Archbishop Roger Schwietz, O.M.I. of the Diocese of Anchorage, Alaska faced a dilemma.

For more than ten years the people living on the isolated Kenai Peninsula in southern Alaska did not have access to Mass or religious programs. They would go for weeks, and sometimes months, without a visit from a priest.

Concerned with the lack of opportunity for these people to practice
their faith, Archbishop Schwietz decided he wanted to expand the Church’s presence in the Kenai Peninsula. But with a limited number of priests and resources, where would he turn to staff such an endeavor?

The Archbishop didn’t have to look far. He simply contacted his Missionary Oblate brothers.

Today four Oblates are ministering among the residents of the peninsula.

They staff parishes in the towns of Soldotna, Kenai and Homer and a mission in Ninilchik.

“In essence we are on a three-week cycle, spending one week at each
of the three parishes before starting the process all over again,” explains Fr. Joe Dowling, O.M.I.

Father Joe arrived in Alaska from Texas, along with Fr. Andy Sensenig from Massachusetts. They joined Fr. Tony Dummer and Bro. Craig Bonham, all of whom were already working in Alaska before transferring to Kenai.

The peninsula stretches about 150 miles south of Anchorage. Much of the land is covered with glaciers and ice fields. The largely blue-collar population varies with the seasons.

Sister Carol Ann Aldrich, R.S.M. might be the person most excited about the arrival of the Oblates to Kenai. For more than ten years she ministered with residents on her own with only the occasional help of a visiting priest. Sister Carol Ann traveled hundreds of thousands of miles by land, sea and air to make sure the people received at least a minimal level of pastoral care.

“I think the Oblates’ coming here is just great. I am really happy about it,” says Sister Carol Ann.

The Oblates have a long history of a missionary presence in Alaska. In
September 1862 Fr. Jean Seguin, O.M.I. arrived at the trading post town of Fort Yukon. He was the first Catholic priest to ever enter the Alaskan territory.

In subsequent years Oblates from Canada began to arrive in Alaska and were pioneers in introducing the faith to the native people of the area.

Today, in addition to Archbishop Schwietz and the Oblates on the Kenai Peninsula, four other Oblate priests live and work in Alaska. Fathers Tom Killeen, Pat Casey and Jim Blaney are pastors of parishes in small towns. Father Gerald Brunet assists with the Archdiocesan Native Alaska Ministry.

There are few places that remain in the United States that can truly be
called a frontier. The Kenai Peninsula of Alaska is one of those rare places.

And thanks to a team of Oblate missionaries, the Catholic Church is
now alive and well in this isolated location. These men are truly missionaries, following in the footsteps of Oblates who have for generations brought the Good News to people in the most remote and difficult parts of the world.