Archbishop Paul Etienne
In Today’s Gospel (Mark 10: 28-31), Peter begins a conversation with Jesus, saying: “We have given up everything to follow you.” If Jesus had not interrupted Peter, one wonders where this thought was leading … Perhaps once again, Jesus saves Peter from putting his foot in his mouth. Regardless, as we are on the eve of another Lenten journey, we have a great focus. First from Peter: Have we given up everything to follow Jesus? Second and more importantly, we do well to ponder the promise of Jesus. We cannot possibly give up more than […]
The Archdiocese of Anchorage is very pleased to announce that Ms. Laurie Evans-Dinneen is returning to the roll of Director of Stewardship and Development. Laurie brings 20 years of non-profit experience and served the Archdiocese in this position for 4 years beginning in 2014. Laurie has a thorough knowledge of the Archdiocese and is always looking for new ways to approach issues and is quick to explore new opportunities. She has a development and grant writing background, as well as a faith-centered, stewardship perspective. Many of you know Laurie and are familiar with her commitment […]
As we approach this Lenten season, we are reminded once again to seek the LORD in all things. It is a time to put Jesus squarely at the center of life – above every other thing. Since the Beatitudes represent a summary of Jesus’ person and teaching, perhaps a Lenten Fast based upon the Beatitudes would be helpful. In this powerful homily of Jesus, we hear about the ways of life that lead to ‘blessings’. Lent is a time to humbly reflect at a deep and profound level where we are in need of conversion […]
On Thursday this past week, our strategic planning process received some renewed energy. After Listening Sessions held around the Archdiocese last spring, the Leadership Team (Department Heads of Archdiocesan Staff) spent several months studying and summarizing the results and developed from them the Mission, Vision, Values and a set of Priorities. These were shared with the priests of the Archdiocese on Thursday. Early in his pontificate, Pope Francis issued an Apostolic Exhortation, The Joy of the Gospel in which he lays out his basic vision for advancing the mission of the Church today. In brief points, these are the […]
This Saturday evening, February 2 the Archdiocese of Anchorage will celebrate a Mass in honor of the consecrated men and women religious serving in the Archdiocese. Please come help us in honor these men and women at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral at the 5:30 PM Mass. Many different Congregations of Religious Orders have served the people of the Archdiocese in various capacities and ministries throughout our history. It will be a privilege to honor them at Mass on Saturday evening. Please come join us. Peace, +pde
Each January we highlight and celebrate the great work and ministry of Catholic Schools. We are blessed in the Archdiocese of Anchorage to have four Catholic Schools within the Archdiocesan system: Lumen Christi (7th– 12thGrades) in Anchorage, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (Pre-K – 6thGrade), Our Lady of the Valley (Pre-K – 8thGrade) in Wasilla and St. Mary’sin Kodiak (Pre-K – 8thGrade). There is also one independent Catholic School, Holy Rosary. I’m very grateful to all of our school principals, teachers, volunteers, families, parishes and donors who keep this wonderful ministry of Catholic education alive and well here in the Archdiocese of Anchorage. This […]
Just a few days ago, our USCCB Retreat concluded. We gathered at the request of Pope Francis, and enjoyed the direction and wisdom of the Preacher of the Papal Household, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM. With nearly 280 bishops registered, which is a similar number of those who are present for our plenary assemblies, we experienced a unique opportunity over the course of six days to pray together. While Bishops gather regularly for retreats on a Regional basis, this year’s retreat was a rare gathering of the entire body of bishops from the United States. As […]
This Third Sunday of Advent is traditionally known as Guadete Sunday. As we progress in the Advent season, we are to rejoice at the approach of our Savior. Today’s readings focus our attention on John the Baptist, who pointed the way to Christ, and serves as a model of how we are to discover the Gospel Joy of doing the same. Last Sunday we heard that “the word of God came to John.” (Luke 3: 2) This ‘encounter’ for the Baptist became the defining moment of his life. I reflected last week that even for […]
On Tuesday this week I had the pleasure of visiting one of our assisted living facilities to have Mass with the residents and staff. After Mass, I also was able to celebrate the Sacrament of Anointing the Sick with many of the people who were present. Such moments never fail to move me at a profound level. A scripture passage from the Advent season kept coming to mind: Comfort, give comfort to my people. This is exactly what Christ brings into the world – the abiding presence and comfort of our God. I love these […]
Last Friday morning, within 30 minutes of the 7.0 earthquake that struck the Anchorage area, I received a phone call from the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre. He was concerned of the report he heard, and wanted to know how the people of the Archdiocese were doing after the earthquake. Yesterday I sent the Archbishop a brief report of our condition and of the damage assessments. Today, I received the following message of prayer and support. While we continue to experience strong aftershocks and put our homes, businesses, parishes, and lives […]