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With sorrow, yet with firm confidence in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Archdiocese of Denver commends to the mercy of God Deacon Michael “Mike” Bunch, who passed away on March 19, 2026, at the age of 76, after a courageous battle with cancer. He died peacefully at his home in Lakewood, in the presence of his beloved wife.  Deacon Bunch was ordained to the diaconate on June 12, 2004, by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput. From that day forward, he lived his vocation as a ser

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

The annual convocation became a moment of unity and gratitude as the archbishop and his deacons reflected on years of ministry and personal connection. This year's annual deacons' convocation was punctuated by a deep spirit of joy, laughter and gratitude, as brother deacons from across the archdiocese gathered with one another and with Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila one final time before his retirement. (Photo by Kaylee Stoll/Denver Catholic) The annual deacons’ convocati

Dozens of altar servers joined in the celebration of Deacon Riley Blanchard's ordination to the transitional diaconate. (Photo by Jason Smith/The Things That I See Photography) The 9:30 Mass at St. Mary Parish in Littleton reliably draws a young crowd, but last Sunday’s was a record breaker. More than 60 altar servers lined the front pews as 8 priests and one beloved archbishop concelebrated the ordination Mass of Deacon Riley Blanchard, the first U.S. vocation for the Spanis

37 deacons and 4 priests came together to launch what organizers say might be the first diocesan-sponsored clergy peer support program in the nation. (Photo provided) When Deacon Ernie Martinez took on his role as director of deacons for the Archdiocese of Denver three years ago, he brought with him an insight few clergy possess: 40 years of experience with the Denver Police Department, where he witnessed firsthand how peer support could save lives. That experience has now tr

Archdiocesan deacons gather for Deacon Day at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Northglenn in 2023. (Photo by Daniel Petty/Denver Catholic) Here’s a list of all the new deacon assignments for the Archdiocese of Denver, including deacons being reassigned to new parishes and deacon retirements. Deacons Assigned to New Parishes Deacon Joseph Crotty,  Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Broomfield, effective September 14, 2025,  ad nutum archiepiscopi .   Deacon Roberto Cuevas,  Ascen

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

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

Deacon Mark Leonard, the Archdiocese's new associate director of deacons, prays the Rosary while walking in the recent pro-life procession around Planned Parenthood in Denver. (Photo by André Escaleira, Jr.) When Deacon Mark Leonard and his wife, Joanna, packed up their home in New Mexico to move to Denver, they did so for a familiar reason — family. Their daughter, her husband, and their grandchildren had settled here, and the Leonards wanted to be close. But as God often do

Through his nearly 50 years of ministry, the deacon at Guardian Angels Parish in North Denver gives witness to the power of one “yes” at a time. 90-year-old Deacon Henry Sandoval is still serving the Church with joy, after decades of faithful, loving ministry. (Photos provided) Deacon Henry Sandoval used to say no to God decades ago, but for nearly 50 years, he’s learned that he doesn’t know how to utter that word to his Savior. “You can't say no. I can't do it,” he said. Now

Deacons from across the archdiocese gathered to honor their deceased brothers in the Annual Deacon Memorial Mass at Mount Olivet Catholic...

Twelve men were ordained to the diaconate by Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila on Saturday, June 14, at the Cathedral Basilica of the...

(Photo by Ryan Brady) By Deacon Ernie Martinez Director of Deacons, Archdiocese of Denver The Archdiocese of Denver recently hosted a...

2024 marks the 50th Jubilee of the Permanent Diaconate here in the Archdiocese of Denver. Through preaching, service, worship and prayer,...

Here’s a list of the latest permanent deacon appointments for the Archdiocese of Denver, effective July 1, 2024. Deacons reappointed...

2024 marks the 50th Jubilee of the Permanent Diaconate here in the Archdiocese of Denver. Through preaching, service, worship and...

“It’s essential that your marriages stand out,” Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila told nine men who were ordained to the permanent diaconate...

Deacon Chris Byrne of Sacred Heart of Jesus parish in Boulder shares his story about his path to the diaconate and its importance to him.

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 25: Ordination of Deacons at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception on January 25, 2014, in Denver,...