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(Photo: Lightstock) By Randall Vette, PsyD St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities The most repeated phrase in all of Sacred Scripture is some variation of “Do not be afraid.” Apparently, the divine author knows what we need to hear because the most common mental health issue, by far, is anxiety — a fear-based emotion that becomes excessive. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 19.1% of U.S. adults experience clinical symptoms of anxiety annua

Pro-life advocates gather in Denver to promote a culture of life rooted in Christ, compassion and support for mothers and children. The 2026 Colorado March for Life was nearly overshadowed by cloud, snow, cold and the world's challenges. Instead, marchers were rooted in a spirit of joy and hope. (Photo by André Escaleira, Jr./Denver Catholic) “Cold, snow, wind!” “Bless the Lord!” “The gift of human life.” “Bless the Lord!” The meteorologically appropriate revision of Daniel 3

Archbishop James R. Golka spoke at Marisol Services' SonRISE Men's Breakfast on April 2, 2026, supporting the ministry's pro-life mission. (Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities) The SonRise Men’s Breakfast — an annual gathering uniting men in faith, fellowship and purpose in support of Marisol Services — carried particular significance this year with the presence of Archbishop James R. Golka. The event marked his first appearance at a Catholic Charities gathering since his In

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

(Photo provided) Catholic Charities of Denver and Save the Storks have officially launched the Marisol Health Mobile, a state-of-the-art clinic on wheels that will bring free, life-affirming healthcare directly to women and families across the Denver metro area. The new mobile clinic — funded through a more than $700,000 grant from Save the Storks and additional contributions from Marisol Health donors — marks Save the Storks’ 106th mobile medical clinic nationwide and the fi

Darren Walsh, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of Denver, and Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila at the Beacon of Hope gala in 2022. (Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities of Denver) By Darren Walsh President & CEO Catholic Charities of Denver As we welcome our new archbishop, I have been reflecting on the leadership of Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila and, just as importantly, on the friendship and steady support he has offered Catholic Charities of Denver over so many years. Arch

Let Lent lead us into love through Catholic Charities. Catholic Charities offers several opportunities to get involved and give back this Lent, from Fort Collins to the Denver Metro, from the Western Slope to your own neighborhood. (Photo provided) Lent arrives every year like an invitation, quiet but impossible to ignore. The ashes on our foreheads remind us that life is brief, and love is meant to be shared widely. You may be thinking about what to give up, but Lent also as

(Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities) On any given Tuesday or Thursday, a quiet but powerful work of mercy unfolds inside Samaritan House in downtown Denver. In a space unlike most pediatric clinics, children who are experiencing housing insecurity receive medical and behavioral health care free of charge in an environment designed to honor their dignity and support their families. Through a life-affirming partnership with Every Child Pediatrics, Samaritan House is home to o

(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

(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

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

(Photo: Adobe Stock) By Michelle Connor Harris, Psy.D. Executive Director St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities Bring to mind your best Christmas memory. Was it receiving a particular gift that you longed for? Decorating the Christmas tree? Maybe it was baking Christmas cookies with your mom and getting to lick the last bit of frosting from the spatula. If you’re a parent, perhaps you recall the giddy anticipation of your children on Christmas Eve and their

(Photo: Unsplash) Something special is happening in Colorado. This year, WalletHub ranked our state the 6th most charitable in the nation — climbing two spots from last year. That means Coloradans are not only giving back, they’re giving more than ever before. It’s no surprise to those who live here: we see generosity happen every day in mountain towns, suburbs and city streets across the Front Range. Giving is simply part of who we are. We shovel our neighbor’s driveway afte

As we break open our piggy banks to give gifts this season, here are 15 ways to give a gift with lasting impact right here in Northern Colorado. (Photo: Unsplash) As Advent begins and we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, Giving Tuesday offers a chance to pause, look around our own communities and ask: How can I share the love I’ve received? Every year, this global day of generosity invites people to support causes that matter. But here in Northern Colorado, Catholi

By Lisa Smith, MA St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities When we face the loss of someone we love, our hearts often struggle to make sense of what feels impossible to bear. At St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities, we witness this sacred space every day: where pain, love and faith meet in the human heart. It’s in this space that healing begins, and where God quietly reminds us that even in our sorrow, we are never alone. Recently, during o

(Photo provided) For longtime Colorado native Jerry Fitzgerald, faith and pro-life convictions have always gone hand in hand. “I’ve always had a strong passion against abortion and for the protection of life,” he said, when asked what drew him to Marisol Health, a ministry of Catholic Charities that provides life-affirming care for women. Jerry’s journey with Marisol began a year ago through prayer. He regularly joined others outside of Planned Parenthood for Mass, Rosaries a

How to talk with our parents — and ourselves — about death with love, sensitivity and faith (Photo: Lightstock) By Lisa Smith, MA, LPCC Outpatient Therapist St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities Death is one of life’s few certainties, yet one of the hardest realities to face. Even as people of faith who believe in eternal life, many of us struggle to confront our own mortality — or the thought of losing our parents. Pope Francis once said, “Death is not t

(Photo by Ryan Brady) Nearly 150 high school students from across the Archdiocese of Denver gathered at St. Mary Parish in Littleton for the 2025 Pro-Life High School Symposium, hosted by Respect Life Denver, a ministry of Catholic Charities, and St. Mary’s Respect Life group. The day offered students a chance to grow in faith, courage and authentic love through the theme “Rise Up: Love Deeply, Live Boldly.” Both Catholic and non-Catholic pro-life students attended, represent

(Photo provided) For nearly 30 years, Catholic Charities’ Adopt-A-Family program has matched compassionate donors like you with families, seniors and individuals who need a little extra help during the holidays. In partnership with you, we provide Christmas gifts and hope to those served through our ministries — families nominated by our Catholic Charities team who are working hard to build brighter futures. Yesenia, a mother of two and participant in Marisol Family, knows ju