Rev. Steven Moore, a somewhat iconic priest of the Archdiocese of Anchorage, ‘made it home for Christmas’ today, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.
In the coming days, there will no doubt be numerous tributes paid to this incredible man and priest.
Fr. Moore was battling cancer when I arrived in Anchorage last November. In fact, a phone call to him while he was undergoing intense radiation treatment on his nose, in Seattle was the first thing I did when I arrived in Anchorage last November. It has been humbling and inspiring to accompany him in this journey the past 13 months.
Sunday night, he was admitted to the hospital. I had a number of visits with him over the past few days. His intellect and humor remained in tact until the end.
When he learned that his system was shutting down, he made it very clear he wanted to return to his residence. He wanted no extraordinary treatments, and he wanted to return to the comfort of his home.
According to character, he was giving orders right up to the end!
I’m pleased I had the opportunity to express to him the deep and sincere appreciation of the entire Archdiocese for his extraordinary life and ministry. We celebrated the sacraments of reconciliation and anointing of the sick, and prayed together for his speedy journey ‘home.’
The only other thing I can share with you now is that he loved all of you very much! Please join me in prayer for the repose of his soul and the comfort of his family and friends who will miss him much.
Below are some of the highlights of his life, studies, and assignments.
Peace,
+pde
STEVEN C. MOORE
Born May 16, 1949 in Redmond, Oregon, to George and Adele Moore; siblings Linda and Michael
Education: St. Paul Seminary/College in Waukeesha, Wisconsin
St. Thomas College, Kenmore, Washington—graduated 1972, BA in English Lit
St. Thomas Seminary, Kenmore, Washington, 1972-1976, MA in Theology
Postgraduate–American College, Louvain, Belgium, 1991-1992
Catholic University of America, 2004-2006, JCL degree
Ordained June 12, 1976 in St. Edwards Church, Seattle, WA, by Most Reverend Robert Whelan, SJ for the Diocese of Fairbanks.
Positions held:
Chaplain and teacher at Monroe HS, 1976-1979
Associate Pastor, Sacred Heart Cathedral, 1979-1980
Arrived in Anchorage June 15, 1980
Incardinated to the Archdiocese of Anchorage September 27, 1984
Associate Pastor, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1980-1982
Secretary for Parochial Affairs, in residence at St. Benedict, 1982-1984
Vicar General, 1984-2003
Director of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission, ?-1985
College of Consultors, 1985
Parish Priest, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Our Lady of the Angels, Holy Family Parish, Holy Rosary, 1988
Finance Officer for the Archdiocese and Moderator of the Curia, 1989
Sabbatical, Louvain, 1991-1992
Pastor, St. Patrick, 1992-2004
JCL degree, Catholic University of America, 2004-2006
Pastor, St. Benedict, 2007-2011
Vicar General, 2008-2010
Associate Publisher of the Catholic Anchor (Archdiocesan Newspaper), 2009-present
Parochial Administrator, St. Andrew, 2010
CFO, Archdiocese, 2011-2013
Pastor, Our Lady of Guadalupe, 2015-2016
Pastor, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 2016-2017
Medical Retirement, 2017
Also served as Canonical Pastor—St. Christopher By the Sea,
Member of the Archdiocesan Council, Defender of the Bond, Ecclesiastical Notary, Aide to Archbishop Hurley during his final years.
Member of Knights of the Holy Sepulchre (1988)
16