Archbishop Paul Etienne
Monday’s Gospel finds Jesus in Bethany, a small town just beyond the Mount of Olives. He is visiting his friends, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. (John 12:1-11) This account immediately follows the account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, (John 11) and immediately precedes Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem (John 12: 12 ff.) It is here in the home of friends that John places the story of Mary anointing the feet of Jesus. Is it any wonder that Mary has in her possession “a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard” which she […]
All of salvation history revolves around the events of Holy Week. God, who created all things, and found them good, who created man and woman in his image and found them very good. The creation account reveals the creative nature of God, who is love. It also reveals that the human person is created for communion with God, to ‘walk with God’ in perfect love and harmony. After the parents of all humanity fell into sin, God remained faithful, ever looking for ways to reconcile us to himself, through covenants, prophets, priests and kings – […]
Holy Week and the great Paschal celebration draws near. In fact, the Chrism Mass is traditionally celebrated on the morning of Holy Thursday. “This Mass is a clear expression of the unity of the priesthood and the sacrifice of Christ, which continues to be present in the Church today.” (Ceremonial of Bishops, #274) During this Mass, we consecrate the holy chrism and bless the other oils that will be used in the coming year for sacramental celebrations. Tonight, we focus our attention on the Lord, Jesus, who was anointed by the Father and sent into […]
Recently, I have been rereading some documents from the Second Vatican Council. These documents speak just as prophetically to our present situation today as they did over 50 years ago. As part of our strategic planning and because of some of the challenges we face today, I wanted to take a fresh look at the document Lumen Gentium (LG) – The Dogmatic Constitution On The Church. Each generation benefits by growing in their own understanding of the nature of the Church and the grace and calling that belongs to each of us as members of […]
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 […]