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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

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 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

An invitation to encounter Jesus through the sacraments, prayer and community, finding Christ's personal love amid the crowds. (Photo by Josh Applegate, courtesy of FOCUS) Piercing through the crowd, his eyes meet mine. Even though the spotlight illuminates the monstrance and I kneel hidden in the shadows behind hundreds of adorers, I find myself held by the Lord’s gaze in a moment just between us.   Like he noticed the hemorrhaging woman despite the crowd pressing in on him

The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, decorated for Christmas. (Photo provided) On Christmas Day, Catholics around the world gather in churches to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ — the Word made flesh, born for our salvation. For many, this joyful gathering around the altar is the heart of Christmas. Yet for some members of our community — the elderly, the sick, and those truly unable to leave their homes — attending Mass in person is not possible

Prayer, philanthropy and community are fueling a long-awaited, region-wide effort to meet worship needs in a booming community. Behind the scenes of a massive effort to build two new churches in the Rocky Mountains stands a dedicated group of faithful Catholics. From left to right: Steve and Janet Burmeister, Father José María Quera, Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila and Alba and Reynaldo Padilla. Not pictured: Bob Boselli and Jenn Bruno. (Photo provided) The Catholic faith

Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila blessed and rededicated the renovated church at All Souls Parish in Englewood on Saturday, the culmination of a decades-long desire to renew the parish community. (Photo by Joe Donelson) By Joe Donelson This past Sunday, on the Feast of St. Lucy, All Souls Parish in Englewood reopened its doors to the neighborhood, unveiling a newly renovated place of worship. With Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila in attendance for the dedication of the altar and

FOCUS Founder Curtis Martin announced his retirement from the role of FOCUS CEO, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. (Photo: FOCUS) Curtis Martin, founder of FOCUS, has announced he is stepping down as CEO after nearly three decades of leadership, marking a significant transition for one of the most influential Catholic evangelization ministries in the Church today.  Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila offered the following statement upon the announcement:  “I am deeply grateful for the many year

(Photo by Rachel Moore, courtesy of FOCUS) When the calendar turns to a new year, thousands of Catholics, from college students to grandparents, parish leaders to young families, will begin 2026 not with resolutions, but with a pilgrimage of the heart. From January 1 to 5, the Archdiocese of Denver will welcome one of the largest Catholic gatherings in the country: SEEK 2026, the annual evangelization conference hosted by FOCUS. For decades, SEEK has been a catalyst for conv

Father Joseph LaJoie celebrates "Mass on the Grass" at Colorado State University, a RamCatholic tradition in the fall semester. (Photo courtesy of St. John XXIII Parish's Facebook) By Sarah Mendus Across the street from Colorado State University in Fort Collins sits St. John XXIII Parish, the beloved home of RamCatholic and its many CSU student members. Since 2022, the community has been shepherded by Father Joseph LaJoie, a pastor known for his classic rock references and hi

(Denver Catholic file photo) The Archdiocese of Denver has issued the following statement addressed to the faithful regarding the public activity of Mr. Charlie Johnston, to alert the community and avoid confusion about his status within the Church. The complete statement follows below, printed in full: The Archdiocese of Denver is issuing this alert to reiterate that, as stated in years past, it does not recognize Charlie Johnston or the website corac.co  as authoritative so

(Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities) As Advent draws near and families prepare their homes for Christmas, many parents in our own community are quietly struggling with a basic yet overwhelming need: diapers. For families facing financial hardship, diapers are more than an expense. They can be the dividing line between stability and crisis. Marisol Family, a ministry of Catholic Charities, is once again running its annual Diaper Drive to meet this urgent need. The organizati

Deacon Juan Diego de María Gómez Jiménez was ordained a deacon on Sunday by Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila. (Photo by Juan Andrés Coriat) In a moving Eucharistic celebration surrounded by family, friends and parishioners at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in Denver, Brother Juan Diego de María Gómez Jiménez, a Cleric Regular Theatine, was ordained a deacon on Sunday, Dec. 7.  Although Brother Juan had felt a special connection to the Church and to the idea of a religious vocation s

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila and representatives from the Archdiocese of Denver, Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Parish and STEM School, SHEA Family Charities and others ceremonially break ground on the new building at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic STEM School in Wheat Ridge. (Photo by Neil McDonough) On a bright December morning in Wheat Ridge, the schoolyard at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic STEM School bustled with excitement. Students gathered in their uniforms, families pressed

With Father Mike Schmitz as the keynote speaker, Seeds of Hope celebrated its mission to form young disciples and the families whose lives are transformed. As the keynote speaker, Father Mike Schmitz reflected on the necessity of Catholic education and its role in making disciples of Jesus. (Photo provided) By Jay Sorgi The Denver Tech Center was abuzz with activity late last month, as hundreds of supporters of local Catholic education gathered for the annual Evening of Hope,

Auxiliary Bishop Jorge Rodríguez with graduates and program administrators following Mass at Sacred Heart Parish in Denver. (Photo by Juan Andrés Coriat) The most recent graduating class from the online degree program offered by Centro San Juan Diego, a ministry of Catholic Charities, in partnership with the Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP), celebrated their graduation on Friday, Nov. 21. The ceremony reaffirmed the impact of this initiative on Denver

At a special Immaculate Conception Mass celebrated for migrants, the archbishop urged the faithful to reject political rhetoric and reclaim a biblical vision of human dignity. On the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila called the Church to remember and honor the dignity of every human person, especially migrants. (Photo by Grant Whitty) By Grant Whitty Church bells tolled through the Capitol Hill neighborhood as religious, seminarians an

(Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” Luke 1:35 As we begin Advent, the Church once again enters a season filled with quiet expectation and profound mystery. We contemplate Christ’s first coming in Bethlehem, even as we look ahead to his glorious return. Yet before the manger and the angels, before the shepherds and the star, there was a moment hidden from the world: the overshadowing of