While in Rome for the Pallium Mass and Pilgrimage, Denver Archbishop James Golka sat down with Catholic News Service to discuss his new mission in Denver in a wide-ranging interview. The new shepherd of Northern Colorado reflected on the dynamism of the Archdiocese of Denver; how the Lord is moving throughout our parishes, schools and communities; and the challenges of ministry in an apostolic age in which the culture does not share the same beliefs as the Church. The archbis

This Denver seminarian thought he was preparing for a career in music, on stage and in the spotlight. Instead, God led him to the seminary, to Rome and, soon, to the priesthood. (Photo provided) By Karin Gamba If you’ve been to an archdiocesan Mass, odds are you’ve seen or met a seminarian or two. You see them serving at those Masses. You may have even noticed them helping organize crowds and point folks in the right direction. You might have even heard them sing, either at M

(Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities) In just a few short months, a group of Colorado Catholics will set out on a remarkable journey of faith, endurance and service. On October 4, 2026, twelve cyclists from Samaritan Cycling USA will dip their bicycle tires into the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, California, before beginning a nearly 3,000-mile ride across the United States. Forty-five days later, they will arrive in St. Augustine, Florida, having crossed the country one mile a

As Auxiliary Bishop Kevin Kenney of the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis in Minnesota announced he was diagnosed with cancer, the Denver archbishop reminded him he “does not carry this cross alone.” Denver Archbishop James Golka kneels in prayer during the Good Friday service at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver. (Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) Following the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis’ Wednesday announcement that Auxiliary Bish

Together with an international delegation of Catholics working for social justice with the Vatican, Denver Catholics prayed for a deeper respect for human dignity, especially for migrants. Denver Auxiliary Bishop Jorge Rodríguez prays the Rosary outside of the Hudson Correctional Facility, which will reopen as a detention center for the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). (Photo by Joe Donelson/Denver Catholic) By Joe Donelson On the wide, sweeping plains

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 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 Thinh Le, reli

(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