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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

(Photo: Vatican Media) Imagine for a moment you were made a bishop by Pope Francis in 2015. Now imagine you were made a cardinal just two years ago in 2023. Now imagine your boss, Pope Francis, just recently passed, so you’re quickly ushered to the Vatican to help elect the next pope. You’re thinking there’s no possible way you’ll be elected. You haven’t been around all that long. You’re just a simple missionary priest at heart. You’re also an American, for crying out loud. N

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

Through heartfelt sharing, Scripture, storytelling, the kerygma and prayer, we can effectively invite others to come to know Jesus. Pope Francis visits a Brazilian favela during World Youth Day 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Tânia Rêgo/Agência Brasil via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 br) By Meg Stout When we think of evangelization, what comes to mind? Do we feel equipped to evangelize? We might pressure ourselves with high expectations, thinking we must have the eq

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

Margaret and John Kelly, pictured here with their grandchildren. (Photo provided) Success, John Kelly will tell you, makes faith easy to ignore. He and his wife, Margaret, spent years doing exactly that, building careers, raising a family and going to Mass on Sundays, while God waited somewhere further down the list. Then life intervened in ways they could not have planned for, and the question they had never thought to ask became impossible to avoid: if everything can be tak

To walk with others in accompaniment and evangelization, we must have a profound respect for them, rooted in love. Burning Bush by Sébastien Bourdon, c. 17th century, in the Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons) By Meg Stout When we consider the important task of evangelization, we are often caught up in the many ways we can share the Gospel — by providing a testimony, sharing Scripture, praying together or explaining a teac

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

(Photo: Adobe Stock) "You are the light of the world. … You are the salt of the earth.” Matthew 5:13-14 When Jesus speaks these words, he is not addressing an elite few. He is speaking to ordinary disciples, to people with families, jobs, limitations, fears and questions. People like you and me. Every baptized Catholic shares in the mission of Christ. We are invited, indeed privileged, to go in search of the lost sheep, to bring light into darkness and to offer hope to those

Denver’s newly installed archbishop shares a powerful reflection on humility, service and evangelization at his first Palm Sunday homily as Northern Colorado’s shepherd. Archbishop James R. Golka blessed palm branches that will be used in procession during Palm Sunday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver. (Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) As the Church begins Holy Week — the most sacred time of the year, which leads up to Jesus’ suffering,

(Photo by André Escaleira, Jr./Denver Catholic) When I began my time in the Diocese of Colorado Springs, I said I was fascinated by Jesus Christ, and I have been for much of my life. What was true then, and what was true in the Scriptures, is only truer today. I am fascinated by the way that Jesus makes himself present in our world today. I am fascinated by Jesus’ words, which echo through the centuries and in your heart and mine. I am fascinated by the way that he loved all

Those who knew him before Denver say the Archdiocese is in good hands. Archbishop James R. Golka knocks on the doors of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver at the beginning of the Mass of Taking Possession of the Cathedral, his last formal liturgical step towards assuming the pastoral responsibility for the Archdiocese of Denver. (Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) Archbishop James R. Golka's first full day leading the Archdiocese of Denver began at

In his first homily as the shepherd of Northern Colorado, the newly installed archbishop called the Church to know Jesus more deeply, listen to his Word and go on mission to preach the Gospel. Newly-installed Archbishop James R. Golka processes out of the CoBank Arena at the National Western Complex following his Installation Mass, in which thousands from across the archdiocese and beyond came together to witness apostolic succession in action, and to pray for their new sheph

Inspired by Mary and strengthened by prayer, Denver’s incoming archbishop begins his ministry with a commitment to Christ and the Church in a formal profession of faith and oath of fidelity to the pope, the Catholic Church and his ministry. Archbishop-designate James R. Golka kisses the Book of the Gospels after making his Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity, a requirement before taking office as the sixth Archbishop of Denver. (Photo by Grant Whitty/Denver Catholic) Mar

Hundreds from across Northern Colorado came together in prayer and gratitude for Denver's retiring archbishop. Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila blessed those gathered as he processes out of the Mass of Thanksgiving for his ministry on Sunday at Light of the World Parish in Littleton. (Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) Before hundreds of faithful gathered Sunday afternoon for a special Mass of Thanksgiving at Light of the World Parish in Littleton, Denver Archbishop Samuel

Part Four: To evangelize well, we must first be good and holy friends. (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 First Part Three: Discern Who to Accompany Part Five: Build Zones of Freedom It’s been fifteen grueling months, but

(Photo: Adobe Stock) At Holy Rosary Parish in Denver, a model of intentional accompaniment guides couples step by step toward a deeper experience of the sacrament of marriage. In a culture where “forever” seems increasingly fragile and divorce has become almost an automatic response, the Church faces an urgent and profoundly human challenge: How can couples be better prepared to receive the sacrament of marriage and, even more, how can they be accompanied so that they remain

(Photo provided) At St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Parish , Eymi Nava serves faithfully as the young adult ministry coordinator, guiding others in their walk with God just as she was once guided herself. Her journey of discipleship began years ago when, as a twelve-year-old, she joined a youth group that deeply shaped her faith. “It helped me get to know the Lord,” she recalled. “The young people around me supported me so much, and now I want to do the same for others.”