Two years ago, I had the great experience of traveling to the Holy Land during the first two weeks of Easter. The day before that pilgrimage ended, I celebrated Mass in one of the holiest sites of our faith, the Holy Sepulchre. After spending weeks visiting the country side and Read more
As a bishop, I get to participate in many different projects. But, today, I witnessed something that is truly transformational for homeless people living in Anchorage. It was also a moment that reveals the truth in what Pope Francis has been saying for over four years – when people and Read more
Here is the homily form this year’s Chrism Mass in Anchorage. You can skip to the bottom if you wish to view the slideshow. Good evening, and welcome! Just like parents are happiest when all the kids are home, nothing makes a bishop happier than a full house for a Read more
What a wonderful visit today to our Korean parish, St. Andrew Kim. From the minute I arrived I realized these people had a beautiful faith. Their warmth and hospitality complimented by a beautiful celebration of the Eucharist made it a very special day. Of course, it was topped off by Read more
In Today’s Gospel, (Mark 12) Jesus summarizes the Ten Commandments and tells us to love God with all our strength, and to love our neighbor as ourself. The Gospel values are timeless – and always applicable – including these days that we live in. We have many neighbors who need Read more
Before this day ends, I would like to share a few thoughts. Since Monday evening, the priests of Alaska along with the bishops have gathered here in Anchorage for our annual convocation. I am tremendously impressed with the selfless dedication of these men. These priests serve an area twice Read more
This weekend provided another gorgeous opportunity for a drive to parishes north of Anchorage. The visitation began Saturday afternoon at Our Lady of the Lake in Big Lake, Alaska. We have a Benedictine priest presently serving this community, Fr. Mark Stronach, OSB. Both he and Fr. Joseph McGilloway provide pastoral Read more
[laread_first_letter]O[/laread_first_letter]n this 2ND Sunday of Lent, we hear Scriptural accounts of powerful experiences of God. Abram hears God directing him to leave his homeland behind to discover a new land which God will show him. He hears of God’s promise of blessing, and Abram followed the direction of God. Peter, Read more
I arrived home late last night from a two day road trip back to the Kenai Peninsula. I’ve had the good company for these parish visits of our Stewardship & Development Director, Mrs. Laurie Evans-Dineen. Besides working with the local parish leaders to set up each of these visits and Read more
As I write today, I am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish in Soldotna. The image to the left hangs in the sanctuary of this parish church. As many of this readership already knows, I was ordained a priest on the feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, June Read more