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John Adams by Gilbert Stuart, c. 1800. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain) Having recently lamented in this space that book reading is on life support in these United States, I find myself in the awkward position of recommending a made-for-television series as good preparation for the nation’s 250 th birthday, which will soon be upon us. In fact, though, if you’re going to do just one thing over the next six months to recollect what a marvel the birth of this country

Personal witness highlights the beauty and urgency of the diaconate in today’s Church. (Photo provided) Three deacons from the Archdiocese of Denver addressed a packed breakout session at the SEEK26 conference, sharing their journeys from their call to the diaconate to their ordination to their daily living the heart of the servant. The gathering was part of the Archdiocesan Diaconate Office’s efforts to raise awareness of the diaconal vocation and the beginning of a new part

'Schools are the most hopeful mission field in the Catholic church today.’ Liam Gallagher, executive director of Cabrini Teaching Fellows, speaks to prospective new teachers. (Photo provided) By Jay Sorgi Catholic schools have always had an intrinsic mission of educating young people in our faith, but Denver Catholic Schools are taking that mission to the next level. Together with the Cabrini Teaching Fellows , members of the Catholic school community took the annual SEEK con

Father William Clemence reflects on the urgency of evangelization and RM’s role in preparing priests who can meet the moment, both locally and around the world. Seminarians at Redemptoris Mater Archdiocesan Missionary Seminary are formed with a missionary charism, ready to preach the Gospel anywhere in the world. (Photo by Grant Whitty) Catholics frequently discuss evangelization in conversation, during Mass readings, homilies and theological discussions. But what does it loo

With nearly 6,000 attendees, the conference becomes fertile ground for listening to God. (Photo courtesy of FOCUS) With a unique opportunity to raise awareness of vocations among thousands of young men and women, the Archdiocesan Vocations Office manned a booth at SEEK 26, sparking conversations with those considering God’s will for their lives. The multi-day, annual Catholic evangelization conference, hosted by FOCUS, was held from January 1 to 5 at the Gaylord Rockies Resor

A talk given at the Denver conference asks us all to seek out our calling within the Catholic Church (Photo by André Escaleira, Jr.) By Jay Sorgi He started by taking an ever-growing fire for Christ in people’s hearts, and voicing the questions, “What's my role in this? What part is God asking me to play?” Archdiocesan Chief Mission Officer and Superintendent Dr. Scott Elmer took a talk at Denver’s SEEK conference on Saturday and made it a personal challenge to discern and di

As the annual FOCUS conference began on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, the Denver archbishop encouraged the thousands gathered to ponder with Mary and grow in faith, identity and mission. (Photo courtesy of FOCUS) As one year closes, another begins. And this year has begun with a bang, as thousands of faithful descended upon the Mile High City on Thursday from across the United States for FOCUS’ annual SEEK conference. This year’s conference, hosted simultaneously in C

(Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain) By Father Sean Conroy When the Church canonizes a saint, it isn’t merely adding another name to the litany; it’s affirming that holiness can blossom in our own time. I had the immense gift of attending the canonization of Pier Giorgio Frassati this Jubilee Year, and I can only describe the experience as a taste of Heaven. He was canonized a saint on the centenary of his death, yet to me, he is a friend whom I often talk to and seek h

As tens of thousands of Catholics gathered for SEEK 2026 across Denver, Columbus and Fort Worth, they were united not only by worship and fellowship, but by a special message from the Successor of Peter himself. In a recorded video address shared with conference attendees, Pope Leo XIV offered words of encouragement, prayer and hope to the participants taking part in the national conference hosted by FOCUS. The Holy Father’s message resonated deeply with the conference’s the

This year’s January 3–4 collection helps provide essential care for the sisters, brothers and priests who shaped our faith. (Photo by Jim Judkis. © 2025 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Used by permission) Every year, Catholics across the Archdiocese of Denver unite to support women and men whose quiet sacrifices shaped the Church in the United States: our aging religious sisters, brothers and religious order priests. This year’s Retirement Fund for Religious col

Bishop Rodríguez pointed to Jesus, Mary and Joseph as the model for Christian life as he closed the Jubilee Year of Hope. (Photo by Grant Whitty/Denver Catholic) By Grant Whitty As the faithful settled into pews before Mass on the last Sunday of 2025, a seminarian stood waiting at the back of the Cathedral, under the red and yellow canopy of the Cathedral Basilica's umbrellino.  “I am sure you all know the symbolism behind the umbrellino  and bell [formally, the tintinnabulum

(Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities) Before the first guest steps into the dining room, before the clatter of utensils, the hum of conversation and the warmth of a shared meal, quiet, holy preparation takes place in the kitchen at Samaritan House Fort Collins, a shelter for women and families experiencing homelessness. The lights flick on early as Terry, the kitchen supervisor, ties her apron and checks the day’s plan. The ovens warm, a pot simmers on the stove and her team

(Photo: Unsplash) Twenty years ago, I published a small book, The Cube and the Cathedral: Europe, America, and Politics Without God. It enjoyed a fair sale, got translated into French, Spanish, Polish, Italian, Portuguese, and Hungarian, and was named a FOREIGN AFFAIRS  Bestseller. In it, I argued that Europe was experiencing a crisis of “civilizational morale,” evident in sclerotic governmental bureaucracies, an unwillingness to contribute appropriately to the defense of the

(Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities) At just 23 years old, Juliana has lived through more challenges than many face in a lifetime. Her journey has been shaped by hardship and resilience and by a growing belief that God is not finished with her story. “I’ve never been in a shelter before, and I came to Marisol Homes after running away from work release. I’m currently on probation, but I’m committed to turning my life around,” Juliana shared. Her path has not been easy. At 15

A Colorado Catholic artist explains the symbolism behind sacred icons, especially those depicting Mary, and invites us to step into the divine mystery. Our Lady of the Sign from Yaroslavl, Kiev School, c. 1114. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain) So, what is an icon actually? I give talks all around the country on the topic, so if you don’t know what an icon is, please know that you are not alone! I get asked this question often. Simply put, icon means “image.” In the

(Photo: Lightstock) Looking for a way to go into the new year with some extra grace? Did you know the Church offers TWO chances for plenary indulgences as we ring in the New Year? New Year’s Eve The first opportunity comes on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, as we reflect on all God has done in 2025 and prepare for a new year — a Jubilee Year! For those who publicly recite the Te Deum , a plenary indulgence is granted under the normal conditions detailed below. The Te Deum  is a trad

(Photo: Lightstock) Christmas Eve and Christmas Day have come and gone, but the celebrations continue! “After the annual celebration of the Paschal Mystery, the Church has no more ancient custom than celebrating the memorial of the Nativity of the Lord and of his first manifestations, and this takes place in Christmas time,” read the Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year and the General Roman Calendar (32). The ancient commemoration of the birth of our Lord and Savior resoun

What a day! Jesus Christ is born for us! He's come to rescue us, to save us! And that changes EVERYTHING. Alleluia! As we celebrate this great, blessed day — the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ! — Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila wishes us a most blessed day and season. He prays that the Child Jesus pours forth every good gift, most especially the grace of closeness to him, to the Father and to the Holy Spirit, today, throughout the Christmas season and in each moment of our liv

Gustavus III Attending Christmas Mass in 1783, in St Peter's, Rome, Louis Jean Dezprez. (Photo: Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons) By Hung Pham Director of Liturgy for the Archdiocese of Denver  While most liturgical celebrations have one Mass, certain solemnities may have two different Masses: a Vigil Mass and a Mass for the Day. However, the celebration of Christmas is unique. For the Nativity of the Lord, the Church gives us four different Masses to celebrate: the Vigil Mass

"No matter how many times the Church seems destined for destruction, or at least precipitous decline, Christ is born anew in the world." St. John Paul II looks out over a massive crowd gathered for World Youth Day Denver 1993. Throughout his papacy, the saintly pontiff signaled a "new springtime," a New Evangelization for the Catholic Church in the twenty-first century, one filled with hope. (Denver Catholic file photo) “Remember that you were at that time separated from Chri