Holy Family Catholic Church (Diocese of Fairbanks, Newtok)
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Holy Family Catholic Church is in Alaska (United States) and is part of the Diocese of Fairbanks.
It is dedicated to Holy Family.
Location
It is located at PO Box 5569, Newtok, AK 99559.
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
[[Category:Diocese of Fairbanks]]
History
Holy Family Catholic Church in Newtok, Alaska, serves the primarily Yup'ik Eskimo community in one of the most remote areas of the United States. The exact founding date of the church is not well-documented, but it is part of the Diocese of Fairbanks' efforts to maintain a Catholic presence in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region. The parish has been supported by visiting priests due to the shortage of resident clergy, often served by ministry teams including priests, deacons, and lay volunteers from the diocese. The church plays a significant role in the spiritual life of Newtok, which is facing ongoing challenges due to climate change, including relocation efforts because of coastal erosion.[1][2]
Special features
- **Cultural Integration**: The church integrates Yup'ik cultural elements into its services, providing a blend of Catholicism with local traditions, which is essential for maintaining cultural identity.
- **Environmental Challenges**: The church is located in an area increasingly affected by climate change, with the village of Newtok planning to relocate due to land erosion and flooding. This makes the church not only a spiritual center but also a symbol of resilience and adaptation in the face of environmental adversity.
- **Visiting Ministry**: Due to its remote location, the parish is often served by visiting ministry teams, emphasizing the communal and supportive nature of the Catholic Church in such isolated areas.
Related parishes
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Nightmute, AK
- St. Peter the Fisherman, Toksook Bay, AK