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Inspired by the Good Samaritan and founded by Denver Archbishop James V. Casey, the nation’s first purpose-built homeless shelter continues answering Christ's call to love neighbors through faithful acts of compassion. Father Barnabas Eichor, O.F.M. Cap., celebrated a special 40th anniversary Mass for Samaritan House in Denver. (Photo by André Escaleira, Jr./Denver Catholic) The country’s first homeless shelter designed as such is turning 40, with a humble yet impactful cele

Catholic Charities volunteers help Father Kevin Kasel (right) move to his new parish in Arvada. (Photo provided) Every summer, priests throughout the Archdiocese of Denver receive new parish assignments, beginning a new chapter in their ministry. While these transitions bring exciting opportunities to serve new communities, they also entail a practical challenge that often goes unnoticed: the move from one rectory to another. This year, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese o

(Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities) Every day, people across the Archdiocese of Denver come to St. Raphael Counseling seeking hope. They arrive carrying anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship struggles and other challenges, and they find compassionate professionals who accompany them on the path to healing. Now, St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities, is inviting experienced licensed mental health professionals to become part of that mission. As a ministry

Denver Archbishop James V. Casey broke ground on what would become Samaritan House Denver in 1985, his final major act as archbishop. (Photo by James Baca, Archdiocese of Denver Archives) A new banner now hangs over the entrance to Samaritan House in downtown Denver. 40 Years of Hope. 1986–2026. For many, it marks the anniversary of one of Colorado's best-known ministries. But for the Catholic Church in Northern Colorado, it represents something much deeper: forty years of an

From the Domínguez-Escalante Expedition to Archbishop James Golka, God has faithfully guided the Catholic Church in Colorado through every generation. As Archbishop James Golka took possession of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver on March 26, 2026, he reflected on God's mission for the Archdiocese of Denver — ever ancient, ever new — and invited the faithful to live it today. (Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) By Father Scott Bailey Pastor Rise

(Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities) Every child who arrives at Catholic Charities Samaritan House gets to choose a stuffed animal. It may seem like a small thing. But for a frightened child entering an unfamiliar place, that stuffed teddy bear, bunny or puppy often becomes a sign that someone cares. It becomes a friend to hug at bedtime, someone to hold during difficult moments and a comforting reminder that they are created in the image and likeness of God. That simple ac

(Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities) In just a few short months, a group of Colorado Catholics will set out on a remarkable journey of faith, endurance and service. On October 4, 2026, twelve cyclists from Samaritan Cycling USA will dip their bicycle tires into the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, California, before beginning a nearly 3,000-mile ride across the United States. Forty-five days later, they will arrive in St. Augustine, Florida, having crossed the country one mile a

The St. Raphael Counseling team stands ready to support children, adults and families with mental health care from a Catholic perspective. (Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities) Mental health challenges are touching more individuals and families than ever before. From children navigating anxiety and learning differences to couples working through relationship struggles and adults facing depression, grief or major life transitions, the need for compassionate, accessible care c

Team Samaritan Calls Colorado Catholics to Ride, Run and Serve Team Samaritan gathers for a group photo before Ride the Rockies. (Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities) As the days grow longer and Colorado begins to show off its best summer weather, many people are looking for new ways to get outside, stay active and connect with others. Team Samaritan offers the perfect opportunity to do all three, while making a real difference for those experiencing homelessness in our comm

(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