Originally printed in the June 2025 issue This is the first in a series of articles highlighting thrift stores in the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau. Thrift stores are a relatively new invention in the history of human societies. The reason is simple, historian Susan Strasser in her book Waste & Want explains, “until the second half…
On July 1, 2025, Dave Ringle stepped down as the executive director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Therésè Conference, in Juneau, Alaska. He is succeeded by Jennifer Skinner, the new executive director of the society. As I have journeyed in my position as leader of St. Vincent de Paul within…
Originally printed in the May 2025 issue Some scholars believe that the saying “the eyes are the windows to the soul” originated in ancient Greece or Rome. Regardless of its origins, this saying has endured over time because it contains elements of truth. I had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis on two occasions. I…
Originally printed in the April 2025 issue Bonnie Bezousek, the new executive assistant to Archbishop Andrew Bellisario, carries on an unusual ministry. Away from her office, her favorite calling is to spend one-on-one time with friends and family to be present to their adventures in life. “This is my emphasis right now,” said Bezousek (pronounced bee-SOO-zak)….
Originally printed in the March 2025 issue Each January Catholic schools all over the United States celebrate the richness of Catholic education. Our schools develop the whole person by teaching subject matter, addressing student struggles, and modeling healthy interaction through the lens of faith. This year Catholic Schools Week was January 26 – February 6….
Originally printed in the January 2025 issue The Jubilee Year 2025 is a time of special significance in our faith. It is a Holy Year marked by the hope that does not fade: our hope in God. This year, in particular, is a Jubilee of Hope, a hope for deepening our relationship with God and…
As Patricia “Pat” Kennish quietly walked onto the stage, as if she was trying to go unnoticed by the crowd, people cheered and applauded her. Seeking out the spotlight is not Kennish’s style, she admitted. So, as she made her way to the announcer with a faint smile, she gently grabbed her trophy, shyly took…
This year, Advent begins Sunday, Dec. 1, and ends Tuesday, Dec. 24. Cues are everywhere: the all-Christmas radio channel, the all-Christmas movie channel, and Advent calendars with everything from coffee to cosmetics. But how can people turn down the commercial chatter and bring the joyful season of Advent into their lives? Just as in Lent,…
Catholic parishes on the Kenai Peninsula are lending helping hands to neighbors this winter amid climbing food costs. Organizations balance year-round giving with specific weekly food and gas donations as well as other giving like the annual Coats for Kids. “It’s the giving season all year round — not just at Thanksgiving and Christmas,” said…
One by one, children slowly marched in single file to their designated spaces in the auditorium of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School on Friday morning, Oct. 11, for their school assembly. With every student came an amplification of chatter and laughter as their unsure faces began to settle into the excitement of seeing visiting…