Inspired by Mary and strengthened by prayer, Denver’s incoming archbishop begins his ministry with a commitment to Christ and the Church in a formal profession of faith and oath of fidelity to the pope, the Catholic Church and his ministry. Archbishop-designate James R. Golka kisses the Book of the Gospels after making his Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity, a requirement before taking office as the sixth Archbishop of Denver. (Photo by Grant Whitty/Denver Catholic) Mar

In his remarks to archdiocesan deacons, Denver’s new shepherd expressed profound gratitude for the ministry and service of those configured to Christ the Servant. Deacon Tim Unger, director of the St. Francis School of Theology for Deacons; Deacon Mark Leonard, assistant director of deacons; Cardinal Christophe Pierre, papal nuncio to the United States; Archbishop-designate James Golka; and Deacon Ernie Martinez, archdiocesan director of deacons, pictured here with the deacon

Archbishop-designate James Golka chats with Father Joseph Toledo, pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Fort Collins, following the presbyterate meeting on March 18. (Photo by Neil McDonough/Denver Catholic) As he prepared to assume leadership of the Archdiocese of Denver this week, Archbishop-designate James Golka made an important visit March 18 to those at the forefront of the Church's ministry in Northern Colorado: the Archdiocese of Denver's priests. The visit came

In a packed, vibrant Denver parish, the retiring archbishop delivers a call to faith, gratitude and mission. Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila visited Annunciation Parish in Denver, his last parish visit as Archbishop of Denver. (Photo by Olivia Britt/Denver Catholic) “Do you believe?” That was the simple — yet complex — question Archbishop Aquila posed Sunday to the packed congregation at Denver’s Annunciation Parish as the inner-city “parish of immigrants” gathered to say

Archbishop Aquila’s Journey of Faith, Humility and Mission with the Neocatechumenal Way Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving with the Neocatechumenal Way community on Saturday evening. (Photo by Kaylee Stoll/Denver Catholic) A large group of young pilgrims drew near the center of the historic city of Santiago de Compostela when, from a nearby alley, they were suddenly attacked. As objects flew and insults filled the air, one man stood at the head of t

Nebraska native’s hometown family and friends share who he is and what he’s like Then-Bishop James Golka shows his pectoral cross to Charlotte, Jolene Wojcik's granddaughter, after a wedding Mass. (Photo courtesy of Jolene Wojcik) Connected to Christ. Of the many fine qualities those close to Archbishop James Golka attribute to him, the foundational one is that. He is genuine, prayerful, humble, deeply faithful and pastoral, said family, friends, mentors and colleagues. His l

Hundreds from across Northern Colorado came together in prayer and gratitude for Denver's retiring archbishop. Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila blessed those gathered as he processes out of the Mass of Thanksgiving for his ministry on Sunday at Light of the World Parish in Littleton. (Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) Before hundreds of faithful gathered Sunday afternoon for a special Mass of Thanksgiving at Light of the World Parish in Littleton, Denver Archbishop Samuel

After 14 years leading the Archdiocese of Denver, Archbishop Samuel Aquila will enter retirement on March 25. By Francesca Pollio Fenton/EWTN News Over the past 14 years, Archbishop Samuel Aquila has led the Archdiocese of Denver. Appointed to lead the archdiocese in 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI, Aquila — who at 75 has reached the customary retirement age for prelates — now prepares to hand the role over to Bishop James Golka, who will be installed as the archdiocese’s new leade

The annual convocation became a moment of unity and gratitude as the archbishop and his deacons reflected on years of ministry and personal connection. This year's annual deacons' convocation was punctuated by a deep spirit of joy, laughter and gratitude, as brother deacons from across the archdiocese gathered with one another and with Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila one final time before his retirement. (Photo by Kaylee Stoll/Denver Catholic) The annual deacons’ convocati

The wide-ranging interview, the prelate’s last as Archbishop of Denver, covered a variety of topics, including immigration, vocations, Catholic education and pro-life issues. Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila introduces Archbishop-designate James Golka during a February 7 press conference announcing the appointment. (Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) A historic change is coming to Denver, as Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila approaches the formal end of his ministry in Denver ne

In this guide for Denver Catholics, the liturgies, events and celebrations surrounding the installation of a new archbishop are explained, along with other frequently asked questions. Archbishop-designate Golka prays during Mass in Christ the King Chapel at St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver following his announcement as the sixth Archbishop of Denver. (Photo by Grant Whitty/Denver Catholic) The Installation of Archbishop-designate James Golka as the sixth Archbishop of Denv

Thanks to the faithful witness and presence of volunteers from The Rosary Team, one man decided to become Catholic, the culmination of a seven-decade-long journey. From left to right in the back row, Rosary Team volunteers Judy Demarest, Sean Wynne, Diane Dallin, Dorothy Bustamente. In the front row, Warren and Miguel, two Boulder Canyon residents. (Photo provided) By Teresa Rodriguez Founder & President The Rosary Team "After all of the excitement yesterday, I couldn't fall

Dozens of altar servers joined in the celebration of Deacon Riley Blanchard's ordination to the transitional diaconate. (Photo by Jason Smith/The Things That I See Photography) The 9:30 Mass at St. Mary Parish in Littleton reliably draws a young crowd, but last Sunday’s was a record breaker. More than 60 altar servers lined the front pews as 8 priests and one beloved archbishop concelebrated the ordination Mass of Deacon Riley Blanchard, the first U.S. vocation for the Spanis

The Holy Family Tigers brought home their ninth program title on Saturday, besting rival Kent Denver. (Photo by Brody Vonderhofen, courtesy of Holy Family High School) The girls' basketball team at Holy Family High School in Broomfield might have given up losing for Lent this year, as the Class 4A team took home its ninth program title and second state championship after a 52-46 victory over its old Metropolitan League rival, Kent Denver. After what could have been the most d

During the Jubilee Year of St. Francis, the Catholic Church offers the faithful an opportunity to draw nearer to God through the example of the holy man of Assisi. The Capuchin Franciscans at Annunciation Parish in Denver are excited to welcome pilgrims for the Jubilee Year of St. Francis, currently underway. The Denver parish has been designated a pilgrimage site at which faithful can receive a plenary indulgence, under the typical conditions. (Denver Catholic file photo) On

Denver Catholic sat down with Archbishop-designate Golka ahead of his March 25th Installation as the sixth Archbishop of Denver. Archbishop-designate James Golka will be installed as the sixth Archbishop of Denver on March 25, 2026. ( Denver Catholic file photo) Before being installed as the sixth archbishop of Denver, Archbishop-designate James Golka spoke to the  Denver Catholic  on Feb. 24 in Colorado Springs about his family, faith and vocation. From a large Catholic fa

What can the story of an all-powerful ring, a dark lord, a humble hobbit and his ragtag fellowship of companions teach us about the spiritual realities of the world and the ultimate meaning of life?   Renowned J.R.R. Tolkien scholar Joseph Pearce unlocked the answer to this question and much more in a Feb. 24 private lecture given at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver. Pearce has written three books about Tolkien's life and works, in addition to many others that

On pilgrimage in France, two seminarians and a priest got to know the archdiocese’s earliest shepherds on their home turf.   Father Trevor Lontine, Carl Berner and Luke Metzer, all studying in Rome, went on pilgrimage to France last month, walking in the footsteps of some of Denver's spiritual leaders. (Photo provided) By Carl Berner  Seminarian Archdiocese of Denver  Every priest and seminarian has a “vocation story,” a record of God’s providence over his Church; it tells of

Daily service at the archbishop's side offers a glimpse into a life lived in total surrender to Christ. As Archbishop Aquila's retirement drew near, Father David Hall had the privilege of watching Denver's shepherd follow the Lord in complete surrender, even to the end of his formal ministry. (Photo by Daniel Sasala) By Father David Hall Priest Secretary, 2025—2026 Editor's Note: Over the last almost 14 years, many have gotten to know Archbishop Aquila all across Northern Col

Dr. Shawna Cooper Whitehead, a Boston College leader, brings more than two decades of Catholic higher education leadership to Colorado’s Jesuit university as it nears 150 years.   Regis University in Denver announced Dr. Shawna Cooper Whitehead as its new president Monday. (Photo courtesy of Regis University) In a constantly connected, on-the-go world, the new president of Regis University is seeking to foster deeper connection and community — both on campus and throughout De