The North Star Catholic /

Catholic Anchor earns seven awards at national convention

The Catholic Anchor earned seven awards for excellence in journalism at the annual competition sponsored by the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada (CPA).
The awards, for work published in 2013, were announced June 20 at the annual Catholic Media Convention in Charlotte, NC.
The Anchor, now in its 15th year of operation, consistently wins in secular and religious journalism competitions. This year’s seven awards are in addition to the three awards received earlier this year at the annual Alaska Press Association.

Partnership offers online Catholic faith formation for Alaskans

Alaskans have a new opportunity for adult faith formation via the internet as the state’s Catholic dioceses enter a partnership with The Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) at the University of Dayton. Deacon Mick Fornelli has worked with the University of Dayton on the project, which offers adult religious education and faith formation online anytime and anywhere.

Alaska’s Catholic schools expand offerings

More than 400 Catholic school students have filled the hallways, classrooms and chapels of the five schools located in the Anchorage Archdiocese. With the start of the new academic year, educators are offering a variety of options to Alaskan parents seeking to provide their children a faith-based educational alternative to public schools.

Br. Francis Shelter residents offered step up at Job Readiness Center

People who experience significant barriers to employment, such as lack of education or a criminal history, do not have that positive aspect to their lives. At Brother Francis Shelter (BFS) we work with many in this situation. As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reminds us, work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation.

Clarifying ‘immigration reform’

But that further points to the fact that the U.S. Congress and the Obama Administration must act together to provide solid, comprehensive immigration reform, and must present a unified face in deterring misunderstandings across our borders. It’s time to stop playing politics with this problem.

Touching the flesh of the poor

In his recent homily the pope posed a stark question: “When I give alms, do I drop the coin without touching the hand (of the poor person, beggar)? And if by chance I do touch it, do I immediately withdraw it?”
Catholic charity is not a matter of mere correct belief — it’s touching the flesh of the poor and thereby loving the Body of Christ.

Innovative religious ed may cause ‘revolution,’ say catechists

Today this eminent Montessori approach is nurturing the faith of thousands of toddlers to tweens worldwide. Since its founding in 1954, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has flourished in 37 countries and more than 1,250 locations in the U.S., including adapted versions in Episcopal and Orthodox settings. Yet in the Archdiocese of Anchorage, CGS subsists only as a little known gem within St. Patrick Church and on a limited basis at Holy Family Cathedral, both in Anchorage.

News & Happenings

Check out upcoming news and events from across the Archdiocese of Anchorage.

Talking to kids about sexuality

Common for many of us “baby boomers” were the understood, yet little discussed, social and family norms — especially those with regards to sexuality. As a society, certain social issues were not discussed even if everyone knew there was a problem, such as alcoholism, marital trouble, mental health concerns or sexual abuse of some kind. It’s not that these problems were always ignored or went without assistance. But the problem with keeping these topics out of conversation, even private conversations among parents and their children, is that children were not given the tools to address these issues or to seek help with them.

Alaska scholar shares 1st hand impression of pope’s Holy Land trip

The lead up to this dramatic visit was interesting. While temperatures soared during the well-orchestrated Mass in Bethlehem’s Manger Square, it was stirring to watch Pope Francis live up to his reputation for spontaneity by unscheduled gestures of solidarity with both Palestinians and Israelis.