The St. Raphael Counseling team stands ready to support children, adults and families with mental health care from a Catholic perspective. (Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities) Mental health challenges are touching more individuals and families than ever before. From children navigating anxiety and learning differences to couples working through relationship struggles and adults facing depression, grief or major life transitions, the need for compassionate, accessible care c

Archdiocesan deacons gather for Deacon Day at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Northglenn in 2023. (Photo by Daniel Petty/Denver Catholic) Here’s a list of the latest permanent deacon appointments for the Archdiocese of Denver, effective July 1, 2026, unless otherwise noted. Deacons Assigned to New Parishes Deacon Thomas Garcia, relieved of duties at Shrine of St. Anne Parish, Arvada, and appointed to St. John Paul II Parish, Thornton, ad nutum archiepiscopi. Deacon Thin

(Courtesy photo) I have a glass sitting in my cabinet that I needed to return to Mary Machado. A toothpick holder, really, that she brought to my house for an annual homeschool community event. She left it, and I never got it back to her; I figured I’d just give it back this coming fall. Now I don’t know what to do with it, since Mary left this earth on June 24, 2026, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Only diagnosed less than three weeks prior, her last days were f

(Photos ©Vatican Media) The pallium pilgrimage was a blessed and unique experience for pilgrims, to be sure, but one special moment for Northern Colorado's shepherds stood out among them all: meeting Pope Leo XIV! While in Rome for the pilgrimage and Pallium Mass, Denver Archbishop James Golka, Archbishop Emeritus Samuel J. Aquila, and Denver Auxiliary Bishop Jorge Rodríguez, together with John Magee, archdiocesan chancellor, and Deacon Doug Flinn, archdiocesan general counse

Photo of the night shift working north of Beulah. (Photo courtesy of Aspen Acres Fire 2026 Agency, Ernest Prax) Editor's Note: Multiple wildfires continue to burn across Colorado, forcing evacuations, destroying homes and threatening communities in the Dioceses of Pueblo and Colorado Springs. Three wildland firefighters also lost their lives while responding to the fires, underscoring the tremendous sacrifice made by those protecting others. As Catholics across the state join

(Denver Catholic file photo) Editor's Note: On July 1, 2026, the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) proceeded with the unauthorized ordination of four bishops without a pontifical mandate. In response, the Holy See declared the ordinations a schismatic act and announced the canonical consequences for those involved. In light of these developments, Archbishop James R. Golka issued a letter to the faithful and the Archdiocese of Denver released a Frequently Asked Questions document

(Photo: Unsplash) Editor's Note: On July 1, 2026, the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) proceeded with the unauthorized ordination of four bishops without a pontifical mandate. In response, the Holy See declared the ordinations a schismatic act and announced the canonical consequences for those involved. In light of these developments, Archbishop James R. Golka has issued the following letter to the faithful of the Archdiocese of Denver, in addition to an archdiocesan FAQ on the m

(Photo courtesy of the Mother Cabrini Shrine, Golden) By JoAnn Seaman Executive Director Mother Cabrini Shrine On July 7, 1946, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini became the first American citizen to be canonized a saint. While history rightly remembers this milestone, her canonization was never meant to mark the end of her story. Rather, it affirmed that the life she lived — rooted in the Sacred Heart of Jesus and poured out in service to others — would continue to inspire generatio

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Americans can learn a lot from our brothers and sisters who have found true freedom on our shores. (Photo: Denver Catholic composite design) Warning: This article contains tough subject matter that may be difficult for some to read. For many of us, freedom can seem as natural as the air we breathe. We assume it has always been there and always will be. Yet for many others, freedom has been something denied or painfully wo

As pilgrims return from Rome after accompanying Archbishop James Golka as he received his pallium from Pope Leo XIV, they are filled with a spirit of faith, gratitude and mission. Pilgrims take one last group photo following a farewell dinner after a week of pilgrimage around Rome. (Photo provided) There’s plenty to do when returning from a trip. Where did I put my house keys? How do I even start doing all this laundry? Do I really have to unpack my suitcases? Post-pilgrimage

Founded by Italian immigrants in 1894, the historic North Denver Italian parish remains a living symbol of faith, heritage and the American dream. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in North Denver stands as a testament to the Italian Catholic community in Denver. (Photo by Anne Barhyte, courtesy of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Denver) By Jenna Peccia and Dominique Lillo Long before North Denver became known for trendy restaurants and modern rowhomes, before the city skyline

(Photos by André Escaleira, Jr./Denver Catholic) As I knelt surrounded by statues of saints at today’s Mass for the feast of the Holy Roman Martyrs, something resonated in a way it hadn’t before: it’s a blessing to remain “in the boat,” in the Church. Now, before you scoff too loudly or rage-quit this reflection, let me clarify: the Church is very human; she and her members have caused real harm. But she is also divine, instituted by Jesus and promised his presence always. It

From Catholic education to OCIA and outreach ministry, this Disciple of the Month’s life reflects a grateful response to God's love and a desire to help others encounter Christ. Rita Niblack is July 2026's Disciple of the Month. (Photo by Father Daniel Ciucci) When Rita Niblack looks back on her decades of ministry, she sees a series of invitations from the Lord: opportunities that appeared before her and simple acts of saying “yes.” Those opportunities have included serving

While in Rome to receive his pallium from Pope Leo XIV, the Denver archbishop met with Vatican officials to advance the causes of canonization. From left to right: John Magee, archdiocesan chancellor; Father Bogusław Turek, C.S.M.A., undersecretary for the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints; Denver Archbishop James Golka; Denver Auxiliary Bishop Jorge Rodríguez; Deacon Doug Flinn, archdiocesan general counsel; and Father Patrick Dorélus of the Dicastery. (Photo by André Escal

Sacred Heart, St. Patrick and generations of immigrant families helped build both the city and the Catholic faith in Colorado. An archival photo of the new St. Patrick Church in what would become the Highlands neighborhood of North Denver. (Photo courtesy of the Archdiocese of Denver Archives) By Karyl Klein Archivist Archdiocese of Denver As America celebrates its 250th anniversary and Colorado marks 150 years of statehood, it is worth remembering the many immigrant communit

The Holy Father conferred the pallium on 35 archbishops from around the world, including Northern Colorado’s shepherd, at St. Peter’s Basilica on the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. (First photo by Lola Gomez/CNS; All other photos by André Escaleira, Jr./Denver Catholic) Kneeling in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Denver Archbishop James Golka took up a new mantle as he received the pallium from Pope Leo XIV. Traditionally conferred on the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, th

Inspired by faith and supported by generous Catholics, one couple’s mission is transforming lives through life-changing surgeries, scholarships and care for the elderly, disabled and disadvantaged in the poorest communities in India. Dr. Geetha Yeruva and Tom Chitta visit college students supported by the Foundation for Children in Need. (Photo provided) In their part-time home in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Dr. Geetha Yeruva and her husband, Tom Chitta, have a sign on their

(Photos by André Escaleira, Jr.) We started our day with some free time, which meant that I had the chance to see Pope Leo — an opportunity I couldn’t pass up! When Pope Leo appeared in the window, the energy was electric. The Vicar of Christ, the world’s spiritual father, an American, was right there! As he spoke, I couldn’t help but tear up: his message called us to love more devotedly, more freely, more generously, even as Mary did — she who loved Jesus, even knowing she w

(Photos by André Escaleira, Jr.) We’ve been in Rome three days now, and they’ve been filled with holy saints and sites, with lots to see, experience and learn. St. Paul Outside the Walls was beautiful. Our after-hours tour of the Vatican Museums — and the half hour we had alone in the Sistine Chapel — was moving. Borgo Laudato Si’, a Vatican project for integral ecology, was impressive. Castel Gandalfo, the pope’s summer residence, was beautiful, too. As wonderful as all thes

(Photos by André Escaleira, Jr.) Today we met St. Paul, face to face. Well, more or less. We visited the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, where St. Paul is buried. After Mass with Archbishop Emeritus Aquila and another pilgrimage group of FOCUS missionaries and parishioners from Denver, we had the chance to pray and visit with everyone’s favorite fiery evangelist — and my confirmation saint. It was powerful. When I chose St. Paul as my patron at 14, I thought I’d disce