In so many ways, it is clear God’s grace is active and alive in the Church today, and it has been on full display this week in the Archdiocese of Anchorage!

Our week began with the annual Alaska Catholic Youth Conference.  For four days, approximately 250 youth, ministers and chaperones gathered in Anchorage from around the state of Alaska.  These young people are full of energy and especially, faith! We prayed together, played together, and took time to learn even more about our faith from a variety of speakers.  I’m particularly grateful that all four Alaska bishops were present for these days.  Tuesday evening we (the bishops) did a Saturday Night Live format with the youth, fielding their questions, and then turning the tables to allow the bishops to ask them questions.  It was a lot of fun, and insightful.

I’m particularly grateful to Matthew Beck, the Youth & Young Adult Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Anchorage who planned and executed a well run and beneficial conference again this year.

On Thursday, over 90 golfers gathered for our Second Annual Archbishop’s Golf Outing to raise funds for our Seminary Education Endowment.  And did we have a gorgeous day on tap!  Thanks to our planning committee, benefactors and sponsors, golfers, and especially to our Stewardship & Development Office staff who coordinated this event.  I’m also grateful to all the volunteers – many from our chancery staff – who worked hard all day taking care of all the behind-the-scenes needs for a well run tournament.

Two of our seminarians were able to spend the day with our golfers and offer a few words at the end of the banquet.  Seminary education / formation is an expensive investment in the life of the church, and we are grateful for the four men presently studying for the Archdiocese of Anchorage!

Please continue to support our seminarians and please continue to storm heaven with your prayers for the ability of all whom God is calling to serve in this important ministry of priesthood, that they may open their hearts to God’s call, and offer their lives in following Jesus and serving God’s people.

Finally, yesterday on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus we ordained one of our seminarians, Kevin Klump as a transitional deacon.  We had a beautiful and inspiring celebration at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral.  If I get a chance tomorrow, I’ll post the homily from this beautiful moment in the life of the Church of the Archdiocese of Anchorage.

God is good, and we give thanks on this Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary for all the ways God continues to bless us with an abundance of grace!

 

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