Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows

The Archdiocese of Anchorage, established in 1966, is located in Anchorage, Alaska, which accounts for two-thirds of the population of the state. The Catholic population in the archdiocese totals more than 30,000, and is spread across eight parishes in the Anchorage urban area and 13 other parishes and missions in the rural parts of the state. Many of the parishes are accessible only by airplane or boat and have less than 20 families. Apart from its ministry, it supports three Archdiocesan schools and two university programs. Outside Anchorage, the vast geographical area and severe climate conditions are major barriers to the ministry of The Archdiocese of Anchorage and the assistance of groups such as its Committee on the Home Missions supports its work