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Part Eight: Once the person being accompanied has accepted the Kerygma, the saving news of the Gospel, they need to meet Jesus. Teens encounter Jesus in the Eucharist during the annual Steubenville of the Rockies youth conference in Denver. (Photo by Allison McCullough) Editor's Note: This column is part of a yearlong series on evangelization, breaking down what often feels like a tall order into real, practical, actionable steps towards intentional accompaniment. Part One: A

As pilgrims return from Rome after accompanying Archbishop James Golka as he received his pallium from Pope Leo XIV, they are filled with a spirit of faith, gratitude and mission. Pilgrims take one last group photo following a farewell dinner after a week of pilgrimage around Rome. (Photo provided) There’s plenty to do when returning from a trip. Where did I put my house keys? How do I even start doing all this laundry? Do I really have to unpack my suitcases? Post-pilgrimage

(Photos by André Escaleira, Jr./Denver Catholic) As I knelt surrounded by statues of saints at today’s Mass for the feast of the Holy Roman Martyrs, something resonated in a way it hadn’t before: it’s a blessing to remain “in the boat,” in the Church. Now, before you scoff too loudly or rage-quit this reflection, let me clarify: the Church is very human; she and her members have caused real harm. But she is also divine, instituted by Jesus and promised his presence always. It

From Catholic education to OCIA and outreach ministry, this Disciple of the Month’s life reflects a grateful response to God's love and a desire to help others encounter Christ. Rita Niblack is July 2026's Disciple of the Month. (Photo by Father Daniel Ciucci) When Rita Niblack looks back on her decades of ministry, she sees a series of invitations from the Lord: opportunities that appeared before her and simple acts of saying “yes.” Those opportunities have included serving

The Holy Father conferred the pallium on 35 archbishops from around the world, including Northern Colorado’s shepherd, at St. Peter’s Basilica on the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. (First photo by Lola Gomez/CNS; All other photos by André Escaleira, Jr./Denver Catholic) Kneeling in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Denver Archbishop James Golka took up a new mantle as he received the pallium from Pope Leo XIV. Traditionally conferred on the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, th

(Photos by André Escaleira, Jr.) We started our day with some free time, which meant that I had the chance to see Pope Leo — an opportunity I couldn’t pass up! When Pope Leo appeared in the window, the energy was electric. The Vicar of Christ, the world’s spiritual father, an American, was right there! As he spoke, I couldn’t help but tear up: his message called us to love more devotedly, more freely, more generously, even as Mary did — she who loved Jesus, even knowing she w

(Photos by André Escaleira, Jr.) We’ve been in Rome three days now, and they’ve been filled with holy saints and sites, with lots to see, experience and learn. St. Paul Outside the Walls was beautiful. Our after-hours tour of the Vatican Museums — and the half hour we had alone in the Sistine Chapel — was moving. Borgo Laudato Si’, a Vatican project for integral ecology, was impressive. Castel Gandalfo, the pope’s summer residence, was beautiful, too. As wonderful as all thes

Part Seven: After hearing the Kerygma, the saving news of the Gospel, and making a decision to follow Christ, the person being accompanied needs to hear what it means to follow Jesus. (Photo: Lightstock) Editor's Note: This column is part of a yearlong series on evangelization, breaking down what often feels like a tall order into real, practical, actionable steps towards intentional accompaniment. Part One: A Practical Guide for Everyday Catholics Part Two: Be A Disciple Fir

Celebrating Mass for Annunciation Heights, Totus Tuus and Camp Wojtyla missionaries, the archbishop encouraged faith-filled generosity and service. (Photo provided) Mere days after Pentecost, the day on which God gave his people the greatest gift of all — the Holy Spirit — Denver Archbishop James Golka challenged young adult summer missionaries to live that radical generosity throughout their service. Celebrating Mass during the weeklong training for Annunciation Heights, Tot

FOCUS, Highlight Catholic’s relationship aims to mold both kids and young adults in Christ through their sport Thanks to a new partnership between Varsity Catholic, FOCUS' college athlete apostolate, and Highlight Catholic Ministries, young people are coming to know the joy of faith and sport. (Photo by Annabel Kiley, courtesy of Varsity Catholic) Coaches from a Catholic sports organization based in Littleton are taking every moment possible during practices and games to joyf

Part Six: To accompany others, we must share the Good News, the Gospel, the saving message of Jesus Christ. (Photo by Grant Whitty) Editor's Note: This column is part of a yearlong series on evangelization, breaking down what often feels like a tall order into real, practical, actionable steps towards intentional accompaniment. Part One: A Practical Guide for Everyday Catholics Part Two: Be A Disciple First Part Three: Discern Who to Accompany Part Four: Build Authentic Frien

Inspired by St. Teresa of Calcutta, a reflection on why faithfulness — not results — is the true mark of Christian mission. (Photo: Lightstock) By Meg Stout In the world, success is the standard of all things worth doing. It exerts such quiet authority over our thinking that even our noblest efforts are instinctively weighed by their results. Even if we are, by some extraordinary grace, completely purified of vainglory, we still want that to which we are devoted to achieve th

From homelessness outreach to Catholic education, Peter Droege’s life of philanthropy reflects a deep commitment to human dignity and the Gospel. (Photo provided) On a cold Christmas morning in Denver years ago, Peter Droege stood among volunteers serving meals and handing out gifts to men experiencing homelessness. For years, the annual Christmas gathering had become a labor of love, one small way to ensure people who often felt forgotten were reminded that they were seen,

A reflection on how intentional relationships and simple witness could transform lives and expand God’s Kingdom. (Photo: Adobe Stock) By Edgar Mares Evangelization Specialist Archdiocese of Denver Have you ever reflected on the impact on the world if, as Catholics, we were always ready, attentive and looking for opportunities to expand the Kingdom of God? How would this affect those closest to us, our acquaintances and those we encounter in passing? How would their lives chan

Part Five: As we accompany others towards Jesus, we must find places, spaces and times in which we and others can be vulnerable. Hikers pause for a sunset view during a young adult camping weekend co-sponsored by the Archdiocese of Denver, Annunciation Heights and Mission House Denver. (Photo by Allison Holdridge) Editor's Note: This column is part of a yearlong series on evangelization, breaking down what often feels like a tall order into real, practical, actionable steps t

Thoughts and tips on how to preach the Gospel of hope even amid difficult times (Photo: Lightstock) By Hilary Draftz FOCUS “I stopped going to church when my mother died.” "I wish I had the faith you have, but I just don’t see how a good God could allow so much evil in the world.” “At this point, I’ve gone too far to change my life. God couldn’t forgive me for what I’ve done.” These statements come from real interactions I have had with a variety of friends, family and acquai

Haydee Lara, who serves her parish in a variety of ways, is April 2026's Disciple of the Month. (Photo provided) Haydee Lara doesn't view serving in the Church as a responsibility. Instead, her service is a daily response to God's love. As director of religious education for her parish, Lara works alongside her husband to lead marriage preparation and FOCCUS sessions, helping couples and families deepen their relationship with Christ. Her journey began during a time of spirit

Celebrating Lent is straightforward: penance, fasting, prayer, almsgiving. But how should a Catholic celebrate Easter? (Photo: Lightstock) Easter is the feast of all feasts, and its fifty-day season stands atop the liturgical year as its climax. While we might recognize this reality, the Easter season can seem like a letdown. While the goal of Lent appears to be clear-cut — fight against sin, do penance, increase prayer and give alms — what about Easter? What are we suppose

The Sermon of the Beatitudes (1886-96) by James Tissot from the series The Life of Christ, Brooklyn Museum. (Photo: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons) By Father José Noriega, D.C.J.M. St. John Vianney Seminary, Denver The Christian novelty was like a spark that kindled a new fire, with a radiance and a warmth never before seen. To the great question of the human heart — what is the happy life, and how is it attained? — Christianity offered an answer that astonished both th

As Catholics from around the archdiocese gathered to celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection, the new archbishop emphasized how transformative that event was, is and continues to be in the life of every Christian. Archbishop James Golka blesses Massgoers during the recessional following Easter Sunday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver. (Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) “Alleluia! Alleluia! He is risen! He is risen indeed!” echoed through the Cathed