During the past two years, Archbishop Andrew Bellisario, C.M., and the priests in the archdiocese gathered for synodal listening, discussion, and discernment sessions about the minimum age for parishioners to be eligible to receive the sacrament of Confirmation in the archdiocese. After hearing from some of those entrusted with catechesis and consulting with others, together…
On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ending the federal right to abortion that permitted the deaths of over 60 million American children since the case was decided in 1973. Though many states have since restricted abortion, Alaska is not one of them. Nevertheless, the end of Roe v. Wade…
This past April, the Co-Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Juneau began renovations. It is hoped this project will be completed by Easter 2027. Built in 1910 by Fr. Edward Brown, S.J., third pastor of the parish, which began in 1882, the co-cathedral’s church building has weathered many years and served…
August 6 is the date set for the 9th Annual Archbishop’s Golf Tournament for the support of seminarians at Moose Run Golf Course at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. It is an archdiocesan tradition for many reasons, but particularly for the opportunity to support seminarians whlie enjoying an easy day of golf with clergy and fellow parishioners….
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….
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,…
Editor’s note: This article was published in the April 2023 issue of the North Star Catholic. ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Catholic church has made significant strides in preventing child abuse by following specific policies set forth 21 years ago in response to the abuse scandal of the Catholic Church in the United States. Jenny Michaelson, director…
With the synod’s diocesan phase coming to an end, the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau will host a concluding synod liturgy Mass at 5:30 p.m. on Pentecost Sunday, June 5, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Anchorage. During the liturgy, representatives of parishes and missions from across the archdiocese will join together for the…
Catholic Schools Week MassAll local Catholic schools and their supporters are invited to attend a Mass for Catholic schools Monday, January 27, 2020 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral. Silent RetreatThe annual silent retreat for men and women will be held the weekend of January 31, 2020, at Holy Spirit Center. The…