Anchorage couple follows infant twins in becoming Catholic
As Kevin and Rebecca Gitzen look forward to becoming Catholics at the Easter vigil, a unique part of their journey was the recent baptisms of their infant sons.
Gov. Walker appoints transgender-rights activist for quasi-judicial commission
Governor Bill Walker has appointed one of Alaska’s most influential transgender and gay rights activists to serve on a quasi-judicial commission to root out alleged discrimination. The Legislature will vote April 13 on whether to confirm all of the governors appointees.
Part 2: Alaskan prepares for Catholic mission to Ethiopia
Can you imagine U.S. children under a tree, shifting as one to follow the shade, for five hours, without a break, to listen to a teacher? And then playing “school” at night? Or waiting in line for up to two hours for the chance to enter a library so they can read a book?
Good Friday Veneration of the Cross
During the veneration, a priest or deacon holds a wooden crucifix while the faithful process to him at the foot of the sanctuary, as if to receive communion. There each person reverences the crucifix with a kiss or a bow.
Hundreds of Alaskans to trace Christ’s Passion through streets of Anchorage
Hundreds of faithful will take part in the annual Good Friday Faith Walk on April 14. The outdoor devotion will begin at various points across Anchorage with groups walking and praying the 14 Stations of the Cross. As they wind through city streets, the participants will meditate on the steps Jesus Christ took through his Passion and death on the very first Good Friday.
Holy Thursday reverberates through the Catholic Church today
Except for the resurrection on Easter, Holy Thursday is possibly one of the most important, complex, and profound days of celebration in the Catholic Church. Holy Thursday celebrates the institution of the Eucharist as the true body and blood of Jesus Christ and the institution of the sacrament of the priesthood.
Sanctioning suicide runs contrary to Alaskan values
Under the guise of compassion, a physician assisted suicide bill (House Bill 54) has been filed by Representative Harriet Drummond in the Alaska Legislature. This so-called “Right to Die” bill is nothing less than state sponsored homicide. Homicide is the killing of one human being by another.
Conversion in the ‘dog days’ of Lent
As we head into April, we enter what sometimes feels like the “dog days” of Lent. That phrase often describes the hottest, weariest days of summer, but it also refers to a time of sluggishness.
Public testimony rescheduled for bill to mandate “gender identity” legal enforcement
Due to the lack of a quorum, the Alaska Senate Health & Social Services Committee was forced to push the public testimony hearing on Senate Bill 72 to Wednesday, April 12.
The proposed law aims to establish “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression” to the list of protected legal classes in Alaska. It was set for public testimony on April 10 and many groups and individuals had prepared to weigh in on both sides.
Archbishop’s blog: Holy Week reflections prepare the faithful for Easter
Anchorage Archbishop Paul Etienne has a very active blog. This week he is sharing his Holy Week reflections and homilies as the Catholic Church begins the high holy days of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter vigil Mass on Saturday night.