Direct challenge
Much has been said of Pope Francis since being elected to the papacy a year ago. But headlines, sound bites and endless “pontifications” about the pontiff tend to drown out his transformative challenge to the faithful.
Alaska faces surge of proposed laws to establish gay-‘marriage’ and transgender identity rights
Democratic Minority Leader Hollis French, of Anchorage, has introduced a resolution in the Alaska State Legislature to repeal the state’s voter approved constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of “one man and one woman.” French is proposing a constitutional amendment to override the 1998 law which passed with 68 percent voter support. French called…
Alaska defends parental notification law on abortions
State Supreme Court hears challenge from Planned Parenthood The State of Alaska is defending a voter-approved law that requires at least one parent be notified before an abortion practitioner can perform an abortion on a minor girl. The law provides an option for a judge to bypass the notification requirement in special circumstances. Initially approved…
Bills to prohibit state funding for ‘elective abortions’ lingers in committee
Proposed legislation to prohibit Alaska abortion practitioners from being reimbursed by the state for performing “elective” abortions, not necessary to preserve the life or physical health of the mother are sitting in committees, awaiting further action by the Alaska House. As of March 18 the two identical bills (Senate Bill 49 and House Bill 173)…
When can we stop talking about sexual abuse?
Safe Environment I am often asked, “When will we stop hearing about reports of abuse or how badly reports were handled by those representing the Roman Catholic Church?” We know there will continue to be reports from the past until all victims are able to come forward. We also know there will continue to be…
How can we overcome worry?
Worry captures and holds onto us so that we can’t seem to shake it. The advice, “Don’t worry” seems simplistic when facing a life threatening disease, loss of a job or a breakup of our family. But the call to not worry rests on whom we place our trust in and where we find our…
News & Notes
Summer Catholic camp registration The inaugural season of St. Therese’s Camp in the Mat-Su Valley begins June 22. According to a notice from the new Catholic camp, its programming for children in grades 3-8 will include “swimming, kayaking, canoeing, singing, campfires, archery, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, arts and crafts and outdoor skills training in a fun…
Archbishop’s Calendar
April 1-2, Chrism Mass & apostolic administration duties, Fairbanks April 4-7, Chrism Mass, confirmations, deacon ordination, apostolic administration duties, Yukon-Kuskokwim Region April 8, 7 p.m., Chrism Mass, Our Lady of Guadalupe April 10, 9 a.m., Mass, Our Lady of Guadalupe April 15, 2-4:30 p.m., Providence Alaska Board Meeting April 17, 7 p.m., Mass of the…
Community Calendar
April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 11 a.m., Native Kateri Circle, St. Anthony April 2, 7 p.m., Prayer service for victims of abuse, Our Lady of Guadalupe April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 4 p.m., Children’s Rosary Group, St. Andrew, Eagle River April 2, 9, 23, 7-8 p.m., Eucharistic Adoration for young adults, Blessed Sacrament…
Jesuit Volunteers in Anchorage continue tradition of service
Despite the growth of volunteer opportunities available to college graduates today, the Jesuit Volunteer Corps remains one of the most popular destinations for young Catholics looking for spiritual growth and a chance to serve. Caroline Proulx is one of seven young people — two men and five women — living in community in Anchorage as…