A Shepherd Among His People: Archbishop Golka Visits St. Joseph’s Hispanic Community

The new Denver archbishop celebrated Sunday Mass, presented the pallium he received from Pope Leo XIV and invited the faithful to be leaven for the world.

Denver Archbishop James Golka claps as the St. Joseph Parish Youth Choir performs for parishioners following Mass. (Photo by Juan Andrés Coriat/Denver Catholic)

The Hispanic community of St. Joseph Parish in Denver welcomed Archbishop James Golka on his first visit since beginning his ministry in Denver. During a heartfelt Sunday Mass, dozens of families gathered to greet their new shepherd alongside Father Michael Rapp, the parish's pastor, and the newly ordained Father Juan Diego de María Gómez.

Reflecting on the Gospel, Archbishop Golka invited the faithful to recognize the mission each of us has in the world.

“We are called to be leaven for our culture and our world,” the archbishop said. “If the Holy Spirit enters my life, God can change it and convert it. God does not want to destroy the world; he wants to transform it. And he wants to transform you and me as well.”

He also emphasized that true transformation begins in each of our hearts but requires our willingness to let God act.

“It is very important that each one of us open our hearts and give the Holy Spirit permission to enter our lives,” he said. “If every person in this parish opens his or her heart to the Holy Spirit, God can transform this parish.”

In his homily, Archbishop Golka invited parishioners to let God work in their lives.

Reflecting on the parish's patron, Archbishop Golka encouraged parishioners to turn to St. Joseph.

Newly ordained Father Juan Diego incenses the Book of the Gospels before proclaiming the reading.

Archbishop Golka incenses the altar during Mass at St. Joseph Parish in Denver.

Carla Breton (right) and her family were among those who welcomed Archbishop Golka.

Parishioners of various cultures presented the archbishop with a basket of food from their country.

Archbishop Golka blesses three boys during the offertory.

A Columbian family presents the archbishop with a basket representing their culture.

Archbishop Golka distributes the Eucharist during Mass at St. Joseph Parish in Denver.

Archbishop Golka smiles with altar servers before Mass at St. Joseph Parish in Denver.

St. Joseph Parish in Denver gave the new Denver archbishop a warm welcome.

(Photos by Juan Andrés Coriat/Denver Catholic)

Standing, as he himself noted, in one of Denver’s most historic parishes, Archbishop Golka reminded those present of St. Joseph’s role in the history of salvation and the example he continues to offer today.

“St. Joseph said to God, ‘I do not understand, but I can be faithful.’ St. Joseph is an example for us. It is important to ask the saints for their help,” he said.

Archbishop Golka also took the opportunity to show the pallium he received from Pope Leo XIV on June 29, the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, and explained its profound meaning as a sign of communion and service.

“This is the first Sunday I’ve had this. It’s called a pallium. Two weeks ago, I received it from Pope Leo. This pallium is not for me; it is for the whole diocese. It is a sign that we are united with all the Catholic Christians throughout the world,” he explained, showing the pallium to those gathered. “It is also a symbol of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. For us, it also means helping Jesus seek out the lost sheep.”

In that spirit, he encouraged the faithful to look with hope upon those who have drifted away from the faith and to accompany them through prayer so they may find their way home.

“The sheep need help. We all know these people, family members or neighbors," Archbishop Golka said. "So let us pray for them. Let us ask Jesus Christ to work in our lives so that these sheep may return to the Church.”

During the offertory, families representing different communities presented the archbishop with baskets of food and traditional items from their home countries as symbols of gratitude, cultural diversity and the faith that unites the St. Joseph community.

“It was a great joy to welcome Archbishop Golka to St. Joseph Parish, one of his first pastoral visits,” said Carla Breton, a parishioner. “The fact that he came to a predominantly Hispanic community is a beautiful sign of a Church that is close to its people and walks with them.

“He showed us his pallium and shared that the Holy Father knows the Archdiocese of Denver and is praying for us,” she added.

Archbishop Golka blesses the St. Joseph Children's Choir.

Archbishop Golka greets the Missionaries of Charity after Mass.

Archbishop Golka spent time with the community, greeting them and taking pictures with them.

Archbishop Golka spent time among the community after Mass, getting to know them and taking photos.

Archbishop Golka (center) smiles with Father Rapp (right) and Father Juan Diego (left).

(Photos by Juan Andrés Coriat/Denver Catholic)

After Mass, the celebration continued in the parish hall, where the St. Joseph Children’s Choir offered the archbishop a heartfelt serenade. Archbishop Golka then spent time talking with parishioners and taking photos with them, strengthening his bond with the Hispanic community.

“It was so nice to have him at our church,” said Isabella, a young parishioner of St. Joseph. “As Hispanics, we are very community-oriented. We like being together and helping one another. I felt that the archbishop reflected that by being present for the community and supporting us, and I really loved that.”

Without a doubt, Archbishop Golka’s visit to St. Joseph Parish was a visible sign of unity and of a shepherd committed to walking alongside his people.

“Hearing those words filled our parish with hope and enthusiasm, reminding us that we are part of one universal Church united in Christ,” Breton concluded.