska students raise funds for Mid-East Christians

Responding to the recent violence against Christians in the Middle East students from Holy Rosary Academy in Anchorage raised $2,068 in one week. Students competed among different grades to s

Vincent de Paul Society a light in ‘terrible darkness’

Long-time member Kerry Whitney said her experiences serving with the St. Vincent de Paul group have deepened her faith over the years. “They know we care about them, not their color, race, creed or financial situation — just them as they are,” Whitney added. “Most of them have already been turned away from all other agencies when they come to us for help. We are their last hope so to speak.”

Oppose religious persecution in all forms

There are two basic forms of religious persecution. The first is more subtle and moves by almost imperceptible degrees in an effort to restrict and prohibit people of faith from running charitable outreaches and schools or conducting their business in a manner that reflects and respects their deeply held religious beliefs.