May 29, 2009 - Issue #11
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Local News
PROMISE TO SERVE
Archbishop Schwietz ordains six new deacons for Anchorage Archdiocese
Packed tour buses and weekly Friday night crowds were filling downtown Anchorage May 15, just about the time that six men made their way to Holy Family Cathedral for the culmination of a journey, which they had been on for more than five years.
The men headed to the basement of the downtown cathedral to exchange their overcoats for traditional sacred garments.
After years of formation, they were only minutes away from the moment when Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz would lay his hands on their heads, invoke the Holy Spirit and officially ordain them to the order of deacon for the service of the church.
Family members, friends, priests, religious and fellow deacons all packed the cathedral to witness the archdiocese’s first ordination in five years and the first deacon ordinations in a decade.
Attendees traveled from nearly every corner of the 139,000 square mile archdiocese, filling the pews, choir loft and entrance of the cathedral.
Shortly before ordaining the men, Archbishop Schwietz delivered his homily, in which he reminded all present that God chooses each person, lay, religious and ordained, to serve him in a unique capacity.
“It is God himself who chooses from among us,” Archbishop Schwietz told the assembly. “God does not choose those who are perfect, but those who feel called.”
He reiterated that the diaconate is fundamentally a call of service within the church.
Revival of the deacon The numbers of permanent deacons in the United States has grown rapidly over the past four decades. In 1970, there were no deacons; today there are 17,000. The Anchorage Archdiocese added six this month, bringing the total for the archdiocese to 23, with 18 in active service to the church. The diaconate dates back to the New Testament. In Acts, the apostles appointed seven men to serve the poor – St. Steven being one of them. As the office evolved, deacons served bishops, preached the Gospel, represented the bishop and served the poor on the bishop’s behalf. Beginning in the third century, confusion between the role of priests and the role of deacons led to the decline of the diaconate. By the fourth century, bishops were delegating priests to preside in their place at Sunday Eucharist and as priests took on many duties formerly performed by deacons, the deacons became assistants to priests. Eventually, the diaconate came to be seen as a step on the path toward ordination as a priest, leading to the transitional deaconate. By the Middle Ages, the diaconate had nearly disappeared and it wasn’t until the 1960s that the permanent diaconate was restored at the Second Vatican Council. Deacons are one of only three groups of ordained ministers within the Catholic Church, the others being bishops and priests. Deacons may be single or married and must be at least 35 years old in the United States. Deacons can proclaim the Gospel, preach, teach in the name of the church, baptize, lead prayers, witness marriages, and conduct funeral rites. They also traditionally take leading roles in ministering to the needy. -Catholic Anchor report |
“It is not a call of honor, but a call of service,” he said. “Each of you my brothers will be called to die to yourself.”
With evening sunlight still shining through incense that hung in the cathedral, the ordination officially began when Father Leo Walsh of St. Andrew Church in Eagle River called each of the candidates by name.
“Rick Ernst.”
“James Fornelli.”
“Jon Harmon.”
“Curtis Leuenberger.”
“Harry Moore.”
“Daniel Stowe.”
Upon hearing his name, each man stood amid the hushed congregation and responded: “present.”
After the roll call, Archbishop Schwietz asked if the candidates were known to be worthy of becoming deacons.
Father Walsh answered: “After inquiring among the Christian people and upon the recommendation of those responsible, I testify that they have been found worthy.”
The men then promised to discharge their duties with charity, proclaim the faith “according to the Gospel and the church’s tradition,” pray the ancient Liturgy of the Hours daily and respect and obey Archbishop Schwietz and his successor bishops.
As the congregation chanted the Litany of the Saints, the elect prostrated themselves face-down and Archbishop Schwietz prayed that God would sanctify them for their new role.
The men then kneeled before the archbishop as – one-by-one – he laid hands on them in silence.
In the prayer of ordination that followed, Archbishop Schwietz recalled the historic nature of the diaconate.
“And so, in the first days of your church, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, your Son’s Apostles appointed seven men of good repute to assist them in the daily ministry, that they might devote themselves more fully to prayer and preaching of the word.”
He continued: “By prayer and the laying on of hands, they entrusted to those chosen men the ministry of serving at table. We beseech you, Lord: Look with favor on these servants of yours who will minister at your holy altar and whom we now humbly dedicate to the office of deacon.”
After the ordinations, the new deacons returned to the pews, where family members and friends helped them into their dalmatics — the traditional outer vestment of a deacon. They were showered with kisses and hugs before, again, approached the archbishop, draped in their new liturgical garments.
Archbishop Schwietz gave each man a Book of Gospels and told them: “Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.”
As deacons, they will serve the archbishop and his priests in preaching the Gospel, preparing the sacrifice on the altar and distributing the Body and Blood of Christ during Communion.
Additionally, the new deacons may preside over public prayer, baptize, witness marriages, bring Communion to others and conduct funeral rites throughout the archdiocese.
They cannot, however, consecrate, forgive sins, ordain, anoint the sick or confirm.
Unmarried deacon Rick Ernst of Kenai, promised to remain celibate for the rest of his life. Married deacons are to remain faithfully married and are only called to celibacy if their wife dies.
With the new ordinations, the Archdiocese of Anchorage now has 18 deacons serving in active ministry.
Archbishop Schwietz said the deacons will continue in their formation, as they gradually move into their local ministries, some of which may include working with prisoners, the marginalized and those in maritime professions.
Families help Catholic schools instill character, build faith
Moments before the May 14 graduation ceremony at Lumen Christi High School, the school’s six seniors gathered in an empty science classroom to don their caps and gowns. There were typical smiles and laughter — and in the spur of the moment, a prayer.
At student George Neuerburg’s prompting, the three young men graduating that evening gathered and said a prayer together. Afterwards, in an interview with the Anchor, Neurburg admitted he would not have done such a thing at the beginning of high school there four years ago.
“Maturity, for one,” he said. Plus, Neuerburg said he had been inspired by Lumen Christi’s church history teacher Bob McMorrow whose “openness of prayer makes me feel like it’s alright to pray anytime.”
Graduate Cody McCormick changed as well during his four years at Lumen Christi, explained his mother Tammy.
“Here he became a much deeper Catholic,” she reflected while waiting for her son’s graduation to begin.
Having studied the basis of the faith, she said, “he’s able to have conversations with other people and able to back up his beliefs.”
Because of his Catholic faith, she said, Cody plans to “go out into the world” and “give back to people that are less fortunate or to teach others about the faith.”
Of the students, she added, “They come to Lumen Christi to learn and then they leave here to serve.”
For the Anchorage Archdiocese’s Catholic schools to succeed, they need families that actively support them, said Adrian Dominican Sister Ann Fallon, the superintendent of Catholic schools for the archdiocese.
At the Catholic schools, “parents know their children are cared for,” she said, while adding that families are an integral part of their children’s lives at school.
“Families are so welcome,” she said.
Jim Bailey, principal of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton school in Anchorage, explained that “parents are always here” — in class, on the playground and at school functions. As a result, he said – and unlike in public schools, where “you don’t have the family connection” – at Catholic schools, it is possible to help children develop the good character essential to reaching their potential.
But character education isn’t complete without “the God factor,” said Sister Fallon.
Public schools, too, may teach character development, she said, but “they can’t mention God.”
And God is the “why behind what we do,” explained Bailey. Teaching the faith gives youth a “basis” for “how you treat others, how you want to be treated.”
“The church is out in the world and the community helping people – the homeless, the sick, the old,” Bailey said, adding that it is exciting to help youth learn how to “be a part of this and know why we do this.”
Teaching the faith at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton entails religion classes and a devotional life that includes prayer before lunch, Mass “at least” once a week and the regular presence of Father Tom Lilly, who is pastor of the adjacent St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.
Meanwhile, at Lumen Christi, 2009 graduate Hannah Hoflich said church history class there “helped me understand my faith more and be a more spiritual person.” Regular confession and eucharistic adoration, which are encouraged at school, helped Catholic senior Cody McCormick stay close to God. And Matthew Dixon said he was inspired by studies of the saints who exemplify Christian faith in action.
And then there are the daily examples of the teachers. According to Lumen Christi graduate and new Catholic Leanna Freeman, “They’re always ready to push their stuff aside and help us out,” she said.
But Catholic schools are not just for Catholics. On May 20, the first graduate of Our Lady of the Valley school in Wasilla – which opened in 2007 – will be 8th grader Amanda Amacher, who is not Catholic.
Principal Suzanne Cyr described Amanda as having “grown as an individual” across her time at the school. Initially reticent and reserved, Amanda is now quick to offer help and engage those who need her. “She is very kind and considerate to the younger kids. It’s just really neat to see her working with them,” said Cyr.
“Catholic education has been such a blessing, and I am so thankful,” said Amanda’s mother Laura. “This valley has really been needing it. I’ve been here 20 years and am just thrilled with Our Lady of the Valley. It’s just wonderful.”
Keeping these schools going is a full-time job – and a constant battle against the red ink, Sister Fallon said.
“Because we want to be schools for all,” she said, the archdiocese keeps tuition at a “reasonable rate.” That tuition, however, covers only half the cost of educating the child.
Filling the gap — while allowing for some financial aid for needy families — comes from fund-raisers like school raffles and gala auctions — as well as the annual archdiocesan “One Bread, One Body” appeal.
“If we had 100 percent of our Catholic community supporting any of this stuff, we wouldn’t have a struggle with deficit,” Sister Fallon explained.
“Every Catholic has an obligation to educate its youth,” she added — because they are “the future of the church.”
She explained that Catholic education could also be helped if there were more young people choosing a religious vocation.
“Expenses are up in part because of the decline in religious vocations,” she said.
In Catholic schools across the archdiocese and the country, salaried lay teachers have by and large replaced the priests, religious sisters and brothers who once volunteered their time teaching. The numbers in some of those religious teaching orders and congregations are dwindling fast.
Sister Fallon urged parents to talk with their children about a religious vocation “once in a while” and to “support vocations as a good thing to do.”
The religious life, she said, is “a wonderful vocation that comes out of ordinary families.”
Mass highlights benefits and contributions of home schools
Archbishop praises strong parental role in education
“Parents of home schoolers model the primary role of parents, which is to take responsibility for their children as they grow in faith and in knowledge,” Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz said in an interview with the Anchor.
He spoke shortly after celebrating the May 14 annual home school Mass at Holy Family Cathedral in Anchorage. Concelebrating were Dominican Father Dominic DeMaio of the cathedral and visiting Dominican Father John Mellein – who was home schooled as a child.
The sixth annual event highlighted the benefits of educating children at home.
According to home schooling Catholic mother and organizer Pam Raygor, there are at least 150 Catholic families in the area educating their children in home schools. Many of them attended the Mass, with children serving as readers, gift bearers, altar servers, ushers, choir singers and one as an accompanist.
During a luncheon reception afterwards, a number of home schooled children made presentations to an audience of family, friends and the archbishop – beginning with Miriam Mezzetti from St. Andrew Church in Eagle River who led the Pledge of Allegiance in Latin.
St. Benedict parishioners Moira and Ciara McMorrow performed, respectively, “Casper the Friendly Ghost” and “Spoon Full of Sugar” on the piano. And the children of the Van Hagestad family dramatically reenacted scenes from the appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Blessed Juan Diego in 1531.
“It’s a wonderful experience for me to see them get together and to share their talents with one another because they’re helping them to learn from each other – the young people,” Archbishop Schwietz remarked.
Also for the event, home schooled high school junior Sarah O’Neill prepared a PowerPoint presentation on her recent trip to Baja, California where she studied Marine biology, leadership and ecology.
O’Neill explained that in a home school, students may work at their own pace and focus on areas of interest.
“I think that’s helped me figure out what I’m going to do career-wise,” she said.
O’Neill, volunteers part-time in the physical therapy department at Providence Alaska Medical Center and is considering St. Louis University for college given its physical therapy program.
George Lochner, parishioner of St. Andrew Church and home schooling father of 12 – six at home and six out in the world and “gainfully employed” – lauded the home school option for children because “it’s where they can live their faith as well as learn it.”
“To me, it’s a great gift to the archdiocese to have so many home schoolers,” Archbishop Schwietz commented, “and I only wish we could find ways in which all of these gifts can be shared with the larger community.”
Local religious liberties at crossroads
Anchorage ordinance on sexual orientation could affect churches, charities
If a proposed city ordinance on sexual orientation becomes law, Anchorage churches would not be able to refuse employment to someone based on the fact that they engage in homosexual behavior. Likewise, religious charities that provide services such as adoption, would not be able to refuse facilitating adoptions of children to same-sex couples. Additionally, the law would, in effect, require businesses to promote and foster homosexuality through the services they provide.
According to long-time Anchorage attorney Bob Flint, these are just some of the possible consequences of the ordinance, which was introduced at the May 12 Anchorage Assembly meeting and scheduled for public hearing June 9.
Flint, a former president of Catholic Social Services and founding member of the St. Thomas More Society in Anchorage, said the ordinance would require groups like Catholic Social Services to place adoptive children with homosexuals and would also mandate that local businesses provide any and all services to persons regardless of whether the seek to practice or advocate for homosexuality through those same services.
“This ordinance deals with goods and services – that would apply to my own (legal) practice,” Flint said. “I do adoptions but if this ordinance passes and a homosexual couple comes to me to do their adoption, I can’t say no or I would be in violation. The same goes for Catholic Social Services.”
The ordinance, backed by gay rights groups in Anchorage, requires sexual orientation and gender identity to be treated the same as a person’s race, sex, religion or national origin when it comes to the sale or rental of property, financing and employment practices, providing public goods or services and operating educational institutions.
According to the ordinance sexual orientation is defined as “actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality or gender expression or identity.”
It goes on to clarify that gender identity means having “a self image, appearance, or behavior different from that traditionally associated with the sex assigned to that person at birth.”
Opponents of the ordinance worry that its narrow religious exemption provides almost no protection when it comes to religious groups who cannot, in good conscience, provide employment such as a teaching positions or certain services, such as adoptions, to people who are actively engaging in homosexual activities.
Additionally, as written, the ordinance would effectively ban individuals from acting on their private religious beliefs that would otherwise lead them to withhold professional services or goods to groups who might intend to use those goods or services to promote, celebrate or foster a homosexual culture or activities.
Businesses that would be affected include advertising and public relations firms, rental and service agencies and any person who provided space or public accommodations.
Unlike prohibitions against racial, religious, or sex discrimination, the addition of sexual orientation in the ordinance forces people to promote and openly accept a specific sexual behavior, Flint observed.
“Really, this ordinance is going after people who disapprove of homosexual behavior and who are operating businesses or services,” he explained.
Churches or religious schools could be in violation of the law if they refused to employ actively homosexual members of their religion who sought to teach or work for the church.
According to the Municipality of Anchorage Charter, any person who believes they have been discriminated against may file a complaint with the Equal Rights Commission, which then investigates the charge and enforces the law when it is determined that a violation has occurred.
According to the city’s Web site, the Equal Rights Commission is the “Municipal law enforcement agency charged to eliminate and prevent unlawful discrimination.”
Comprised of nine members, appointed by the mayor, the Equal Rights Commission has as its official vision to “eliminate discrimination through enforcement and education.”
From 2003-2007, the commission inquired into 3,550 cases and reconciled 340. If sexual orientation is added to the non-discrimination policy, the commission will deal with those complaints as well.
In recent months, the Vatican spoke on the issue of discrimination against homosexuals.
In December 2008, Vatican spokesman Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi said the Catholic Church does not believe homosexuals should be treated unjustly. He added, however, that the Vatican could not support a United Nations resolution on homosexuality because it “introduces a declaration of political value that could result in systems of control, according to which every norm – not only legal, but also related to the life of social or religious groups – which does not place every sexual orientation on exactly the same level could be considered as contrary to respect of human rights.”
Father Lombardi affirmed the teaching of the Catholic Catechism, which states that homosexuality is objectively disordered but that people who struggle with it must be accepted with “respect, compassion and sensitivity.”
The Catechism further states: “Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.”
However, laws that place homosexual orientation on the same level as heterosexual orientation, “could clearly become an instrument of pressure of discrimination” against those who believe otherwise.
The public meeting on the proposed Anchorage ordinance is set for June 9 at 5 p.m. in the Anchorage Loussac Library.
Already, groups on both sides are planning to present their arguments during the public hearing. Gay rights groups such as Bent Alaska and Equality Works are urging their supporters to attend the meeting with personal stories of purported discrimination.
Meanwhile, Flint has been in discussion with local churches and religious organizations that are hoping to show the Anchorage Assembly members how the proposed ordinance would restrict the religious liberties of many Anchorage residents, when it comes to following the teachings of their faith or their personal conscience on the matter of sexual orientation.
Immigration and faith
U.S. Bishops’ spokesman talks in Anchorage
“The church is compelled to speak out on immigration,” a spokesperson for the U.S. bishops told Catholics in Anchorage May 21.
Kevin Appleby is director of migration policy and services for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. He was in Anchorage to speak on “Immigration from a Faith Perspective” for Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Anchorage Faith and Action — Congregations Together organizing committee.
“There’s a big misunderstanding of the church’s role in the public sector,” Appleby said. “We have every right to be involved in the public square. From the church’s perspective, this issue is about human beings, human dignity and frankly, human life.”
On Pope Benedict XVI’s recent plane trip to the U.S., he said, immigration was one of the main things the pontiff spoke about to the press corps.
“This is a Catholic issue,” Appleby said.
Appleby has been in his position for eight years and was involved in pressing for immigration legislation that failed in Congress in 2007. Alaska’s senators, Lisa Murkowski and then-Senator Ted Stevens, voted against the legislation backed by the U.S. bishops. Appleby said that legislators must know they have “cover” from constituents back home for voting for immigration reform.
There is no current legislation regarding immigration before Congress.
Appleby said President Obama has a meeting scheduled with leaders of both parties, and that by the fall, there may be legislation supported by both the administration and proponents of immigration reform.
U.S. bishops want to see a system for eventual legalization for the 12 million undocumented immigrants who are presently in the U.S. This “earned citizenship” would entail paying fines and back taxes and working for several years.
The bishops also propose a guest worker program which would guarantee certain workers’ rights to all working within the U.S., and a program of family reform which would shorten the waiting time to reunite families.
Appleby stressed that those who vote against reform are ignoring the fact that the present system is not working.
“The best estimate of the number of undocumented workers in this country is about 12 million,” he said. “And each year ,300,000 to 500,000 are added to this number.”
In response to this influx, the U.S. government has spent $35 billion since 1994 in border enforcement, with a commitment of almost 18,000 border patrol officers.
But contrast today’s number – 12 million – to only 5 million undocumented workers who were present when the program started in 1994. Clearly, said Appleby, the commitment of resources has not slowed the growth of illegal immigration.
And from a standpoint of human dignity and family unity – two of the principles stressed in papal encyclicals touching on immigration – the policy has been a disaster.
“We have what I call a ‘nod, nod, blink, blink’ policy about immigration,” Appleby said. “At the border we say ‘keep out,’ but at the workplace we say, ‘help wanted.’” American employers seek the labor that undocumented workers provide.
Meanwhile, said Appleby, the countries which provide undocumented workers have little incentive to slow emigration. The money emigrants send home to Mexico is that country’s third largest source of revenue next to oil and tourism.
The present system is a complete failure, said Appleby, and critics of the bishops’ proposals have offered no solutions.
Border walls do not work, he said, and raids on work places separate families. Often, immigrants die in vain attempts to reach the U.S.
Appleby sees hope in the fact that surveys show most Americans favor some kind of immigration reform.
“We’re an immigrant church,” Appleby said. “Until 1924, people just came here. There was no ‘legal’ or ‘illegal.’ People still want the same things they’ve always wanted, and immigrants still have the same strong work ethic and family-oriented values they’ve always had.”
Grey Nuns end ‘historic’ run
Sisters to leave Kodiak in July
A long chapter in Alaskan history will close when the remaining two Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart depart from Kodiak this July.
Sisters Barbara Harrington and Carol Bartol represent a tradition of pioneer service that stretches back to 1944 when five Grey Nuns arrived on the windy island of Kodiak to serve Griffin Memorial Hospital.
Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart have been there ever since – working at the hospital, and then in 1954 devoting themselves to St. Mary’s, the parish elementary school. Grey Nuns were represented in the school until two years ago when Sister Diane Bardol left after a 35-year career there.
“Their departure from Kodiak brings a marvelous historical era to a close,” said Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz. “Their self-sacrifice did so much for building the faith in Alaska.”
Speaking of Sister Harrington and Sister Bartol, the archbishop said, “In particular, we’ll miss these sisters who have done so much for the newly arrived immigrants in Kodiak. The Grey Nuns have shown great adaptability over the years. Their memory and example will continue on to inspire all of us to serve in more effective ways.”
Sisters Harrington and Bartol leave a legacy of work with the poor, helping to build a new Marian Center to serve the influx of immigrants, and establishing community ties.
“It’s typical of sisters to turn to where there’s a need,” said Sister Bartol.
Recently, their duties have turned toward managerial work — Sister Harrington is the parish administration and Sister Bartol manages the parish thrift shop, which provides support for the elementary school.
St. Mary pastor, Father Ron Licayan, jokingly refers to Sister Harrington as his “mother of perpetual help.”
“She’s so reliable,” he said. “We exchange ideas, she gives me advice. It’s been a privilege to work with these two sisters. I’ve learned from the masters here.”
Sister Bartol hales from Pennsylvania, where the motherhouse of the Grey Nuns is located in Yardley. Sister Harrington, who joined the order in 1952, is a native of Buffalo, New York.
Both of them taught school for a number of years, and then ended up together in Atlanta, where they honed a knack for management. Sister Harrington worked in Hispanic outreach, and Sister Bardol managed a home for the elderly, taught English as a second language, and coordinated aid for overseas hospitals.
Both of them were increasingly drawn to the poor and marginalized, something that Sister Harrington said fits the charism of their order.
“Grey Nuns do a vast variety of work. Our main charism is outreach to the poor, characterized as compassion.”
When word went out that then pastor Father Fred Bugarin was looking for some sisters who could do community organizing and grant writing in Kodiak, the two Grey Nuns jumped at the chance to work on the remote island. It seemed to be just the challenge and the adventure they were seeking. They replaced Sinsanawa Dominican Sister Peggy Griffin who had been working with immigrants.
The sisters plunged into the life of the community, working at the food bank and helping to establish a local health clinic. Sister Harrington served on the board of the Women’s Resource Center.
“And we were busy in the parish,” said Sister Bartol. “Taking communion to the sick, training altar servers and Eucharistic ministers.”
Meanwhile, Sister Harrington began grant writing. With help from the Rasmuson Foundation and the Murdock Charitable Trust, a new Marian Center was constructed. In its early days, the center worked with Catholic Social Services to provide legal aid to immigrants. It continues in its role of advocacy and translation assistance.
The Marian Center has also been an educational center and a launching pad for small businesses run by immigrant women. Sister Bartol taught English there. The sisters assisted Father Bugarin in organizing ALMA, a Hispanic women’s group, obtained grants for domestic violence prevention and helped organize a Filipino women’s group.
It will be hard to fill their shoes, Father Licayan said, but a transition team is looking at all the options, which includes the possibility of another group of sisters serving the island.
“We feel our work here in finished,” said Sister Harrington, who knows that local parishioners will come forward to assume many duties.
The sisters’ adventure isn’t quite over, however. They plan to drive back to Pennsylvania from Alaska, visiting friends along the way. Then, when they return to Yardley, there will be plenty of work including an academy and a home for the elderly run by the order.
Catholic doctors honored for helping needy
On May 17, St. Patrick Church parishioners and area physicians K. C. Kaltenborn, M.D. and Cathie Schumacher, M.D. received the 2009 Shining Lights Award for their “selfless work in bringing medical care to Anchorage’s neediest residents.”
The annual award is presented by the Jewish Congregation Beth Sholom to an individual whose career is marked by dedicated public service and who has demonstrated “the highest level of character, integrity and ethics.”
Kaltenborn and Schumacher, who are married, founded Anchorage Project Access, a free or low-cost, short-term health care program for low income Anchorage residents who need medical care.
At the awards banquet, Archbishop said the couple’s work is motivated by a desire to “serve our God.” He continued, “Some people live their lives in search of God. For Cathy and K. C., God defines their lives. He is their inspiration for their day-to-day living and truly directs their path.”
All health care services through Project Access are freely donated by Anchorage area health care providers. By the end of 2008, the volunteer network consisted of 407 doctors and other health care providers representing 39 medical specialties. Since 2006, a total of 1,012 patients have enrolled in the program. Most are referred by the local organizations like the Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center.
According to Project Access’s 2008 annual report, the organization donated more than $3.8 million in services to Alaskans in need.
To find out more about the organization, visit their Web site at anchorageprojectaccess.org.
Filipinos prep for Santacruzan
Filipino Catholics in Anchorage are preparing to celebrate both their faith and their culture during the annual Santacruzan procession through downtown Anchorage.
The colorful religious procession takes place June 20 and commemorates the finding of the true Cross of Christ in Jerusalem around 312 A.D. by Queen Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great – the first Christian emperor of Rome.
Taking part in the pageant are a number of young Filipino women dressed to symbolize the theological virtues, Biblical women, the Blessed Mother under her various titles and Queen Helena. Leading up to the event, the faithful pray a novena – or nine-day series of prayers — in honor of the Holy Cross.
The procession on June 20 begins from the Conoco Philips parking lot behind Holy Family Cathedral at 12:30 p.m. (assembly begins at 11:30 a.m.) The procession will encompass several city blocks and end at Holy Family Cathedral for Mass at 1:30 p.m. Archbishop Emeritus Francis Hurley is anticipated to serve as principal celebrant, with several Filipino priests concelebrating. The event, which is open to the public, is hosted by the Filipino Religious Tradition group and the Holy Rosary Pilgrim of Fatima group. For more information, contact Father Ben Torreto at 333-5267.
News & Notes
Dominican celebration
On June 2, after the 12:10 p.m. Mass at Holy Family Cathedral will host a reception to celebrate the second anniversary of priesthood for Dominicans Father Vincent Kelber and Father John Mellein. Father Kelber is parochial vicar at Holy Family, and Father John Mellein – who has served in Anchorage – is back on break from academic work in Washington, D.C.
Meeting regarding Russian Jack area
The community organizing ministry at St. Anthony Church is hosting a meeting June 11 to address issues in the Russian Jack area of Anchorage. The meeting, which is open to the general public, will be at the church on 825 South Klevin from 7 to 8 p.m.
Gift to retired religious sets record
This year, Catholics in the Archdiocese of Anchorage contributed over $95,000 to the appeal for the nation’s retired priests and religious sisters — the most it has ever given. Every year, Catholic parishes nationwide conduct a collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious, which helps pay for health care and living expenses of elderly and frail religious. Since the first appeal 21 years ago, the Anchorage Archdiocese has contributed almost $2 million. More than 37,500 religious, mostly women, are over age 70. More than 4,900 need nursing care.
Franciscans to speak in Alaska
Theology and Brew will host a group of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal – a religious order based in Texas which helps the poor. The Friars are in Alaska to give a presentation at the annual Alaska Catholic Youth Conference. They will speak June 3 at the Hacienda Mexican Restaurant in Wasilla, June 4 at the Snow Goose Restaurant in Anchorage, and on June 5 at Sal’s Restaurant in Soldotna. All events begin at 7 p.m. and are open to the public.
Corpus Christi procession June 14
All are invited to a eucharistic procession at Holy Family Cathedral on June 14 at 1:30 p.m. to celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi, which is Latin for “Body of Christ.” The feast day, which commemorates the institution of the Holy Eucharist, was first observed by the church in 13th century. During the June 11 procession, a monstrance containing the Eucharist will be carried aloft, while the faithful sing and walk to Delaney Park. At the park’s plaque commemorating the visit of Pope John Paul II to Anchorage, the group will stop for the rosary, a Scripture reading, homily by Dominican Father Vincent Kelber and silent prayer. The procession returns to the cathedral for the recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet and benediction. And a reception will follow. The event – hosted by the Anchorage chapter of Catholics United for the Faith and Holy Family Cathedral – will end at 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 276-3455.
Archbishop’s Calendar May 29, 9 a.m., Mass, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church May 31, 5:30 p.m., Mass and confirmations, Holy Family Cathedral June 1-3, Alaska Conference of Catholic Bishops meeting, Chancery June 1-4, Alaska Catholic Youth Conference, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church June 5, 8 a.m., Mass, Blessed Sacrament Monastery June 6, 5 p.m., Mass and going-away party for Sister Carol Bartol and Sister Barbara Harrington, St. Mary Church, Kodiak June 7, 10:30 a.m., Mass, St. Mary Church, Kodiak June 8-12, USCCB meetings, Chicago and installation of Archbishop Robert J. Carlson, St. Louis Note: Events are in Anchorage unless noted. Community Calendar May 30, 1 p.m., Community health fair, Eastlake Mall, Big Lake June 2, 12:10 p.m., Mass and celebration of two-year anniversary for two Dominican priests, Holy Family Cathedral June 4, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Native Kateri Circle potluck and prayer, St. Anthony June 4, 7:30 p.m., Theology and Brew talk by Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, Snow Goose Restaurant June 5, 7-8 p.m., Christ in the City eucharistic adoration, Holy Family Cathedral June 5, 7:30 p.m., Theology and Brew talk by Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, Sal’s Restaurant, Soldotna June 6, 12 p.m., Dominican Rite Latin Mass, Holy Family Cathedral June 7, 11 a.m., Native Mass, Alaska Native Medical Center Note: Events are in Anchorage unless noted. |
Midsummer Light Bible Institute set
On June 17-19, the Archdiocese of Anchorage and Cardinal Newman Chair at Alaska Pacific University will co-sponsor the Fourth Midsummer Light Bible Institute in the Grant Hall Theater at Alaska Pacific University. The institute will feature presentations Sister Irene Nowell, O.S.B. and Dr. Vincent Smiles, both biblical scholars associated with St. John’s University School of Theology.
Sister Irene is the past president of the Catholic Biblical Association of America. Dr. Smiles is a Pauline scholar.
In addition to the institute, the Cardinal Newman Chair is sponsoring “Illuminations of the Word” a Facsimile Exhibit from the Saint John’s Bible in the galleries at APU (Grant Hall and Carr Gottstein) and the UAA/APU Consortium Library June 5-30. On June 16, 7-9 p.m., Sister Irene, a member of the Committee for IIluminations and Texts for the Saint John’s Bible will offer a free public lecture on the Saint John’s Bible – America’s “Book of Kells.” For further information contact the Cardinal Newman Chair office at 564-8274 or email rleiner@alaskapacific.edu.
Catholic Daughters host reception for new members
On May 30, the Anchorage Archdiocese chapter of Catholic Daughters of the Americas will host a formal reception for new members who have joined the Catholic women’s group through the past year. According to its mission statement, Catholic Daughters of the Americas strives to promote “justice, equality, and the advancement of human rights and human dignity for all.” The May 30 event at Holy Spirit Center includes Mass and a brunch. For more information, contact Linda Fleener at 243-5688.
Christ in the City
Every Friday at Holy Family Cathedral, from 7 to 8 p.m., young adults are invited to “Christ in the City,” an evening of eucharistic adoration. Each week, there is a particular focus on church teaching, tradition, Scripture or silent adoration. In addition, there is an opportunity for confession. Afterwards, the young adults socialize over dinner at a local restaurant. The next Christ in the City takes place June 5. For more information, contact Holy Family Cathedral Young Adults at hfcyoungadults@gmail.com or visit HFC Young Adults at Facebook and MeetUp.com.
Knights give $100,000 for ed center
The Knights of Columbus Council of Holy Family Cathedral donated $100,000 to the church for a renovation of its education center. The renovation plans include outfitting the building with a dozen classrooms, a bookstore, meeting areas, a kitchen and new restrooms. According to Grand Knight Joe Reilly, the council’s gift is going toward the installation of a new roof and new heating and electrical systems. Reilly said the Knights were able to make the contribution thanks to fund-raisers like raffles and property sales across the 50 years the council has existed at the cathedral. In addition to the financial gift, the Knights provided their own manpower for the initial demolition stage. To volunteer for the project, especially with construction skills, call 351-9771.
Free health screenings in Big Lake
The health ministry of Our Lady of the Lake Church in Big Lake will host a community health fair on May 30 at 1 p.m., at Eastlake Mall. During the fair – which is open to the public – free health screenings and mammograms will be offered. Attendees who bring in two cans of food for the Food Bank will get two chances for door prizes.
ACYC starts June 1
The Alaska Catholic Youth Conference runs June 1-4 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. The event includes liturgies, opportunities for the sacrament of reconciliation, service projects, a concert, workshops with local and national speakers and social activities. It opens with Mass on June 1 with Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz, Anchorage Archbishop Emeritus Francis Hurley, Juneau Bishop Edward Burns and Fairbanks Bishop Donald Kettler. High school teens, young adults, parents, pastoral administrators and parish staff members are invited. For more information, visit archdioceseofanchorage.org or call 745-3229 x12.
Columns
Anchorage transportation system is too burdensome for many
My husband and I just returned from a very special 25th anniversary trip to Israel. While there, we stayed and traveled with Jewish friends we met 17 years ago when our children were in pre-school together in San Antonio.
My husband and I were there for the week of Passover, which coincided with the Christian Holy Week. We participated in the Seder meal, were in Nazareth for Good Friday and Jerusalem for Easter Sunday, which was the Orthodox Palm Sunday.
Since it was Passover week, most of Israel was on the road traveling, making driving a bit hazardous. As we were leaving Cana (site of Jesus’ first miracle) and driving to the Sea of Galilee (where we saw the Church of the Loaves and Fishes and the Mount of the Beatitudes), I thought about the distances people traveled to hear Jesus preach. The mode of transportation was their feet as faith led them on a journey of many miles.
This in turn made me think about the people we serve at Catholic Social Services as we walk beside them on their journeys of hope and faith for a better future.
The issue of transportation can often be a barrier to achieving goals on this journey whether the person is a refugee seeking life in a new country, a homeless individual moving towards permanent housing or a mobility-challenged individual going to doctor appointments.
We often take our cars for granted, but the majority of those served by CSS rely on public transportation; on buses that often don’t run on weekends, late at night or holidays. As part of acting on our faith, it is important to realize these barriers exist and to advocate for the public services necessary to assist people in moving towards self-sufficiency.
Utilizing public transportation in Anchorage can be very challenging. We need more buses on more routes throughout the city. Currently, a bus is scheduled approximately every 30 minutes to one hour, Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. Bus service on weekends is hourly from approximately 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. For those working non-traditional schedules, this can be very difficult.
If you have to take two buses to get to work on a weekend and the first one is running late, you can end up missing the transfer and then you need to wait another hour — making you well over an hour late for work.
The number and quality of bus stops can be improved. For example, our Clare House residents need to walk approximately a half mile to the nearest bus stop on Arctic Boulevard. The majority of the residents are mothers and need to travel with their children. This is an especially long walk juggling kids and strollers in the winter. Many bus stops in the city are just a pole with a sign, no bench – a cold, uncomfortable and potentially dangerous place if you need to wait for an hour.
Clients in our Special Needs Services — many who are mobility challenged — have trouble navigating sidewalks in winter if they are not adequately cleared. It is virtually an impossible trek to the bus stop, which means that many people rely on Anchor Rides. This creates a burden on the Anchor Rides system leading to chronic lateness.
While remembering the pilgrims who traveled many miles on foot to hear Jesus preach, let us also think of those around us today on their journey to a new and better life.
CSS is working towards making transportation a minor concern for our clients — one less hurdle, one less worry, one less barrier toward self-sufficiency and a better life —through our advocacy efforts.
The writer is the executive director of Catholic Social Services in Alaska. For more information about CSS, call 276-5590.
Surprised by untruth
I have spoken much about what Russia has given me in terms of treasures. And it has. But I have been given some real trials as well.
I was sitting next to a person on a bus some years ago. She asked who I was and if I was a “batushka” (this is a Russian endearment phrase used to describe a priest). I said I was but I was a Catholic batushka. She rose, and in horror, said, “I will not sit next to a Catholic priest.”
I have found great ignorance, taught prejudice and plain lies that people have believed and fostered in relationship to the Catholic Church here in Russia.
I was asked not too long ago if I was a Vatican spy and I jokingly said, “yes.” He was serious. This is of course a result of so many years of communist propaganda that tried to destroy the belief in God and also the belief and the trust in the church.
The propaganda continues as does the deep ignorance. I love the phrase that Jesus spoke — “and the truth will set you free.” I use this with those who come to me and are aggressive against the church in all arenas — atheists, materialists, communists, secularists, Christians from other denominations and sects. I say, “Let’s really read the Catholic Catechism — what the church actually teaches — and if it is true, you will know it.”
I have watched a number of Christians from other denominations come into full communion with the Catholic Church after a long and often painful search for the truth (We received a Pentecostal pastor and his family into the church last year). They too had been taught such falsehoods and were knowledgeable about the Bible, but never searched out what the Catholic Church truly taught about salvation, grace, the Bible, Mary and the saints. They were surprised by the untruths they had been taught about the Catholic Church. It is incredible how naïve people can be about believing what they read in the newspaper or see on TV or hear from someone in some kind of authoritative position.
In Russia, we know for sure what we receive is censored because most stations and newspapers are again owned or run by the state. We just know it cannot be the full truth.
In America, though, I think there is a naiveté that the news is without biases. It can’t be. I read a beautiful talk by Archbishop Chaput from Denver who challenged reporters to do their homework and find out what the church really teaches before reporting on a story. They might not agree and even be completely opposed to the church, but at least they will not be ignorant of what the church teaches.
So here is what I have learned about being a Catholic in modern-day Russia. It seems that most everywhere, we need to teach and preach the truth as the church teaches in season and out — even if it means opposition, persecution and attacks against the church (See the media barrage recently against the pope).
Jesus himself said to us, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated me before it hated you.” (John 15:18) And the truth does set you free again to love, forgive and pray for the persecutors. The woman who got up in horror because I was a Catholic priest is my sister and I pray for her to this day.
The writer is pastor of the Church of the Nativity in Magadan, Russia. The church is a mission of the Archdiocese of Anchorage.
‘Get out of the way — something is going on’
Think about this: Wind and fire.
Are there any other elements on the planet more fascinating, frightening? Today, somewhere in the world, fierce winds will blow across the desert. Somewhere in the West, perhaps in the California foothills, a fire will start in a canyon and destroy homes. Somewhere in the world people are sitting around a campfire keeping themselves warm against the chilly night wind; or perhaps in other camps they are simply gazing at the fire with squinty eyes and feeling the sweet night breeze on their faces. Somewhere in the South this year a hurricane will threaten the homes and lives of helpless folks.
Many people in the world today may take a moment while walking through their private little forests to think about fire and air as signs of God moving through the universe. Ah, the pleasure of it all.
Yes, some people do contemplate these two planetary phenomena. Often, of course, they go to the Hebrew Scriptures for help. There they find the Genesis author imagining God as wind moving across the deep and dark abyss and hence land appeared, and ultimately living creatures too.
The Israelites from whom we receive many of our Revelation stories, tell of us of Moses who is invited to approach a burning bush to receive the divine name, YHWH.
First, however, he must take off his sandals, for he stands on divine ground; God is in the fire, you see. The Israelites are led through the desert, guided by pillar of fire. There are lots more like this if you look for them.
Twelve ordinary men are sitting safely ensconced in their upper room, scared to death, when divine fire and wind envelope them and they are told what to expect out of their future lives. And so it happened. Fire and wind took charge.
The Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12:3-7 John 20:19-23 |
So, what should wind and fire mean to us – we who seem so armored against the symbolisms of nature? Better, how can the symbolism of wind and fire affect the contemporary church?
Here is the way a theologian who writes for the periodical Celebration puts it: “Wind and fire remind us that ours is a church characterized by mobility not stasis, a charism rather than a constraint, by ecstasy rather by retrenchment. Wind and fire blow and breathe and burn with an energy that cannot be quenched. Wind and fire attest to the difference the Jesus Movement (That’s us!) has made, is making and should continue to make in the world.”
Of course, sacred wind and fire will never have any effect on our world unless we Christians feel that wind in our face and that fire in our bellies and are determined to carry that good news of Jesus into the far corners of the world…well, at least around the block or around the neighborhood. After all, it has to start somewhere, you see. But, once you catch the spirit, ah, there is no stopping it.
Finally, remember what the great Pope John XXIII said at the opening of the Second Vatican Council: “Open the windows and let in the air.” From that moment the fire and wind of the spirit followed and there is nothing that will stop them. Get out of the way, something is going on. That’s simply the character of divine wind and fire.
The writer formerly served the Anchorage Archdiocese as director of pastoral education. He now lives in Notre Dame, In.
Editorial
Forcing the issue
Despite his conscientious objection, should an attorney be forced – under the penalty of law – to facilitate an adoption of a child to two homosexual men?
Must the owner of a public relations firm be forced to design television ads for a homosexuality advocacy group, like Bent Alaska, that promotes beliefs about sexuality and sexual behavior which run contrary to her own?
Should a family who morally objects to homosexual activity be forced to provide accommodations to a lesbian couple at their bed and breakfast?
The ACLU of Alaska and some others say, “yes.”
On June 9, the Anchorage Assembly will consider a proposed ordinance drafted by the ACLU to add “sexual orientation” to factors like race, color, sex and religion which already are on the books barring discrimination in the provision of goods and services. According to the proposal, “sexual orientation” includes “actual or perceived” homosexuality, bisexuality or gender expression or identity. The proposal was introduced at the request of outgoing, acting Mayor Matt Claman, who leaves office in a month.
In response to opponents of the proposal, the ACLU points to a “religious exemptions” clause that, according to local attorney Bob Flint, is defective and inadequate.
But aside from what the “religious exemptions” clause may not do for religious institutions, what about individual people who are not religious institutions?
Shouldn’t we protect a person’s fundamental right to exercise his or her conscience? Shouldn’t a person be free to practice the moral code day-to-day, in the office or at the bed and breakfast?
Or does the government have a right to force a person to violate his or her conscience?
No one should unjustly discriminate against anyone. The Catholic Catechism is clear: “The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God’s will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord’s cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.”
The same Catechism states that a well-formed conscience is “upright and truthful.” It is a “judgment of reason by which the human person recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act.” A person “must not be forced to act contrary to his conscience.”
Those who agree should tell the Anchorage Assembly members and mayor now and speak out on June 9 – while they may.
Anchorage Assembly: muni.org/assembly2/index.cfm
Anchorage Mayor: muni.org/contents1/feedback.cfm
-Patricia Coll Freeman
Assistant Editor
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