Upcoming Events: November 2008 Archives

« October 2008 | Main | December 2008 »

November 20, 2008

Second Sunday in Advent [December 7 - December 13]

December 16 │ Simbang Gabi – Holy Family Cathedral, 6 pm – Celebrant Archbishop Schwietz. SIMBANG GABI is one of the longest and most popular among the Filipino traditions in the country. It is when Catholic churches across the nation start to open their doors to welcome the faithful. Simbang Gabi is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother. The novena begins December 16 as early as 4 in the morning and culminates with the “Misa de Gallo” on Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

December 17 │ Simbang Gabi – Our Lady of Guadalupe, 5:30 pm – Celebrant Fr. Vincent. SIMBANG GABI is one of the longest and most popular among the Filipino traditions in the country. It is when Catholic churches across the nation start to open their doors to welcome the faithful. Simbang Gabi is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother. The novena begins December 16 as early as 4 in the morning and culminates with the “Misa de Gallo” on Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

December 18 │Mark your calendars for THEOLOGY & BREW - Devotion to Mary: Fundamental Principles for Devotion to Our Lady. As we move through Advent, looking forward to the birth of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus, join us for an engaging presentation by Fr. Francis-Hung Le, O.P. on Marian devotion: why Catholics are devoted to Mary and how you can cultivate and deepen your relationship with our Blessed Mother. Thursday, December 18, 2008 - Snow Goose Restaurant - Doors open at 7:00 pm - Presentation starts at 7:30 pm.

December 18 │ Simbang Gabi – Holy Cross, 6 pm – Celebrant Frs. Dan and Ben. SIMBANG GABI is one of the longest and most popular among the Filipino traditions in the country. It is when Catholic churches across the nation start to open their doors to welcome the faithful. Simbang Gabi is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother. The novena begins December 16 as early as 4 in the morning and culminates with the “Misa de Gallo” on Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

December 19 │ Simbang Gabi – St. Benedict, 6 pm – Celebrant Frs. Ben and Steve. SIMBANG GABI is one of the longest and most popular among the Filipino traditions in the country. It is when Catholic churches across the nation start to open their doors to welcome the faithful. Simbang Gabi is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother. The novena begins December 16 as early as 4 in the morning and culminates with the “Misa de Gallo” on Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

December 20 │ Simbang Gabi – St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 5:30 pm – Celebrant Frs. Tom and Jaime. SIMBANG GABI is one of the longest and most popular among the Filipino traditions in the country. It is when Catholic churches across the nation start to open their doors to welcome the faithful. Simbang Gabi is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother. The novena begins December 16 as early as 4 in the morning and culminates with the “Misa de Gallo” on Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

December 21 │Blue Christmas – Saint Andrew – Sunday, December 21 at 4 pm. Christmas is a time for memories and remembering. For some, the memories are of their loved ones who have died, and the pain of their loss is real. For others the memories are of happier times than we know now, as the anguish of broken relationships or relocation or poor health cloud this season. We need to remember, and we need a safe space and place to acknowledge our sadness and concern; and we need to know we are not alone. For these and other reasons we need a special time to be together to receive the words of hope that speak to us in the midst of sorrow. Be with us to hear and share prayers, scripture readings and hymns that help us to know that God's presence is for those who mourn, and God's word comes to give light to our darkness. Everyone is welcome. A small reception will follow the service. For more information contact Deacon Jim Lee 694-4443 deacnlee@ mtaonline.net

December 21 │ Simbang Gabi – St. Anthony, 6 pm – Celebrant Frs. Fred and Ben. SIMBANG GABI is one of the longest and most popular among the Filipino traditions in the country. It is when Catholic churches across the nation start to open their doors to welcome the faithful. Simbang Gabi is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother. The novena begins December 16 as early as 4 in the morning and culminates with the “Misa de Gallo” on Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

December 22 │ Simbang Gabi – St. Patrick, 5:30 pm – Celebrant Frs. Scott and Ben. SIMBANG GABI is one of the longest and most popular among the Filipino traditions in the country. It is when Catholic churches across the nation start to open their doors to welcome the faithful. Simbang Gabi is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother. The novena begins December 16 as early as 4 in the morning and culminates with the “Misa de Gallo” on Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

December 23 │ Simbang Gabi – St. Anthony, 6 pm – Celebrant Frs. Fred and Ben. SIMBANG GABI is one of the longest and most popular among the Filipino traditions in the country. It is when Catholic churches across the nation start to open their doors to welcome the faithful. Simbang Gabi is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother. The novena begins December 16 as early as 4 in the morning and culminates with the “Misa de Gallo” on Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

January 12 │ Deadline for Award Nominations 2009 St. Francis of Assisi Awards. The St. Francis of Assisi Awards, instituted in 2001 in honor of Archbishop Emeritus Francis T. Hurley, recognize individuals and groups who exemplify the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. The candidates you nominate should compassionately, generously and consistently give of their time, talent and treasure for the good of the local Church and all God’s children. Award Categories: PRIEST, DEACON, SISTER or BROTHER; LAY PERSON and YOUTH or YOUTH GROUP. For more information
Contact Julie Varee at 297-7718

February 6 │Volunteers are needed to assist in “Come Share the Dream”. A World Marriage Day Celebration sponsored by Worldwide Marriage Encounter on February 6, 2009 at 6pm at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s. A special wedding Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Roger L. Schwietz, OMI followed by a romantic dinner celebration. A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Widow/Widowers Table will be available this year so please come and share your WWME memories and meet others that share the dream too! To volunteer call Frank and Mary Pfiffner: 907-336-0234, to purchase tickets call James and Shaharriet Houchins at 907-644-8677. Tickets:60.00 Couple, 30.00 Single.

February 12 │ 2009 St. Francis of Assisi Awards Recognition Banquet. Sheraton Anchorage Hotel, Thursday February 12, 2009 – 6 pm – Dinner and Ceremony. Reservation Deadline: 5 p.m. Monday, February 9th. For more information please contact Julie Varee at 297-7718

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

February 6 │Worldwide Marriage Encounter seeks to find the longest married couple to honor at the 2009 World Marriage Day Celebration at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton on February 6 at 6:00 pm. This Evening includes a beautiful Mass with the renewal of wedding vows celebrated by Archbishop Roger L. Schwietz and concelebrated by several area priests. A reception dinner and dance follow. This is a fundraiser for WWME-AK, a non-profit 501(C) (3) tickets are 60.00 couple, Adults only, Semi-Formal Dress or Wedding Dress is encouraged. Reservations: James & Shaharriet Houchins: 907-644-8677 Nominations: Frank and Mary Pfiffner at 907-336-0234 Nominations may be E-mailed to: WWME.AKCommunity@GCI.net Or Mailed to: WWME WMD Nominations, P.O. Box 231465, Anchorage, AK 99523-1465 please include the category, nominees names, date of marriage, location and any additional interesting facts about the marriage of this couple.

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

Did you know that last year more than 3,000 people participated in programs at Holy Spirit Center, your archdiocese's ministry center? Maybe YOU were one of those who enjoyed the Center's scenic environment during a workshop, retreat or meeting. You can help make it possible for Holy Spirit Center to remain a unique resource for people from throughout our community with a charitable gift to the 2008 Challenge Drive. Please call Alan Muise at 346-2343 or Julie Varee at 297-7718 to make your Challenge Drive pledge or gift today. Your support will help ensure Holy Spirit Center continues to be a sacred place for your life-long faith formation and development.

February 26 - March 1 │Learning How to Be: Teachings on the Eight Beatitudes with Meditation in the Christian Tradition. Thursday at 6 pm to Sunday at 1 pm. This retreat will be led by Bernie Owens, S.J. Fr. Bernie has a doctorate in Christian Spirituality and taught for 13 years at the University of Detroit. Since 1994, he has been the director of the Internship in Ignatian Spirituality out of Manresa Jesuit Retreat House in Bloomfield, MI. During this extended weekend beginning Thursday evening, Fr. Bernie will lead participants through the 8 beatitudes as guides for how we are to be as Christians. Interspersed will be optional group meditation sessions, daily Mass and time for rest and exercise. Fees: Single: $255 Double: $225 Commuter: $200 Registration Deposit: $50 Partial scholarships are available for those for whom the fee is a hardship. Register here or call Holy Spirit Center at 907-346-2343

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

Expressions of Refugee Youth – Catholic Social Services has 2009 calendars available featuring the extraordinary pictures from the Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services youth photography summer camp project. Please contact Katie Bender at 222-7338 or email kbender@cssalaska.org to purchase a copy for $15.

Our homeless brothers and sisters staying at Brother Francis Shelter need warm winter clothing, socks and boots. Please drop off donations at 1021 East 3rd Avenue. Thank you!

PFD Check Off coming soon, January 1, 2009 - March 31, 2009. Please remember CSS when you are filling out your PFD application. You are now able to designate CSS as a benefactor of all or a portion of your PFD!

CSS deeply appreciates the history of holiday generosity from our supporters. We could not serve 16,771 individuals in need, as we did last year, without your outstanding gifts of time, talent and treasure. Please visit our website at cssalaska.org if you are interested in hosting a collection drive, making a financial gift or volunteering for one of the many holiday activities we host. If you are looking for the perfect gift please contact Adele Alderman at 222-7355 / aalderman @cssalaska.org. Adele will help you to make an honorary Christmas gift in the name of your loved one.

The CSS Baby Boutique is running low on diapers of all sizes and diaper wipes. Please drop off donations at CSS at 3710 East 20th Avenue between the hours of 9 am – 5 pm or the Baby Boutique at 3721 East 20th Avenue on Tuesday & Thursday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Thank you!

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

December 8 │ National Night of Prayer for Life on Monday, December 8. After the 7pm Feast Day Mass, the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed until midnight in the Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel. Here the faithful will united in prayer with churches across the nation seeking an end to abortion and in reparation for the sins against the Gospel of Life. A different mystery of the rosary will be recited each hour along with special prayers and an opportunity for private reflection. All are invited to come at any time during this four hour period of prayer and participate in this 19th annual pro-life event. For more information contact John Fleming @ 230-7783

Fridays │ Agape Alaska Toastmasters speak on faith - A new chapter of Toastmasters International has formed in Anchorage for people seeking to hone their “communications and leadership skills” while “sharing their faith.” Agape Alaska Toastmasters will provide a forum for people to practice public speaking, specifically, on faith-related themes. The group will meet every other Friday (8 – 9 am) at Denny’s Restaurant on the corner of DeBarr and Bragaw. For more information, contact Duane Epton at 229-1654 or duaneepton@gci.net, or Julie Galligan at 250-2500. For more information, visit www.Toastmasters.org.

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.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES:

Catholic Anchor Advertising Representative-Duties:
sell advertising for Catholic Anchor newspaper; work with clients to establish contracts; communicate closely with Editor to modify ads; meet with editor to set sales goals; bill clients for all advertisements sold. Qualifications: professional and self motivated and ability to generate contacts. Pay: 25% commission of all advertising revenue generated, hourly wage for those hours spent billing clients (about 2 hours a week). Work conditions: develop your own schedule, work from home or office as needed, office phone and computer available, send resume and three reference contacts to: Catholic Anchor, 225 Cordova St.,Anchorage, AK 99501 or email: catholicanchor@gci.net

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.

CATHOLIC BOOKS & SUPPLIES

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 01:39 PM.

November 16, 2008

First Sunday in Advent [November 30 - December 6]

December 3 │ THEOLOGY & BREW - BEFORE CHRISTMAS, THERE MUST BE ADVENT: THE SEASON OF HOPEFUL LONGING - This year, take a break from the craziness before it starts with a special “bonus” Theology and Brew: Brother John Mary Ignatius of the Community of St. John will share with us why, in order to fully enjoy and experience Christmas, we must fully live the Advent season and what that means for us today. Snow Goose Restaurant - Doors open at 7:00 pm - Presentation starts at 7:30 pm.

December 6 │Saturday Sacraments Session IV - Anointing of the Sick and the Rite of Christian Burial. Prayer for those who are seriously ill and the Rite of Christian Burial are two events in which families, friends and faith communities can be involved in way that comfort and help bring meaning to these difficult events. This session will explore the teaching of the Catholic tradition and open up the role of those around the person who is ill or deceased. 9am to 12pm. Fee: $25 for individual session. Please call 297-7711. Advance registration is preferred and registration will also be taken at the door

December 5 & 6 │ Life in the Eucharist Seminar St. Benedict’s Parish, 8110 Jewel Lake Road, is sponsoring a Life in the Eucharist Seminar on December 5 - 6pm to 9pm (light supper) and December 6 - starts at 8am and ends with the 5pm Mass (continental breakfast and brown bag lunch). This seminar will be presented by Fr William Finkel of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers as part of their Eucharistic Evangelization outreach. The explicitly spiritual goal of the seminar is to enable participants to live their daily lives in Christ-centered consciousness. Participants are invited to examine a renewed way of life by: viewing the power of Christ's passion, death and resurrection as the point of departure for ongoing personal growth and religious development; enriching their experience of life through personal and communal prayer before the Blessed Sacrament; and by accepting through eucharistic celebration and contemplation the challenge of responding in faith to the moral and social inequities that are inherent in contemporary society. If you would like to register for this event or if you need more information please call St. Benedict’s at 243-2195. Cost is $25.00.

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

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

December 5 │St. Patrick's Catholic Church cordially invites you to attend a benefit Advent concert, "My Soul In Stillness Waits," Friday, December 5th at 7:00pm. As we prepare for the coming of the Lord and the Christmas season, take this time to reflect and ready the way by listening to beautiful music and thoughtful reflections on this magical, joyous journey. A variety of music groups will perform sacred music with varied styles ranging from traditional hymns to contemporary ballads. Admission is $7 per person or $20 for a family of 3 or more. Additional offerings are welcome. Babysitting will be available $5 per child. Refreshments will be available during intermission. All proceeds from the evening will be donated to Catholic Social Services’ Clare House. For more information please call 337-1538.

Our homeless brothers and sisters staying at Brother Francis Shelter need warm winter clothing, socks and boots. Please drop off donations at 1021 East 3rd Avenue. Thank you!

OTHER EVENTS

JOB OPPORTUNITIES:

Catholic Anchor Advertising Representative - Duties:
sell advertising for Catholic Anchor newspaper; work with clients to establish contracts; communicate closely with Editor to modify ads; meet with editor to set sales goals; bill clients for all advertisements sold. Qualifications: professional and self motivated and ability to generate contacts. Pay: 25% commission of all advertising revenue generated, hourly wage for those hours spent billing clients (about 2 hours a week). Work conditions: develop your own schedule, work from home or office as needed, office phone and computer available, send resume and three reference contacts to: Catholic Anchor, 225 Cordova St.,Anchorage, AK 99501 or email: catholicanchor@gci.net

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.

CATHOLIC BOOKS & SUPPLIES

Posted by Cindy Lentine at 03:24 PM.

November 09, 2008

Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome [November 9 - November 16]

Project Rachel - Abortion can be one of the most traumatic experiences a person can have. Both before and after an abortion, feelings of fear, anxiety, guilt, panic, and depression are common. For Catholics the pain of an abortion is intensified by a sense of alienation from God and Church. If you are in this position, we invite you to our Project Rachel small support group that will help you through the healing process and will bring you reconciliation with our Lord and peace for yourself. This group will begin the second week of November. Please call 297-7781 in the Anchorage area or 1-866-434-3344, toll free outside of Anchorage. Confidentiality respected.

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

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 346-2343

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

The children staying at Catholic Social Services’ Clare House need snow pants, gloves, hats and coats to participate in recess and other outdoor activities. The Anchorage School District requires warm winter gear for playground use. Please consider donating the needed items at 420 West 54th Avenue. Thank you!

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 — 8 pm at St. Patrick’s Parish (2111 Muldoon Road). Contact Melissa Bartley at 222-7344 or mbartley@cssalaska.org to volunteer or to donate items.

OTHER EVENTS

November 15 │The Holy Family Cathedral Fall Bazaar on November 15, from 9 am to 3 pm, is the perfect occasion for a family outing or means to “catch up” with the ladies. Choose from a wide assortment of one-of-a-kind holiday crafts; fresh baked cookies, cakes, and pies; home-canned pickles and jam. Take the chill off with our homemade, hot-off-the-stove lunch and satisfy your sweet tooth with a decadent dessert or cinnamon roll. Celebrate autumn in Anchorage and support your fellow parishioners, the Women of Holy Family Cathedral, and Catholic Daughters of America. Join us on Saturday, November 15, or call Dona Boschee, 646-4626, or Betty Libbey, 562-4552, to give your time, talent, or treasure to this annual event.

November 20 │Covenant House Alaska (CHA) provides shelter, food, clothing and education and employment resources to all homeless youth who come through their door. Covenant House Alaska is inviting all of its supporters to attend the 18th annual Candlelight Vigil for Homeless Youth on Thursday, November 20 at 6 pm. The vigil will be held on F Street between 6th and 7th Avenue, and attendees are encouraged to dress warmly. The vigil is intended to raise awareness and support for Alaska's more than 3,000 homeless youth. "Together, we will provide a sense of hope to these youth, so they can find the courage and strength to move on to a better place," said Deirdre Cronin, CHA's executive director. In addition to standing in support of homeless youth, CHA will also be collecting warm, winter clothing for the youth at Covenant House. Hats, gloves, socks and large-size apparel are welcomed. CHA's Candlelight Vigil coincides with National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, as well as vigils at 21 Covenant House locations throughout North and Central America. This year, the vigils will also expand globally through "virtual vigils" held via the Internet. Colleges, businesses, community organizations and religious groups are being invited to host their own "virtual vigils," and Covenant House International estimates there will be 200 such vigils held this year. CHA's ultimate goal is to have a "virtual vigil" in every community throughout Alaska. For more information, visit www.covenanthouseak.org or contact Lauren Rice at lrice@covenanthouseak.org or (907) 339-4224.

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.

CATHOLIC BOOKS & SUPPLIES

Posted by Cindy Lentine at 01:22 PM.