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Just as Jesus stooped low to wash the apostles’ feet, Denver’s new archbishop said in his homily during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, each Christian is called, commanded, to love neighbor. Archbishop James Golka washes the feet of a parishioner during his first Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver. (Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) Imagine, for a moment, Jesus’ Last Supper. An evening meal pre-electricity

Denver’s new archbishop encouraged priests to unite themselves to Jesus and called on the faithful to pray for their spiritual fathers during the special archdiocesan liturgy. Denver Archbishop James Golka pours Chrism essence into olive oil before praying a consecration prayer over what will become Sacred Chrism during the annual Chrism Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. (Photo by Anya Semenoff/Denver Catholic) At the start of Holy Week, Archbishop

Denver’s newly installed archbishop shares a powerful reflection on humility, service and evangelization at his first Palm Sunday homily as Northern Colorado’s shepherd. Archbishop James R. Golka blessed palm branches that will be used in procession during Palm Sunday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver. (Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) As the Church begins Holy Week — the most sacred time of the year, which leads up to Jesus’ suffering,

(Photo by André Escaleira, Jr./Denver Catholic) When I began my time in the Diocese of Colorado Springs, I said I was fascinated by Jesus Christ, and I have been for much of my life. What was true then, and what was true in the Scriptures, is only truer today. I am fascinated by the way that Jesus makes himself present in our world today. I am fascinated by Jesus’ words, which echo through the centuries and in your heart and mine. I am fascinated by the way that he loved all

Those who knew him before Denver say the Archdiocese is in good hands. Archbishop James R. Golka knocks on the doors of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver at the beginning of the Mass of Taking Possession of the Cathedral, his last formal liturgical step towards assuming the pastoral responsibility for the Archdiocese of Denver. (Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) Archbishop James R. Golka's first full day leading the Archdiocese of Denver began at

In his first homily as the shepherd of Northern Colorado, the newly installed archbishop called the Church to know Jesus more deeply, listen to his Word and go on mission to preach the Gospel. Newly-installed Archbishop James R. Golka processes out of the CoBank Arena at the National Western Complex following his Installation Mass, in which thousands from across the archdiocese and beyond came together to witness apostolic succession in action, and to pray for their new sheph

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

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

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

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

(Photo by Grant Whitty/Denver Catholic) The Archdiocese of Denver is preparing to celebrate a historic moment in the life of the local Church: the installation of Archbishop-designate James R. Golka as the 6 th Archbishop of Denver.  Clergy, religious and lay faithful from across northern Colorado are invited to gather in prayer and thanksgiving as Archbishop-designate Golka begins his ministry as shepherd of the archdiocese.  Registration is now open for those who wish to a

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

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila and Archbishop-designate James Golka pray together in Christ the King Chapel at St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver. (Photo by André Escaleira, Jr.) This last year, the world watched as the cardinals gathered in Rome for the election of a new pope, the 267 th  bishop of Rome. New York recently received a new archbishop, and Denver is preparing for one as well. We are witnessing apostolic succession in action, extending an unbroken chain of bishops

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

Archbishop-designate James Golka welcomes a student to school at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School in Denver after blessing a religious bracelet. (Photo by André Escaleira, Jr.) As students at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School in Denver shuffled their way through the school gates, some still wiping the sleep from their eyes, they were met with a bit of a surprise — even before the Monday morning school bell trilled. Dropping by to welcome students as they arrived were Den

By Neil McDonough and André Escaleira, Jr. On Saturday, February 7, the Vatican announced that Pope Leo had accepted Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila's request to retire and had named Most Reverend James R. Golka , currently Bishop of Colorado Springs, as the sixth Archbishop of Denver. Later that morning, the archbishop-designate was introduced to the faithful of Northern Colorado in a press conference held at the Cardinal Stafford Library at St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver

On Saturday, February 7, the Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV had accepted Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila's request to retire and had appointed Most Reverend James R. Golka , currently Bishop of Colorado Springs, as the sixth Archbishop of Denver. That same morning, the Archdiocese of Denver hosted a press conference to introduce Northern Colorado's newest shepherd at the Cardinal Stafford Library at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver. In the conference, Archbi

On Saturday, February 7, Pope Leo XIV accepted Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila's request to retire and appointed Bishop James R. Golka, currently Bishop of the Diocese of Colorado Springs, as the Archdiocese of Denver's sixth archbishop. (Photo by Daniel Petty/Denver Catholic) “If we don’t pray first, we’re going to be lost. So let’s pray,” Denver’s next archbishop began on the morning of Feb. 7.  Mere hours before, the Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV had accepted Archbishop