By Anna SchultenThe North Star Catholic Gina Del Rosario’s work as the director of the Juneau Pioneer Home has given her unique opportunities to minister to the residents’ physical and spiritual needs over the past eight years. “This is more than a job to me,” said Gina. “I have worked for the state for over…
Dear Fr. Leo: What happens to our souls when our bodies die? Does it go with our spirits up to God for initial judgment? I have a good friend from a new religious movement who believes that the soul remains with the dead body until Christ returns. At the same time, I would like to…
In the summer of 2019, Daughter of Charity Sister Mary Peter Diaz left Anchorage for a new assignment on the vast Navajo Reservation in the Southwestern United States. Like all of us, Sister Mary Peter, who had worked here in both Hispanic and Native ministry, had no idea what was in store in 2020. So,…
2020 is a year that none of us will ever forget. The challenges faced by all of us, as organizations, parishes and individuals, were unanticipated and beyond what any of us could have conceived. Illness and uncertainty followed all of us this year. And the most vulnerable—those in poverty, elders, the ill, and children, were…
“May we be in this world a ray of that light which shone forth from Bethlehem, bringing joy and peace to the hearts of all men and women.” Pope Francis This message from Pope Francis during Advent of 2013 to the crowds in St. Peter’s Square is just as relevant now as it was then,…
Advent is a season of great hope! It prepares us for the Second Coming of Christ and celebrates the Nativity of Christ at Christmas. With themes of faith, hope, longing, preparation, and determination, Advent calls us to wait with faith and hope; to prepare for the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Every…
By Annette AllevaThe North Star Catholic The season of giving associated with the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays can be one of great joy for those with means and a generous heart. For those whose needs for the most basic elements of survival know no season, it can cause hardship and anxiety. Traditionally, churches and social…
The North Star Catholic Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Catholic Schools within the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau were able to provide in-person learning to students for most of this past semester, albeit in a very structured environment with thoughtful mitigation plans. And it was with these plans that the schools have been able to help keep…
By Dominique JohnsonThe North Star Catholic Father Pat Casey, OMI, began considering a vocation in the priesthood when he was in seventh grade while attending Catholic school in Los Angeles, California. He wouldn’t enter seminary until later in life, but on December 30th, the 73 year old priest, will celebrate his 40th ordination anniversary. He…
By Bonnie BezousekThe North Star Catholic Located in the Turnagain neighborhood near the Anchorage International Airport, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrates its 50th anniversary as a parish faith community this year. Founded in 1970, the parish first met in the Turnagain Elementary School gym. Later they rented from the Turnagain United Methodist…