By Annette AllevaThe North Star Catholic “I was in prison and you visited me.” These words of Jesus are a call to action for a number of folks in the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau, who minister to men and women in several area jails and prisons. This ministry of presence, primarily, has suffered a tremendous decline…
By Dominique JohnsonThe North Star Catholic On December 2, Deacon Vince Hansen was on his way to check on a family member’s house after days of heavy rain in Haines when he heard what he thought was a construction truck dropping a large load. Then he heard the same sound again, and a call came…
By John HarmonActing Superintendent of Catholic Schools The Catholic School year is filled with many exciting days from the first day of school to the end of the year and the ultimate celebration – graduation. I have many fond memories of my time as principal at Lumen Christi Catholic High School in Anchorage. And some…
By Deb SeidlThe North Star Catholic Holy Cross Parish is one of the smallest parishes in the Anchorage city limits, with about 350 registered families. The parish was established on July 22, 1984, by Archbishop Francis Hurley. The first Mass was celebrated at Abbot Loop School with a cross placed at the corner of Lake…
By Deacon Vince HansenThe North Star Catholic A former mission served by the priests assigned to Skagway, the Southeast Alaska community of Haines saw its first Sacred Heart Church constructed in 1920. The mission’s history pre-dates the “old church,” with the first documented baptism taking place in 1905 at Fort Seward. The original church was…
By Dominique JohnsonThe North Star Catholic Father Dick Tero has ministered as a priest to the people of Alaska for the last 46 years. He was ordained June 4, 1974, as a priest for the Archdiocese of Anchorage by Archbishop Joseph Ryan. Father Tero was inspired to seek a vocation in the priesthood at a…
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…
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…