Bishop Kettler's Remarks at the "Red Mass" in Anchorage

The "Red Mass" is a traditional Eucharistic Celebration for members of the legal profession.  The Anchorage Archdiocese has hosted the Red Mass in Alaska in recent years.  The Red Mass this year occurred Sunday, 25 September 2011.

Reflection given at Red Mass Luncheon

Archdiocese of Anchorage

September 25, 2011

Bishop Donald Kettler

I very much look forward to the opportunity to celebrate the annual Red Mass with Archbishop Schwietz, members of the Thomas More Society and others who are particularly committed to working for human justice and for the common good of all.

Our Christian faith calls each of us to act toward others as God acts toward us. Our lives should reflect the belief that no man or woman is a stranger, because no man or woman is a stranger to God. Therefore, we have to take an important role in caring for the poor and hungry, the homeless, those violated and abused, the old and disabled, the restless young, those yet to be born, those hated because of race, color or religion, those whose bodies and souls are destroyed by addictions, and especially the powerless who have no voice.

As a bishop whose diocese is 40% native, with 2/3 of our parishes almost totally native (35 parishes), I ask that you be concerned (and do all that you are able) that justice, respect and support might touch the oldest residents of our State.

Over the past 18 months I have been visiting, holding listening sessions and conducting healing services for many of our native people and communities who were tragically abused by church clergy and volunteers. I have attempted to apologize for the awful abuse which our Church brought to many. To you who also might have been angered or hurt through the Church's abuse, I offer my sincere apology and my promise to do all that I am able to protect all of our people - especially the young and the vulnerable. May we work together for the healing of all and do what we can to provide renewed purpose, meaning and appreciation for all of our people.

God bless you.