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PHOTOS: Alaska Catholic Youth Conference kicks off

Catholic youth from across Alaska took part in the opening Mass for the Alaska Catholic Youth Conference. The liturgy took place June 5 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral in Anchorage. Earlier in the day the youth marched three miles during a Marian procession from St. Benedict Church to the co-cathedral. For the next three days youth will take part in workshops, liturgies, concerts, service projects and other activities to help deepen and inspire their faith.

Teens must not be afraid to share their faith in God

I dedicate this article to Anya, my 14-year-old parishioner who just came to me and said she can’t tell her classmates she goes to church because they will call her stupid. Additionally, I dedicate this article to all teens who struggle to know and share their faith. We are with you and emphatically affirm that Christianity is the best way to be your best self.

INVITATION: Help us celebrate World Refugee Day

On June 20 we celebrate World Refugee Day across the globe. This year’s theme is “Standing With Refugees.” People living as refugees are like any of us, and could, but for the grace of God, be any one of us.

Attempting to speak of a mystery

I must confess, without shame as a writer, that I approach the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity each year with a sense of fear and trembling. Try as I might, to write something worthy of my God, I find that I fall short.

We cannot love God unless we also love each other in community

Dorothy Day writes: “We cannot love God unless we love each other. We know him in the breaking of the bread, and we are not alone anymore … We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.”

Free concert with Jesse Manibusan on June 5

Popular singer-songwriter, Jesse Manibusan, is returning to Anchorage for this year’s Alaska Catholic Youth Conference (ACYC). As part of ACYC, the nationally known speaker and musician will give a free concert, June 5, 8-9:30 p.m. The concert will take place at Lumen Christi High School in Anchorage. All are welcome to attend, including those who are not registered for ACYC.

Sisters of Life to give women’s retreat in Wasilla

St. Benedict Church in Anchorage is facilitating a women’s retreat, June 30-July 1, given by the Sisters of Life at St. Therese’s Camp in Wasilla. The retreat is for all women ages 14-24 and will include talks on trust, prayer and the feminine genius. The sisters will share some of their vocation stories, followed by a question and answer session.

Alaska Catholic Youth Conference still taking registrations

There is still time to register for the annual Alaska Catholic Youth Conference, which runs June 5-8 at Lumen Christi High School and Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral. The aim of the gathering is to inspire middle and high school students in their Catholic faith. Registration can be done online at archdioceseofanchorage.org or at St. Benedict Church and Lumen Christi on the opening day of the conference, June 5, at 1 p.m.

Archbishop Etienne’s June Calendar

Anchorage Archbishop Paul Etienne is scheduled to attend the following liturgies and events during the month of June.

Upcoming Events/Opportunities across the Archdiocese

The following is a list of upcoming events, opportunities and news briefs from across the Archdiocese of Anchorage, Alaska.