(Photo provided) By Forest Barnette The year is 1912. A tired but determined Italian immigrant sits across from a Coloradan carpenter. Though the mid-April chill doesn’t betray it, a summer heat fast approaches the Rocky Mountain foothills — and there is much to do. Together, this mismatched pair draws up plans to house local orphan girls for the third consecutive summer camp hosted by a fledgling religious order. The head of that community sits at this table against all

(Denver Catholic file photo) It is with deep sorrow, yet firm hope in the Resurrection, that the Archdiocese of Denver announces the passing of Deacon Pablo Simon Salas, who entered eternal life on February 27, 2026, at the age of 79, surrounded by his loving family. Deacon Salas was born on May 10, 1946, in Matamoros, Mexico, to Pablo Salas and Hermelinda Miranda. He was baptized on March 27, 1947, at Our Lady of Refuge Parish in Matamoros. When he was seven years old, his f

The Archdiocese of Denver announced Thursday that Robert Golka, the father of Archbishop-designate James Golka, had passed. The 92-year-old Nebraska native was known for his loving fatherhood, profound faith and deep care for his family. As the Golka family grieves his loss, only two months after the passing of Archbishop-designate Golka's mother, Patricia, the Archdiocese invites the faithful to pray fervently for them in this difficult time. Read more from the Colorado Cath

Hundreds of Catholic school students gathered for a bittersweet tradition before the archbishop’s retirement. (Photo by Neil McDonough/Denver Catholic) By Tracy Seul It’s a rite of passage for fifth graders across the archdiocese. Every year, Catholic schools bring hundreds of students to a special Mass with Archbishop Aquila at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver. But this year's Masses were bittersweet, as they marked the last time Archbishop Aquil

(Photo provided) At St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Parish , Eymi Nava serves faithfully as the young adult ministry coordinator, guiding others in their walk with God just as she was once guided herself. Her journey of discipleship began years ago when, as a twelve-year-old, she joined a youth group that deeply shaped her faith. “It helped me get to know the Lord,” she recalled. “The young people around me supported me so much, and now I want to do the same for others.”

(Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) The faithful of Northern Colorado are warmly invited to join the Archdiocese of Denver for a Mass of Thanksgiving in honor of Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, as the local Church gathers in prayer and gratitude for his nearly 14 years of faithful service as shepherd of the archdiocese. The Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, March 22, at 2:30 p.m. at Light of the World Parish, located at 10306 W. Bowles Avenue in Littleton. This Mass offers the

Seminarians, priests and faithful reflect on the life of a beloved St. John Vianney Seminary rector. Faithful from around the archdiocese gathered to pray for and honor Monsignor Michael Glenn in what will become an annual Mass. (Photo by Kaylee Stoll/Denver Catholic) By Kaylee Stoll The Gospel message rang throughout the church: "Well done, good and faithful servant." It felt only appropriate that this be the theme of the memorial Mass for Monsignor Michael Glenn on Saturd

This man in black is forming young men through faith, discipline and Friday night lights at one Denver Catholic high school. Brother Andrew Brebeuf of the Servants of Christ Jesus strives to form young men in faith and football. (Photo provided) By Ryan Brady On Friday nights at Mullen High School in Denver, under the stadium lights, it is not unusual to see a black cassock pacing the sideline. Parents from opposing teams sometimes do a double-take. Players from public school

(Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) A man of prayer. A father to his flock. A faithful apostle. A rock-solid shepherd. That's how those who know Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila well describe him. On February 7, 2026, Archbishop Aquila’s request to retire was accepted by Pope Leo XIV. At the same time, it was announced that Bishop James R. Golka of the Diocese of Colorado Springs would take the helm of the Denver Archdiocese, serving as its ninth bishop and sixth archbi

(Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, In this farewell letter to you, I want to share some of the gifts I have received as a priest, bishop, and disciple of Jesus, in serving him and the faithful he has brought into my life throughout the years. The gifts are far too many, undeserved and not earned. They fill my heart with wonder and gratitude to the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and to Mary as my mother, as I call them to mind. I a

A new teacher housing and training program launching this year in the archdiocese Photo by Anya Semenoff/Wellspring Catholic Academy of St. Bernadette By Liam Gallagher Executive Director Cabrini Teaching Fellows On January 30, 2024, Archbishop Aquila issued a decree establishing the Cabrini Teaching Fellows in the Archdiocese of Denver, directing it to “form teachers to be better prepared to deliver an education imbued with Christian Spirit [and] grounded in the principles o

From Down syndrome to autism, these altar servers are deepening reverence and reshaping hearts in Denver. Michael Martin holds the book for Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila during a family Baptism. (Photo courtesy of the Martin family) By Matt Walker Parents are proud — even joyful — when their child is on the altar serving at Mass. When an altar server has special needs, the sense of joy has a way of spreading beyond just their parents. By demonstrating reverence for God

Our Lady of the Valley's mentor-based marriage prep program forms newlyweds in faith, communication and community. A couple at Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Windsor celebrates their 50th anniversary, receiving a special blessing from the parish clergy. (Photo courtesy of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Windsor) By Joe Donelson "With this program as good as it is, I just want to share it,” said Karen Boglioli, director of marriage and family life at Our Lady of the Valley (O

Children play on the courtyard at Samaritan House. (Photo provided) Most Coloradans know at least a little something about Samaritan House. Located in Denver, it became a staple in 1986 and made history as the first building in the nation designed specifically as a homeless shelter. Since that time, thousands of people have found safe shelter, nutritious meals and supportive services within its walls. Today, Samaritan House primarily serves women, families and veterans experi

Denver's annual Rite of Election on the First Sunday of Lent saw 200 more catechumens than last year — a 35% rise — pointing to a marked increase in curiosity towards the Church, especially among the young. Hundreds — 200 more than last year — gathered for the annual Rite of Election at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception on Feb. 21. The ceremony is an ancient one marking the formal beginning of the final stretch of preparation before entering the Church at th

Each journey to the priesthood began with a different question and a different apostolate, but the same Lord. Dominic Borchers, Tommy Myers and Will Ives, seminarians at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver, came to discern their vocations through their work at various Catholic apostolates. (Denver Catholic photo) Each person who commits themselves to a life of Catholic mission comes to that point through a unique journey, whether it’s a calling to marriage, single

In his first media appearance in Northern Colorado since his announcement as the sixth Archbishop of Denver, Archbishop-designate Golka talked faith, family, discernment, prayer and evangelization. Archbishop-designate James Golka emphasized a deep trust in God, rooted in a profound prayer life, during his first media appearance in Northern Colorado since his announcement as the sixth Archbishop of Denver. (Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) When asked what he would say to t

A Walburga nun works on a Paschal Candle, which will be blessed and dedicated on the Easter Vigil. These holy candles burn at liturgies throughout the Easter season, at Baptisms and funerals, as a symbol of the light of Christ, even amid darkness. (Photo provided) There's a small but growing group of women who've dedicated their lives to Jesus Christ on the Colorado-Wyoming border. The Benedictine nuns of the Abbey of St. Walburga largely fly under the radar, having vowed to

At a special Mass of thanksgiving, the Catholic faithful gathered with their shepherd to express deep gratitude ahead of his upcoming retirement. Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila blesses and greets the faithful at the end of a Mass of Thanksgiving at Queen of Peace Parish in Aurora. (Photo by Juan Andrés Coriat) Last Saturday, members of the local Hispanic community gave thanks for and honored the ministry of Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila during an emotional Mass and celebrat

(Photo: Unsplash) After months of dedicated effort, three ballot initiatives backed by the Catholic Church in Colorado are heading to the Colorado Secretary of State’s office for review and eventual inclusion in the November 2026 ballot. Proposition 109, “The Protect Women and Girls’ Sports Act,” garnered over 170,000 signatures and aims to designate sports as male, female or co-ed, thereby protecting women and girls’ private spaces. Proposition 110, “The Protect Children fro