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Diocese of Fairbanks - August 2017 - Volume 22 Number 5

Inside:Update: Clergy and Staff

Focus Mission Trip to NomeYoung Adult Retreat, Y-K Region

First American-born Catholic Missionary to Alaska

Fatima Statue visits Fairbanks

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Bishop & Diocesan Calendar

The Diocesan Online Calendar may be viewed at:

http://dioceseoffairbanks.org

AugustQuarterly Days of Reflection for ClergyMass at Catholic Schools of FairbanksBishop flying with Fr. Jim Falsey to visit villages

SeptemberLabor Day (Chancery Closed)Pallium Mass for Archbishop Etienne, AnchorageMission Appeal Trip to Diocese of Oakland, Our Lady of Mercy (Point Richmond, CA)Rural Deacon Retreat, Bethel, AK

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Aug. 25-Sept. 6

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22-25

Sept. 28-Oct. 1

We are people of God in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fairbanks. Blessed with a rich variety of backgrounds and talents, we strive to be a living reflection of the Universal Church. Through our baptism we continue Christ’s mission to further the kingdom of God through the human family. We share our living faith by proclaiming the Gospel in word and example. Together we celebrate Christ’s presence in worship and sacraments. In a spirit of justice, mercy and love, we dedicate ourselves not only to minister to the people in the urban and rural areas of our Diocese but also to minister to the world community.

Diocesan Mission Statement

Diocese of Fairbanks Newsletter“Ministering” is a publication of the Catholic Diocese of Fairbanks which serves northern and western Alaska. Its purpose is to provide a regular opportunity for all ministries throughout the diocese to share information so that our tremendous diversity may enrich our common mission of service to the people of our diocese. If you have questions or suggestions for articles, please contact David Schienle at the Chancery at (907) 374-9500 or library@cbna.org. Newsletter prepared by David Schienle for Catholic Bishop of Northern Alaska.

Editor David Schienle

ProofreadersSandy JorganDeb Leibee

Misty MealeyLeigh ScarboroBarb Tolliver

Rev. Ross TozziPatty Walter

Contributing WritersRev. Robert Fath

Deb LeibeeRev. Tom KuffelLeigh Scarboro

Patrick TamBarbara Tolliver

Patty WalterBp. Chad Zielinski

Credits

St. Francis Regis Church in Huslia, Alaska

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Message from Bishop Chad W. Zielinski

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On July 12 Pope Francis addressed catechists at a symposium in Argentina, during which he encouraged them to embrace their vocation to venture into the world and tell the Good News. He invited them to follow Christ closely and be creative in teaching others. The Holy Father emphasized the importance of keeping in mind “the style of Jesus, who adapted to the people around him in order to bring them the love of God.” The Pope added that we need to know how to “change and adapt, in order to transmit God’s message even though the message itself is always the same.” Pope Francis’s message is a reminder of the significant role catechists play in the life of the Catholic Church. I wholeheartedly echo his words, as catechists are critically important in the Mission Diocese of Fairbanks in northern Alaska. Yes, priests and religious, by their education and vocational calling, are specially equipped to teach the faith, prepare people to receive the sacraments and grow in their faith. However, the calling to catechize others comes from our baptism--all of the baptized faithful are called to be disciples of Christ. As we hear His Word proclaimed and ponder it and receive His Real Presence in the Eucharist—when we encounter the Risen Christ personally—we should experience a burning within our hearts to tell others of His hopeful and healing presence. In my time as bishop, it has become evident we have a most critical need for catechists. I am urging all of you to pray and open your hearts to this call from Christ. Jesus will give you the strength and knowledge to teach, but He first needs your committed “YES” to step up and teach the faith. The need for your service is urgent—many elders I have visited throughout the diocese share my deep concern about the faith being passed to the next generation. So let’s step out with hearts eager to follow Christ by saying yes to His call to be a catechist. I want to especially emphasize that Jesus also is calling our youth to serve as catechists. I had the honor of participating in the Alaska Catholic Youth Conference (ACYC) in Anchorage in June. During the conference the bishops participated in a dialogue session with our youth. I was deeply impressed with their thoughts, questions, and concerns. These young people expressed a concern for the future and shared how difficult it can be to live their Catholic faith. They also shared that they are eager to learn more about their faith. I witnessed young men and women who love Christ and His Church and truly want to share this Good News with others. The fervor I witnessed in our youth at ACYC prompts me to invite them to become involved in parish educational programs as either full or assistant catechists. I believe they will be those “companions on the journey” for the children in our parishes. Our youth are uniquely gifted and keen to use modern technologies to tell the story of our faith. They too are called and will be empowered to share in this vocation. In closing I remind you that Pope Francis repeatedly invites us to a renewed personal encounter with Christ and serving as a catechist is a powerful way to be transformed in this relationship. By sharing our faith with others—and learning more about Him as we do—we can “be joyful messengers, guardians of good and beauty that shine in the faithful life of the missionary disciple.” Thank you for your yes to Christ!

Yours Sincerely in Christ,

†Most Reverend Chad W. ZielinskiCatholic Bishop of Northern Alaska

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The Office of Faith & Family Formation

Rev. Robert Fath

LTP Orders Due by August 15th!It’s that time of year again. If your parish uses liturgical calendars, lector workbooks, and other liturgical or catechetical supplies, now is the time to place your order with the Office of Faith and Family Formation to take advantage of the 40% discount given to the diocese. Parishes and coordinators should

have received a letter and order form via email from Fr. Robert listing common items ordered by parishes. If you desire additional items, please add them to the sheet - PRINTING CLEARLY the LTP stock number, description of the item, and the amount you would like ordered. Send completed forms

via email back to the Office of Faith and Family Formation, no later than August 15th. Order requests received after this date may not be included in the diocesan order due to Fr. Robert’s travel schedule. If you have questions, email family@cbna.org. ~ Rev. Robert Fath

Catechetical Sunday- September 17th

This year, the Church will celebrate Catechetical Sunday on September 17. The 2017 theme will be “Living as Missionary Disciples.” Those who the Community has designated to serve as catechists will be called

forth to be commissioned for their ministry. Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. Catechetical Sunday is an opportunity for all to re-dedicate themselves to this

mission as a community of faith. Resources for Catechetical Sunday, including a commissioning service and prayers, can be found on the USCCB website at: http://usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catechesis/catechetical-sunday/living-disciples/index.cfm~ Rev. Robert Fath

Catholic Engaged Encounter WeekendCouples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage are expected to attend a Catholic Engaged Encounter weekend prior to their wedding. Engaged Encounter weekends are offered twice a year in the Diocese of

Fairbanks. The next weekend will be held October 20-22. Please contact your pastor as soon as possible to begin the process for marriage preparation. ~ Rev. Robert Fath

Having Marital Difficulties? Retrouvaille Can Help!

Retrouvaille of Alaska can help you get through the hard times in your marriage. Your marriage after your time together in

Retrouvaille program will be stronger. Hundreds of couples in Alaska have healed their marriages through working the Retrouvaille program. Reservations are open now for the next program which starts with the October 27-29 weekend in Anchorage. For

confidential information about, or to register for the October program call 907-863-8000 or email: anchorage@helpourmariage.com or visit the web site at www.HelpOurMarriage.com.

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Family CornerLiving together as spouses is an art - a patient, beautiful, fascinating journey. It does not end once you have won each other’s love ... rather, it is precisely there where it begins! This journey of every

day has a few rules that can be summed up in three phrases which you already said, phrases which I have already repeated many times to families, and which you have already learned to use among

yourselves: (1.) May I? (2.) Thank you, and (3.) I’m sorry. (Address Pope Francis to engaged couples preparing for marriage, February 14, 2014)~ Rev. Robert Fath

Save the date! Immaculate Conception Church will be hosting the next round of marriage preparation using the Augustine Institute’s Beloved series. This six-week preparation program will begin on Thursday, September 7th and run until Thursday, October 12th. If you are engaged please contact your pastor as soon as possible to begin the process for marriage preparation.

In the city parishes, after speaking with their pastor, couples have two options for marriage preparation:

1. Six-week Beloved series plus Catholic Engaged Encounter weekend or...2. Online marriage preparation through CatholicMarriagePrep.com

~ Rev. Robert Fath

Marriage Preparation

Catechesis Training

Now is the time to start thinking about training our catechists for the upcoming catechetical year. Last year we piloted the use of online catechetical training from Fides Catholic Apostolate based in Florida. Despite several hiccups with access, those that completed the courses were generally pleased with the content. This year we will again offer two opportunities for online training, once in the fall and once in the spring. This fall we will be working with Fides to offer the “Let Us Pray” module of their training. Like last year the 10-hour online course will begin with an introductory webinar on Saturday, Sept. 16th (time TBD). Individual

catechists are asked to register online at:

h t tps : / / f ides fo rmat ion .com/product-category/fairbanks/

The cost for the course is $29.95 per person. Parishes are encouraged to offer some sort of partial or full reimbursement to their catechists who successfully complete the course. Please be sure that you register for the DIOCESE OF FAIRBANKS course and not another diocese that Fides works with. Catechists who complete the six-module series over a period of three years will have master catechist status with the diocese.

Parishes are reminded that regular formation and continuing education for their catechists (both paid and volunteer) is a requirement of the universal Church. We have a responsibility to make sure that those who are forming our children in the faith are correctly formed themselves. The use of the Fides website is a way to make continuing education and training for catechists as user-friendly as possible for those with busy schedules. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Faith and Family Formation at family@cbna.org.~ Rev. Robert Fath

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10 Ways to Parent Your Children in the Faith10. Storytelling: Read and discuss stories from a children’s Bible and the lives of the saints.9. Bless your children: A blessing can be done simply by making the sign of the cross with holy water on the

forehead of each child at the beginning and the end of each day.8. Set up a family altar: The family altar can be a simple bookshelf, table, or mantle with a combination of

elements that image our Catholic identity such as: religious art, crucifix, holy water, candles, Bible, or statues.7. Weekly family discussions: Having family discussions as a weekly event, such as Sundays after Mass or

during a weeknight, is a great way to apply the message of the Gospel (and the homily) to everyday life and grow closer as a family.

6. Activities with other families: Celebrate feast days and holy days together, have breakfast or lunch after Sunday Mass, or volunteer to do a service project with another family.

5. Family retreat: A family retreat can be a time for silence; it is also a time to be reacquainted with each other through games, stories, and prayer, and other creative ways to bring a family closer to God and each other. If you are traveling, try visiting a new parish or shrine.

4. Family prayer: Choose a specific time each day or evening for family prayer where you can teach your children traditional Catholic prayers like the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, the Rosary, etc.

3. Teach by example: As parents, you offer powerful modeling for the faith formation of your children, especially by your example, words, and the way you practice your own faith.

2. Receive the sacrament of Reconciliation: Let your children see you model how to receive God’s mercy and forgiveness in this sacrament and encourage them to do the same on any Saturday in the church from 4:00 – 5:00 pm.

1. Attend Mass (or Communion Services) every Sunday with your children. Teaching your children special love for the Holy Eucharist and the Real Presence of Christ is one of the greatest gifts you can give them!

Safe EnvironmentBarbara Tolliver

Safe Environment Coordinator

The past 20 some years have shown gigantic leaps with ever-changing, always improving technology. What about that laptop computer you purchased a few years ago that used to be fast? How often do you search for your cell phone before leaving the house? If you’re a smart-phone owner, how often are you scrolling to check email, looking at Facebook, or texting friends? If you are in this familiar grouping as an adult then be aware that children are caught up in this new technology as well! Unfortunately, there is always a stalker out there that preys on children and acts like they’re “one of them.” Be sure to communicate

with your child or teen about online safety. Keep your home computer in a high traffic area in order to observe what your child is doing, what sites they visit and with whom they might be chatting. Establish rules for computer and cell phone usage. Ask them what they like to do on the computer and surf the internet with them. Caution them not to reveal too much about themselves if in a chat room or if participating in online gaming, and to never send inappropriate photos to anyone! You, as a parent, have the ability to control what sites your children can view or not view on your home computer by using

www.puresight.com. To control their smartphone use, another option is www.mymobilewatchdog.com. There are other internet and smart phone companies as well that assist parents in keeping their children safe. There is just so much technology available that it can sometimes feel overwhelming to keep up with it. These sites do request nominal fees to use them. To learn more about internet safety, visit www.NetSmartz.org. Thanks to all who continue to support, teach and watch our youngsters so that our children can be safe. Barbara T. Tolliver, (907) 374-9516. Enjoy the summer!

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Clergy and Staff Changes

New HiresMisty Mealey has been hired as the new Communication Manager for the Chancery. She will be writing grants and articles for the Alaskan Shepherd newsletter as well as fulfilling the communication needs for the Chancery. Holly Hines has been hired as the new receptionist for the Chancery and will start mid-August.

Fr. Gerald ReturnsFr. Gerald Ornowski, M.I.C, has returned after being away from the Diocese for 5 months for a total hip replacement. He is still recovering

Visiting PriestFr. Janusz Romanek is on sabbatical from the Diocese of Marquette and will be spending three months in the Y-K Region. He will be visiting the parishes of St. Marys, Mountain Village, and Aniak.

Kathleen SavageThe Housekeeper of St. Ignatius Residence, Kathleen Savage, has moved on from her position. Until the new receptionist starts in August, all reservations for either the St. Ignatius Residence or the Chancery will need to go through Leigh Scarboro.

Fr. Janusz Romanek Fr. Gerald Ornowski, M.I.C.Misty Mealey

Alaskan Range seen from Delta Junction, AlaskaDiocese of Fairbanks Photograph by David Schienle

but doing well. At the age of 82 he is now officially retired, but remains active. He estimates having ministered in the diocese an accumulated 33 years, which has included ministry to the Yup’ik on the Bering Sea coast, serving as chaplain at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and coordinating the training program for urban deacons. Now he will be assisting the diocese in various ways such as continuing with spiritual direction and filling in at parishes when needed.

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Statue of Our Lady of FatimaVisits Fairbanks

by Deb Leibee

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Arrival of Fatima statue in Fairbanks Motorcade transports Fatima statue to Immaculate Conception Church

“…God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart. If what I say to you is done, many souls will be saved and there will be peace,” from Our Lady of Fatima, the third apparition, July 13, 1917. Sunday, July 31st was another beautiful summer day in Fairbanks and the beginning of a very special 3-day spiritual and historical event in the lives of many Catholics living in and around the Golden Heart City. The weeks of coming together in preparation for the visit were finally coming to fruit. That that morning, our diocese would be graced with a visit from one of the two world famous International Pilgrim Statues of Fatima, sculpted in 1947. This second of the two statues continues to travel the world, transporting with it a special message; the blessing of Fatima, Portugal to all peoples, a message of hope, peace, and salvation. The Pilgrim Statue, accompanied by her caretakers, was met at Fairbanks International Airport and escorted by motorcade to Immaculate Conception Church where she was graciously greeted by local Catholics. Shortly thereafter, began a 2.7-mile procession on foot to Sacred Heart Cathedral

with about 200 people following behind the Blessed Sacrament and the Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima. Stopping outside the Cathedral at the Memorial to the Unborn, Fr. Ross Tozzi led the faithful in a rosary. The group then processed into the Cathedral for a Holy Hour led by Bishop Chad W. Zielinski. After Benediction, statue caretaker, Patrick Sabat, spoke about the message of Fatima, encouraging those listening to, “learn it, live it, and share it.” The remainder of the afternoon was open for quiet time and prayer before the Statue and culminated with the celebration of the Holy Mass. Monday, the Pilgrim Statue sat peacefully overlooking the inside of the church as many visitors streamed in and out from early morning to evening. People approached the statue humbly, praying privately or praying the rosary led by a group. Some were content to just sit in the tranquil presence of the statue of

Our Lady. Tuesday was more of the same with people stopping by the church to pray; many with rosaries in hand and with prayers in their hearts, from early morning to the 12:10 PM Mass. The Pilgrim Statue was lovingly carried out in procession at the end of Mass as we honored Our Blessed Mother in singing, “Dear Lady of Fatima.” October 13, 2017 marks the one-hundredth anniversary of the first apparition to the three shepherd children, Francisco and Jacinta Marto, and Lucia dos Santos in Fatima, Portugal. In 1917, a great miracle was witnessed by thousands of people when the sun reportedly seemed to dance in the sky. The sun did not dance in Fairbanks during the statue’s visit, but the Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima brought with her a rejuvenation of the miracle of faith, hope and love in our Catholic Community.

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Local Catholics gather at Immaculate Conception Church for Procession

The Starting the ProcessionRev. Ross Tozzi leads the Procession with the Holy Eucharist

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Procession from Immaculate Conception Church to Sacred Heart Cathedral

Fatima Statue Procession over the Chena River on the Pedestrian Bridge

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Patrick Sabat talks about the Statue at Sacred Heart Cathedral

Fr. Ross Tozzi leads the Rosary

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First American-born Catholic Missionary to Alaska

By David Schienle

Fr. Francis Barnum, S.J.,

Used with permission. Jesuit Oregon Province Archives, JOPA-1057.04

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Born to a wealthy family in Baltimore in 1864, Francis Barnum was greatly influenced by the Jesuit education he received at Loyola College and Georgetown University. He converted to Catholicism at Georgetown and entered the Jesuit Novitiate after graduating. His father had already passed away when he entered the novitiate and his mother passed away 11 months after he joined the Jesuits. He left the order to care for his siblings. Ten years later he rejoined. When his anti-Catholic brother passed away the will stated that Francis could not receive an inheritance if he remained a Jesuit or priest. He walked away from what would be valued today as a $1.9 million inheritance. The call to serve God was stronger than his family fortune. In 1884, Father Francis met Archbishop Charles Seghers, S.J. Archbishop Seghers was trying to establish a permanent Catholic presence in Alaska and Father Francis told him of his desire to go to Alaska. It was not until 1891, however, that Father Francis was selected to join the fledgling group of missionaries in Alaska. Father Pascal Tosi, S.J., had unexpectedly acquired the mission territory when Archbishop Charles Seghers was murdered in 1886. Father Tosi’s authoritarian leadership and Father Barnum’s perpetual criticisms

strained their relationship from the beginning. Father Barnum arrived at St. Michael, Alaska in June of 1891. He spent two weeks living in a tent camp on the shore of St. Michael before taking a death-defying rowboat trip up the Yukon River. A man not capable of focusing on one task at a time, he continually moved from one assignment to another. In his six years in Alaska, he was stationed at Tununak, Holy Cross, Akulurak, and finally Nulato. His grandiose ideas for the missions and lack of focus tested the patience of his superior, Father Tosi. Talking about the difficulties of being a missionary, that first year, Father Barnum wrote in a letter to his superiors describing what he called the insect plague on the Yukon, “No description of the Yukon country is complete without some allusion to the insect plague, and it may be added that no description can do justice to this subject. During the summer season, by day and by night, indoors and out, afloat and ashore, the infliction continues without cessation. There is no darkness at this time to interrupt them. Mosquitoes and midges innumerable keep up their incessant persecution. It is impossible to decide which of the two cause more distress. Clouds of midges penetrate everywhere, and

ordinary netting is perfectly useless as a safeguard, for these insects pass through the meshes without the least difficulty. Conversation is rendered insupportable, from the number of midges which swarm into the mouth and nostrils. Mealtime is a horror. Out of doors, one is completely at their mercy. They fly into the eyes and lodge under the lids, they cluster in the ears, crawl up the arms, and down the neck, in fact, omit no chance of

Standing out among his brother Jesuits, Fr. Francis Barnum, S.J. is the first American-born Catholic missionary in Alaska. He arrived at the Alaska mission territory in the summer of 1891. On 4th of July that year, in a camp of two dozen tents on the shore of St. Michael, Alaska, Fr. Barnum proudly hoisted his personal American flag. His great sense of humor prompted him to also attach a string of six large Chinese lanterns in front of his tent to add to the flag. From the very beginning he was noticed as being different from the other Jesuits. Eventually, his unique ways and trouble-making practical jokes led him to be reassigned out of Alaska, but not before making a colorful mark on the history of the Catholic Church in Alaska.

Used with permission. Jesuit Oregon Province Archives, JOPA-1057.01a

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causing intense annoyance. With a branch of evergreen in each hand, an active warfare can be waged for a little while, but the tiny assailants soon gain the victory by tiring out their victim.” (Woodstock Letters, 1893) Despite his clashes with Fr. Tosi, others seemed to appreciate Fr. Barnum’s unique perspective. Bro. Thomas Power, S.J., described Father Barnum to his superiors:

“The need of a missionary in that out-of-the-way corner of the world is indeed very great, and no better one than good Father Barnum could be sent there. His ways are very taking and one cannot come in contact with him without loving him. He is not only a good missionary but an excellent scientist.” (Woodstock Letters, 1893)

Bro. Carmelo Giordano, S.J., shared in his memoir the benefit of Fr. Barnum’s scientific way:

“I spent one year with Fathers Barnum, Parrody, and Cataldo, at Akularak. Akulurak slough is very crooked like a horseshoe, and in the wintertime, Father Barnum took a compass and

made a straight road. The slough is above 50 miles, and we cut off 30 miles. We made a ten-mile road in a straight line and avoided all the curves in the slough. I went ahead with a little flag and Father Barnum gave signs where to put it, Just like a surveyor, and two Indians with axes chopped down brushes and trees to make a path. We made that road in a few days. That is a winter road, not a summer one, and we go over it with a sleigh. Everybody, all the travelers, know that it is Father Barnum’s road.”

Father Barnum, well known for his pranks, tells of one he played on the local nuns:

“On the occasion of a great feast day at the convent, I went to our kitchen with a roll of raw cotton, which I made up into little balls, then dipping them into a batter I fried them a nice delicate brown. I then spread a napkin on a dish and piled up the fritters nicely and sprinkled them with sugar. I sent them to the Convent in time for their dinner. The nuns were delighted, the dish was placed on the dining table and

passed along. Then came the grand climax as one nun after another started choking and pulling cotton from their mouth to the great amazement of those to whom the dish had not yet reached. It was a long time before we heard the end of the famous fritters.” (Georgetown Magazine Fall 1996)

Bro. Carmelo Giordano, S.J. recalled that he and Fr. Barnum had some fun:

“We had a fine team of dogs and Father Barnum got the idea, that, as the [Eskimo] dogs have fine bushy tails, he could get some fun by painting them. When the dogs start they put their tails up just like a flag. We dissolved some paint tablets in water. I got a dog and put a sack around him, leaving only the tail free. Father Barnum performed the operation. Two or three of the dogs were treated.” Fr. Barnum was known for making friends easily, Bro. Carmelo Giordano, S.J., shared this story: “Father Barnum had a conversation with the Captain and found out that it was an

Wearing an Alaskan parka, Fr. Barnum, S.J. is surrounded by Georgetown University students on a trip to the White House.

Used with permission. Rev. Francis A. Barnum SJ papers, Booth Family Center for Special Collections, Georgetown University Library, Washington, D.C.

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English steamer that just went up North to explore, and was an excursion boat. Father Barnum was a good speaker. The captain said: ‘Father, I think you people are crazy. You give your life for people in a desert country here.’ And Father Barnum replied: ‘Do you know Our Lord came to all the people of this earth? Why should those poor people be left alone is without anybody to show them the way to go to heaven?’ And the Captain was very much impressed, and when he went back to the steamer he sent fine things to those three missionaries as presents. Father Barnum was a very smart and eloquent man, and he wrote an Indian Grammar and Dictionary in the Eskimo

language. He worked very hard. All those new Missionaries who go up there now do not find it so hard because everything is written down for them. They have only to take a book and learn the language.”

With the goal of publishing books and articles on the missions, in the early days, priests assigned to Alaska were expected to learn the native language and customs. Father Barnum was slower at learning the native language and his meticulous, scientific study of the language resulted in him repeatedly rewriting his manuscript. A lack of a published book after six years, as well as his outspoken, contrary opinions about the future of the missions lead Jesuit leadership to

transfer him to the East Coast. In 1901, after leaving the missions of Alaska, he reluctantly published his book Grammatical Fundamentals of the Inuit Language. Though wildly praised he felt the work was unfinished and wished to return to the Alaskan missions to complete his study of the language. Just as Father Barnum had in Alaska, he frequently transferred to new assignments on the East Coast. Eventually, he became archivist and museum curator of his alma mater, Georgetown University, where he would spend the last six years of his life. He died on November 3, 1921, and is buried at Georgetown University Cemetery.

From the Archive

1970’s, Yup’ik Dancers at Emmonak, Alaska

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Young Adult Retreat, Y-K RegionBy Patrick Tam

Director of Adult Faith Program in Y-K Region

For a second year, with the help of a grant from Our Sunday Visitor, we were able to offer a retreat for young adults in their 20s and 30s in the Y-K Region. This time we had 20 young adults from 10 different villages: Pilot Station (2), St. Marys (1), Alakanuk (4), Emmonak (4), Kotlik (1), Scammon Bay (2), Marshall (1), Newtok (1), Toksook Bay (2), Bethel (2). Once again, Fr. Tri Dinh, S.J., was able to come from California to lead the retreat, assisted by Eddie Ngo, S.J., who provided beautiful music. Several Jesuit novices who were visiting the region had their talents put to work as well on the retreat. Fr. Tri’s experience is in young adult ministry and he has an extensive retreat program (caritasretreat.org and christusministries.org) focused on that age group. The retreat again took place

at the Moravian Seminary in Bethel, a new facility that provided ample meeting space as well as housing for the retreatants. Most of the young people had never been on a retreat. With the high cost of transportation, gatherings of young adults have been rare. The retreat theme “Fight of Inner Peace,” started on Friday evening and ended with lunch on Sunday afternoon. The weekend aimed to lead young people to an intense awareness of God’s love for them even in the midst of the challenges and struggles in their lives. Activities included guided Ignatian meditations, reflection on scripture stories, silent prayer, Taize prayer, personal talks by the retreat team, small group sharing, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and celebration of the Eucharist. Also, many new friendships were formed by the gathering of young adults from many parts of the region.

We have been blessed to have this collaboration between our diocese and the California Jesuits. Fr. Tri sees these retreats as “tilling the ground.” In the evaluations turned in by retreatants at the end of the weekend, they talked about “finding hope again,” “knowing God’s love,” “strengthening their faith,” and “seeing things in a new way.” The goal is not simply to provide yearly retreat experiences but to find ways to connect young adults to their parish life. These retreats, then, are part of the Jesuits’ ongoing commitment to minister to the Yup’ik people of the Y-K Region. Renewing parish life through a personal encounter with Christ is certainly part of our diocesan vision as well. In the weeks and months ahead we hope to find ways to keep the spirit of the retreat alive among the young adults who attended.

Young Adult Retreat Group 2017

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Introductions as the Retreat begins

Fr. Tri Dinh, S.J. celebrating Mass for Retreatants

Taize Prayer was a powerful experience for many

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StewardshipBy Fr. Tom Kuffel, Pastor

St. Joseph Church in Nome, Alaska

God designed people for success. We are endowed with seeds of greatness! What do you do with your seeds of greatness? Seeds grow, but what kind of seeds do you plant? Stewardship is not just about planting seeds, but more importantly planting the right seeds. Jesus talks about the pearl of great value and the man who sells all he has to purchase the one pearl. What is the one pearl, the one seed that you want? So many times we plant the wrong seed and that seed is greed, the root of all evil. Greed is not just about getting money and possessions. Greed is a form of insecurity in which we think money and possessions will please us. Greed is a disease that kills.

Greed tells us that if only: • I have enough money...• I have enough land...• I have enough toys...• I have enough food...• ...the list goes on.

We want more because we feel empty. To fill our emptiness we greedily take and keep taking only to feel more empty and more alone for power, pleasure, and possessions that cannot fulfill our deepest longings. Like the addict, a greedy person never has enough to satisfy their deepest longings for security, connection, and companionship. Greed distorts our longing for a fulfilling life. Fulfillment does not come from possessing things; it comes from giving things away.

This is the irony of life. To be happy, makes others happy. This seems so contradictory but the wisdom of those who are happy and fulfilled always tells us, it is more blessed to give than to receive. The person most fulfilled is the person who gives of him or herself. A fulfilled person knows that God will always provide not what they want, but what they need. Generosity invests in others; it invests in self. We learn to give of our time, talent, and treasure knowing that God always provides more. Think about what Zig Ziglar wrote: “Life is an echo. What you send out comes back. What you sow you reap. What you give you get. What you see in others, exists in you.”

St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Nenana, AlaskaDiocese of Fairbanks Photograph by David Schienle

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Focus Mission brought six young men, two Focus leaders, and spiritual advisor, Fr. Bill to Nome, Alaska for a week long visit in July. Focus Mission is a dynamic organization that allows college students to have mission experiences that transform them with prayer, share, and sacrifice. With their energy, enthusiasm, and eagerness our visitors brought Christian life to our community. First they invigorated the parish, then KNOM Radio Station, and then the streets and beaches of Nome. Fr. Jay, a priest working with Focus, invited me to help organize a trip to western Alaska. David, one of the Focus leaders reached out and contacted six men who volunteered to come to the Frontier State and encounter life just below the Arctic

Circle. On Monday, the group visited the small village of Teller, Alaska, and worked hard cleaning up the church. They then walked the streets befriending, the natives of the village. Margarite, the new General Manager of KNOM, invited the guys to the beach along with the KNOM staff. Who would have thought you can have a beach party in the sub-Arctic? The two missionaries from California were quite impressed with the beach. “It almost looked like one of our own,” one said. After their travels to Teller and the Norton Sound beach party, the group went on a boating excursion up to Council, Alaska an old gold-mining town. Deacon Bob Froehle organized a boat ride

down Council River to a resort. Swimming, fishing, and a salmon supper highlighted the day along with Mass at the resort. What a perfect day for the missionaries to experience the joys of Alaskan cuisine out in nature. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday were work days at St. Joseph Parish in Nome, Alaska. The missionaries spent the morning at Quyanna Care Center singing and inspiring the elders with songs and scripture readings. After lunch, they went to tour KNOM and arranged for a few of the missionaries with musical talent to perform live on air. They also did some chores there fixing and repairing all sorts of projects. That evening Fr. Bill invited the men to a Healing Prayer Service

Focus Mission TripBy Fr. Tom Kuffel, Pastor

St. Joseph Church in Nome, Alaska

Fr. Tom Kuffel with KNOM Radio Station Staff and the Focus Mission team

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during the Holy Hour. Tony, one of the talented musicians of the group, played music while Fr. Bill and David prayed individually with the men. They asked God to heal them and help them to grow in faith, hope, and love. It was powerful to experience the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Watching the men pray reminded me that, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20) Thursday and Friday, the group did more chores around the parish and Thursday evening the musicians performed a “Praise

and Worship” concert. The most powerful was Fr. Bill who sang Adam Where Are You! by Don Francisco. It was beautifully revealing the Father’s love searching for Adam after he sinned. “It opens the hearts to feel God the Father searching for his lost son Adam,” says Fr. Bill. Friday brought more work and then street ministry as the men went to engage the locals. Since St. Joseph is close to the basketball court some of the missionaries went to play ball with the youth trying to witness and bring the breath of hope to the many locals who struggle with various problems.

Saturday came and the group left for Anchorage with second-year seminarian, Ben Doudna. He led them on various hikes around Anchorage on Sunday and Tuesday. Monday they traveled down to Seward to see the Exit Glacier. Wednesday, they witnessed to the youth of St. Benedict’s in Anchorage. They left on Thursday morning, back to the Lower 48. I want to thank them for their witness and commitment to the faith as they discern their vocation and path to holiness.

Focus Mission at the Airport

Volunteers repainting the railing of St. Joseph Church in Nome, Alaska

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Mesmerized at the sight of this industrious little bee buzzing from flower to flower, I found myself reflecting on the Christian community. Each one of us has a part to play in God’s plan. I may be only one person, but God created each one of us with a purpose. How much does one tiny bee contribute to the hive as a whole? This bee appears insignificant in the big picture. But look at the end result of a hive of these little individual bees in the building up of the hive and in the production of honey. This tiny bee could never accomplish that great task alone, yet it is valuable and necessary to the hive. Just as this little bee is necessary for the good of the hive, each individual in our Christian community is needed to help build up the body of Christ, and to carry God’s sweet message of love and forgiveness to the rest of the world. ~ David Schienle

Photograph by David Schienle

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Catholic Schools of Fairbanks

1st ANNUALRunning of the Rams

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