Upcoming Events: September 2008 Archives

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September 28, 2008

Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time - [September 28 - October 7, 2008}

September 28 – October 3 │SALT – Scripture and Leadership Training – sessions begin across the Archdiocese during the week of September 28 – October 3, 2008. SALT is nine weeks of adult faith formation developed by Seattle University. SALT is available at Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of the Lake, Holy Spirit Center, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Holy Cross Parish and Sacred Heart Parish in Wasilla. Each parish runs the program on a different afternoon or evening. For more information please contact Sr. Jo Gaugier, OP at jgaugier@caa-ak.org or 907-297-7741.

September 28│Celebration of the Red Mass, Archbishop Roger L. Schwietz, OMI presiding 9:30 am Mass, Holy Family Cathedral Judges are invited to wear their judicial robes and join in the procession.

September 28│Brunch Presentation - The Honorable Judge Diarmuid F. O’Scannlain, will speak on St. Thomas More’s final words, “I die the King’s good servant but God’s first.” During the brunch following the Red Mass, Sunday, September 28th, 2008 at 11:00am in the Aft Deck Room of the Hotel Captain Cook - Cost per person $35.00, Brunch included. Call 297-7729 for reservations by 9/19/08

October 2 │ Town Hall Meeting: Plans for Holy Spirit Center - Thursday, October 2, 2008 - 7pm - Loyola Conference Room at the Center. Please join Archbishop Roger Schwietz, Fr. Jim Oberle, Director of the Office of Evangelization and Worship Services, and the Holy Spirit Center Board of Directors to discuss the future of Holy Spirit Center. Bring your questions and lend your voice to this conversation about our unique ministry. A variety of desserts will be served.

October 5 │RESPECT LIFE SUNDAY Respect Life Sunday unites us in prayer and worship. At a time when we experience so much disrespect for human life throughout the world, we must teach the truth about life and stand firm against the killing of innocent human beings, especially the unborn. Invited are all people of good will to join in praying that as a nation we will become one people committed to upholding the dignity and right to life of every human being.

October 18│Saturday Sacrament Series: Eucharist - Course 2 of this four course series will take place Saturday, October 18th 9:00am to 1:00pm at Holy Spirit Center. Each month through December we will focus on a specific Sacrament (or two) reflecting on the history, validity, preparation and spirituality of the Sacraments. With the newly released Sacramental & Catechetical Guidelines for the Archdiocese of Anchorage this is a fantastic opportunity for all of us to review these wonderful gifts that bring God present in our lives. The November session will focus on Reconciliation. Cost is $25.00 per single session. For more information contact Sr. Jo Gaugier at (907) 297-7741.

October 18 │ St. Anthony's - Native Mass at 5:30 pm with a potluck following.

October 22 │ Alaska Federation of Natives - Noon Mass for delegates to the conference at Holy Family Cathedral followed by a spaghetti luncheon presented by the Kateri Circle and other potluck dishes would be appreciated.

October 5 │ Free Public Lecture “Muslim American Citizenship” featuring Zoubir Bouchikhi Al-timlimasan, Imam to the largest Muslim community in Houston Texas at 2:00pm in J.Z, Loussac Library’s Wilda Marston Theater level 1). Co-sponsored by APU’s Cardinal Newmand Chair of Catholic Theology, the Anchorage Public Library, and the Islamic Community Center of Anchorage Alaska.

FAMILY LIFE MINISTRIES (to find out more about Archdiocesan Family Life Ministies log onto www.archdioceseofanchorage.org/living/family/index.html)

October 3rd, 7th & 10th│Marriage Information Nights : Archdiocese of Anchorage Family Life Ministries will present several opportunities for anyone interested in finding out more about what it means to be married in the Catholic Church. Representatives form Engage Encounter, World Wide Marriage Encounter, Natural Family Planning and Retrouvaille, along with local priests will be available to answer questions. Fr. Thomas Brundage the Archdiocesan Judicial Vicar and Fr. James Oberle the Director of the Office of Evangelization & Worship will be among the presenters at these presentations. Please join us on Friday evening October 3rd at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Soldotna, Tuesday evening October 7th at Saint Michael Parish in Palmer and/or Friday evening October 10th at Holy Cross Parish in Anchorage. All presentation will be held from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. For more information contact Julie at (907) 297-7710

October 10-12│ Engaged Encounter Weekend Engaged Encounter provides marriage preparation primarily for couples who are planning to marry in the Catholic Church. However, couples who are not Catholic are also welcome to attend one of our weekends. For more information or to register contact John and Jane Erkmann at erkmann@alaska.net or (907) 346-2279

October 17-19│Retrouvaille of Alaska Thinking about Separation or Divorce? – Is your marriage or that of a relative or friend heading for divorce? Do you know how to save that marriage? Or do you feel helpless? Retrouvaille (pronounced retro-vi with a long i) is designed to help troubled marriages regain their health. It helps spouses uncover or re-awaken the love, trust and commitment that originally brought them together. The program is highly successful in saving hurting marriages, even bringing reconciliation to couples who have already separated or divorced. For confidential information about the program or to register for the Fall program beginning with a weekend October 17-19, 2008 call 1-907-360-2227 or visit our web site at www.HelpOurMarriage.com

October 24-26│ Marriage Encounter Weekend Worldwide Marriage Encounter’s Mission of renewal in the church and change in the world is to assist couples and priests to live fully intimate and responsible relationships by providing them with a Catholic “experience” and ongoing community support for such a lifestyle. For information or to register contact James & Shaharriet Houchins jnshouch@gci.net or (907) 644-8677 or (907) 230-5589

HOLY SPIRIT CENTER (For information on the following retreats or to inquire about others call (907) 346-2343)

September 26-28│ The Spiritual Solution of the 12 Steps - This retreat will be led by Dick Dunphy, S.J. and Alison King, MS, MAC and co-sponsored by the Providence Breakthrough Program. Based on the 12 Steps, there will be a special emphasis on the way in which they present us with a spiritual solution to addiction. The weekend will have conferences, quiet time for reflection and rest, sharing, and the opportunity to participate in 12 Step meetings. Friday 6:00pm check-in for overnight guests and first gathering is at 7:00pm. Fees: $185 single, $165 double, $145 commuter Partial scholarships are available for those for whom the fee is a hardship. Register on this site or call 907-346-2343

October 1st │ SALT - Scripture Study: THE PROPHETS: ISAIAH. A nine week Series that begins Wed. October 1st, 7pm. Obtain brochure with details by contacting Alan Muise: 346-2343 or jgaugier@caa-ak.org.

October 3-5│ Koinonia weekend A spiritual renewal weekend called “Koinonia” (which means community) will be offered at Holy Spirit Center beginning Friday, October 3 at 6pm (check-in) and ending Sunday, October 5 at 4pm. Various meditations include the call to holiness, scripture, prayer, Church, the people of God, Forgiveness, sacraments, God is love, etc. Archbishop Schwietz and Fr. Hebert will be offering the Eucharist. Presenters include lay people, Sisters and priests. For reservations call 346-2343 or email at www.holyspiritcenter.org. For more information consult flier in back of church or call Sr. Lorene Griffin, OSU at 248-9881.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

Are you looking for a resource to help you interpret documents or communicate more effectively with a non-English speaker? Catholic Social Services maintains a community language aide referral list with over 30 languages represented. Visit our website at cssalaska.org to find out more or call the Refugee Assistance and Immigration Services program at 276-5590 and ask for Grace Anderson.

October 5 │Please join Catholic Social Services for the Feast of St. Francis Mass celebrated by Archbishop Francis T. Hurley, at Brother Francis Shelter (1021 East 3rd Avenue), Sunday, October 5, 2008 at 10:00am.

Are you looking for the perfect gift? Catholic Social Services plans to publish “Expressions of Refugee Youth” along with other meaningful photographs of refugees resettled by the CSS Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services program. The “coffee table” style book will be available for the holidays with a delivery date of December 1, 2008. Books will be 12 by 12 and cost $45.00. Please contact Katie Bender at 222-7338 or kbender@cssalaska.org to arrange payment and pick up. Thank you for supporting the CSS Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services program!

October 17-19 │Are you thinking about Adoption? Catholic Social Services’ is hosting an adoption workshop weekend, Friday – Sunday, October 17-19, 2008 at 3710 East 20th Avenue. The cost per couple is $300 (includes lunches & snacks). This is a great workshop to attend if you are interested in exploring adoption or if you are planning to apply for adoption through Catholic Social Services. Please visit cssalaska.org or call 222-7314 to find out more information and to register.

October 24│Please join CSS for the Spirit of Denali event at Brother Francis Shelter (1021 East 3rd Avenue) to celebrate Alaska Native culture through music, dancing and food, Friday, October 24, 2008 from 10 am — 3:00 pm.

November 24 │ Join the Knights of Columbus of St. Patrick’s Parish and Catholic Social Services as they team up to provide all the fixings for a traditional Thanksgiving meal to people in need. Our Anchorage Thanksgiving Blessing event will be held Monday, November 24, 3 — 8pm at St. Patrick’s Parish (2111 Muldoon Road). Contact Melissa Bartley at 222-7344 or mbartley@cssalaska.org to volunteer or to donate large aluminum turkey roasting pans.

January 9 │Fall projects welcomed for the Catholic Social Services’ Quilt, Fiber & Wearable Arts Auction to benefit Pregnancy Support & Adoption Services. Projects submitted prior to January 9, 2009 may be displayed at the First Friday art viewing event held at SugarSpoon on Friday, February 6, 2009 (CSS fundraising auction to be held Saturday, March 7, 2009 at the ConocoPhillips Atrium). Contact Katie Bender at kbender@cssalaska.org or 222-7338 for more information.

Bishop’s Attic │free pickup services on Tuesdays and Thursdays for donated items - please call 279-6328 to schedule. Bishop Attic is also selling a new cookbook as a fundraiser. They are $3.00 each and are on sale at the 1100 Gambell Street store. Proceeds of all sales go to support Catholic Social Services and programs at the Archdioceses.

OTHER EVENTS

September 24 through November 2 │Christians throughout the Anchorage area are invited to take part in the national 40 Days for Life effort from September 24 through November 2. In addition to 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion in America, please consider volunteering to pray outside of Planned Parenthood and the Alaska Women’s Health PC (located at 4001 and 4115 Lake Otis) for one or more hours during the 40 days, and spread the word to others about this important life-saving effort. To get more information, or to volunteer to help, please contact: Christine Kurka, 907-306-3263, cekurka@mtaonline.net, 40daysforlife.com/anchorage. All are welcome!

October 19 │ DAY OF FAITH IN ACTION AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY
All are welcome to join People of Faith and the Alaskans Against the Death Penalty on Sunday, October 19, 2008 at the Park Strip Veterans Memorial (9th and I) from 2:00—3:30 pm. Free and open to the public. Join us for cookies and coffee at the Holy Family Education Center immediately following the meeting at the park strip. For information, contact Sue at 276-5753 or Blanche at 272-0638.

CATHOLIC HOMESCHOOLERS open gym play on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month 10:00am -11:30am with Children’s adoration led by Deacon Dez at 11:30am on 3rd Thursday each month at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 2901 Huffman Rd. All are invited to come! Contact Lana Persson persson@alaska.net, 349-4399 for more information. We also provide music to residents of Providence Extended Care twice a month. Contact Mary Kemper at 345-8760 for more information.

November 8 │ St. Anthony Catholic Church will be having its annual holiday bazaar on Saturday, November 8 from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Vendor tables are available for $35.00 for two, or $50.00 for three. A variety of craft and food items will be available, as well as a gift basket silent auction and white elephant sale. All proceeds benefit parish ministries. Please reserve your tables now by calling Annette Alleva at 278-2668 or email Mizbavn@aol.com

JOB OPPORTUNITIES:

Executive Assistant - Help us make a difference in the lives of homeless youth. Covenant House has a full time Executive Assistant position open for a self motivated and dedicated individual to provide a broad range of administrative, managerial, and project support for the Executive Director. Position requires a BA Degree and a minimum of 3 years of office management experience. All applicants must possess a clean driving record and pass a state and federal background check. If you are interested, please submit your cover letter and application to Covenant House Alaska, PO BOX 104640, ATTN: Human Resources, Anchorage AK 99510 or call 339-4207 for further information. Applications can be found on line at www.covenanthouseak.org or at 609 F Street.

Music Coordinator - Holy Cross Parish is in need of a Music Coordinator who has keyboard/piano experience. Please call Fr. Dan Hebert at 349-8388.

Catholic Social Services currently has several job openings available. For full details on the positions please visit the CSS web-site at www.cssalaska.org.

ODDS & ENDS

The Legion of Mary is selling a 960 square ft, two bedroom, one bathroom condo at 1644D Juneau St. It is a street level condo that has two parking places plus storage shed. The asking price is $116,000. Please contact Kristina @ 248-4907

Wanted a three bedroom apartment - Sacred Heart Cathedral in Fairbanks has a Parish member with two children that needs an apartment in Anchorage while their son receives medical care for about a year. Please call Mary at 347-7248.

Saintly Seconds is a second hand store located in Eagle River, Alaska that sells gently used items donated by patrons. Please call 696-2947 or email: info@saintlyseconds.net for more information.

Posted by Cindy Lentine at 02:38 PM.

September 21, 2008

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - [September 21 - September 28, 2008}

September 27│The Honorable Judge Diarmuid F. O’Scannlain of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit will speak on “The Curious Case of Free Exercise,” Religious Freedom and the First Amendment, Saturday, September 27, 2008, 3:00pm Z.J. Loussac Public Library, Wilda Marston Theatre a reception will follow in the Ann Stevens Room - the Public is Invited.

ALASKA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY COURSES Interested adults are welcome to take these courses as “Newman Observers”. Register and pay $100 before the first class. It is also possible to take these courses for CEUs or two professional development credits (an additional $95 charge). For more information, call 564-8274 or email rleiner@alaskapacific.edu. For details, visit www.alaskapacific.edu/depts/newman/course_descs.php

Catholic Theology I (Tuesdays, Sept.30 – Dec.9 in Grant Hall 231 at APU, Section A: 10:30am -12:50pm or Section B: 7:00-9:20pm) This course will consider the Catholic understanding of revelation and the organization of the Old and New Testaments. It will read a selection of significant texts and discuss the use of scripture in formal worship and personal prayer. The course will also discuss the sacraments of vocation and the Tradition affirmed in Creeds. Classes will read the text of “Dei Verbum” (The Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation issued by Vatican II) and explore how the issues are described in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. While this class was designed specifically for catechists in the Archdiocese of Anchorage, APU students and Newman Observers interested learning basic Catholic understandings are most welcome.

Introduction to the Old Testament (Thursdays, Sept 25-Dec.11 in Grant Hall 231 at APU, 7:00 - 9:20pm) This course will explore representative texts of the Hebrew Bible and their Jewish and Christian interpretations. It will read and discuss the Old Testament stories that have most influenced the western imagination and Christian theology. Particular focus will be given to learning to distinguish the differences between the social locations reflected in the text from those of contemporary readers.

FAMILY LIFE MINISTRIES (to find out more about Archdiocesan Family Life Ministies log onto www.archdioceseofanchorage.org/living/family/index.html)

HOLY SPIRIT CENTER (For information on the following retreats or to inquire about others call (907) 346-2343)

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

OTHER EVENTS

September 21 │ Alzheimer’s Day – Sunday, September 21 marks World Alzheimer’s Day, a time that the Alzheimer’s Association urges people across the nation to learn more about Alzheimer’s and get involved with the cause. Please consider adding those that struggle with Alzheimer and their caregivers to the prayers of the faithful during this special day. Another action is to observe a 71 second moment of silence. Someone in America develops Alzheimer’s every 71 seconds. For more information please visit www.actionalz.org

October 10-12 │ Register today, space is limited! Alaska Catholic Family Conference, October 10-12, 2008. Mary Beth Bonacci is internationally known for her talks and writings about love, chastity, and sexuality. Since 1986 she has spoken to tens of thousands of young people, including 75,000 people in 1993 at World Youth Day in Denver, Colorado. She has written two books, We're on a Mission from God and Real Love, and her video Sex and Love: What's a Teenager to Do? was awarded the 1996 Crown Award for Best Youth Curriculum. Call 245-5270, Karen; or 375-8909, Catherine, or email: cufanchorage@gmail.com. Conference website: www.akcatholicfamily.org

JOB OPPORTUNITIES:

Music Coordinator - Holy Cross Parish is in need of a Music Coordinator who has keyboard/piano experience. Please call Fr. Dan Hebert at 349-8388.

Manager of fundraising database needed at the Pastoral Center. The Stewardship & Development Department of the Archdiocese of Anchorage seeks a full-time Data Services Manager. Duties include managing a donor database, processing donations, and preparing reports and mailing lists. Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge or other fundraising-specific software preferred. Salary range: $40k-$45k, DOE. To apply, send a cover letter, resume and three professional references to 225 Cordova St., Anchorage, 99501, ATTN: Jim Caldarola, CFRE.

Catholic Social Services currently has several job openings available. For full details on the positions please visit the CSS web-site at www.cssalaska.org.

ODDS & ENDS

Posted by Cindy Lentine at 03:41 PM.

September 14, 2008

Feast of The Exaltation of The Holy Cross - [September 14 - 21, 2008]

September 14│Consecration of New Altar: Holy Cross Church - Archbishop Roger Schwietz will consecrate the new altar at Holy Cross during the 11:00 am Mass, all are welcome to attend.

September 17│Women Sharing Faith - Are you a woman between 18 and 50 looking to deepen your faith and spirituality? Would you like to learn more about women in our Catholic faith tradition? The Adrian Dominican Sisters invite you to join us in our home at 7:00 PM on the third Wednesday of each month for prayer and conversation. For directions and further information, please contact us at 770-7675. The next gathering is Wednesday, September 17. We look forward to gathering with you!

September 19│European American Folk Mass (POLKA MASS) - Friday Sept. 19th at Saint Patrick Church - 7:00 pm. People of Polish, German and Czeck heritages will be praying in their musical idiom. National Clothing encouraged. A collection will be taken for the St. Patrick Senior Projects. The 3rd Friday Knights of Columbus Polka Dance will follow in the Parish Hall. All are invited.

ALASKA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY COURSES Interested adults are welcome to take these courses as “Newman Observers”. Register and pay $100 before the first class. It is also possible to take these courses for CEUs or two professional development credits (an additional $95 charge). For more information, call 564-8274 or email rleiner@alaskapacific.edu. For details, visit www.alaskapacific.edu/depts/newman/course_descs.php

Catholic Theology I (Tuesdays, Sept.30 – Dec.9 in Grant Hall 231 at APU, Section A: 10:30 AM-12:50 PM or Section B: 7:00-9:20 PM) This course will consider the Catholic understanding of revelation and the organization of the Old and New Testaments. It will read a selection of significant texts and discuss the use of scripture in formal worship and personal prayer. The course will also discuss the sacraments of vocation and the Tradition affirmed in Creeds. Classes will read the text of “Dei Verbum” (The Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation issued by Vatican II) and explore how the issues are described in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. While this class was designed specifically for catechists in the Archdiocese of Anchorage, APU students and Newman Observers interested learning basic Catholic understandings are most welcome.

Introduction to the Old Testament (Thursdays, Sept 25-Dec.11 in Grant Hall 231 at APU, 7:00 - 9:20 PM) This course will explore representative texts of the Hebrew Bible and their Jewish and Christian interpretations. It will read and discuss the Old Testament stories that have most influenced the western imagination and Christian theology. Particular focus will be given to learning to distinguish the differences between the social locations reflected in the text from those of contemporary readers.

FAMILY LIFE MINISTRIES (to find out more about Archdiocesan Family Life Ministies log onto www.archdioceseofanchorage.org/living/family/index.html)

HOLY SPIRIT CENTER (For information on the following retreats or to inquire about others call (907) 346-2343)

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

Do you love fresh produce? If so visit the Fresh International Gardens booth (operated by refugees from the CSS Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services program) at the Farmer's Market on Wednesdays at the Northway mall parking lot (until 4pm) and on Saturdays at the Downtown Anchorage market (until 6pm). Produce is freshly picked (usually the same morning!).

October 24│Please join CSS for the Spirit of Denali event at Brother Francis Shelter (1021 East 3rd Avenue) to celebrate Alaska Native culture through music, dancing and food, Friday, October 24, 2008 from 10 am — 3:00 pm.

September is nationally the busiest month for refugee arrivals and Alaska is no exception! Catholic Social Services’ Refugee Assistance and Immigration Services program is expecting a single man, age 50 and two families of three (two parents and a child) in the first 2 weeks of September, with more sure to follow. These refugees are all from Darfur Sudan. The last family we resettled was a family of 5 who arrived with literally one suitcase for the five of them. These families have suffered greatly and we need your help to give them hope and a new start. CSS is in need of basic household items to establish residences for the new arrivals or gift cards for Wal-Mart, Fred Meyer or Costco to purchase the items. If you can help please call Yarelis in the CSS Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services program at 222-7359. Thank you!

October 17-19│ New Workshop Date! Are you thinking about Adoption? Catholic Social Services’ Summer Adoption Workshop Weekend will be Friday – Sunday, October 17-19, 2008 at 3710 East 20th Avenue. The cost per couple is $300 (includes lunches & snacks). This is a great workshop to attend if you are interested in exploring adoption or if you are planning to apply for adoption through Catholic Social Services. Please visit cssalaska.org or call 222-7314 to find out more information and to register.

OTHER EVENTS

October 10-12│Alaska Catholic Family Conference presented by Catholics United in the Faith (CUF) Anchorage Chapter will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, as part of this conference there will be a presentation by APeX Ministries aka Gene Monterastelli and Brad Farmer. They are two young men who make their living by crisscrossing North America as evangelists. Their unique presentation style they call Christian Vaudeville includes death defying juggling, humor, sketch comedy, storytelling, audience participation, and personal testimony. Visit their website for more information: www.apexministries.com. Register today, space is limited. Call 245-5270, Karen; or 375-8909, Catherine, or email: cufanchorage@gmail.com. Conference website: www.akcatholicfamily.org;

November 8 │ St. Anthony Catholic Church will be having its annual holiday bazaar on Saturday, November 8 from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Vendor tables are available for $35.00 for two, or $50.00 for three. A variety of craft and food items will be available, as well as a gift basket silent auction and white elephant sale. All proceeds benefit parish ministries. Please reserve your tables now by calling Annette Alleva at 278-2668 or email Mizbavn@aol.com

JOB OPPORTUNITIES:

Music Coordinator - Holy Cross Parish is in need of a Music Coordinator who has keyboard/piano experience. Please call Fr. Dan Hebert at 349-8388.

Catholic Social Services currently has several job openings available. For full details on the positions please visit the CSS web-site at www.cssalaska.org.

ODDS & ENDS

Posted by Cindy Lentine at 02:28 PM.