All Articles

(Photo: Composite photo, assembled with AI, from Adobe Stock) By Dr. Michelle Connor Harris Executive Director St. Raphael Counseling Last night I was talking with my 23-year-old son about this article on “hope and peace amid political burnout.” His response was, “If you want to talk about hope and peace, look at Zohran Mamdani.” I sighed internally and tried, probably unsuccessfully, to control my tendency to roll my eyes at the mention of the mayor of New York. Not becaus

A volunteer at Christ in the City's Denver Lunch in the Park speaks with a guest. The local ministry hosts weekly lunches for their "friends on the street" as a means to continue building relationships and serving the poor. (Photo by André Escaleira, Jr./Denver Catholic) Far from mere words on a page or ideas in the ether, Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is a living, breathing reality that brings Scripture and Tradition to bear on our world in tangible, practical ways. In this

Pope Leo XIV greets people as he rides in the popemobile before celebrating Mass in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican June 1, 2025, as part of the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents and the Elderly. (Photo: CNS/Lola Gomez) The Church has always taught that the Gospel bears social implications, shaping how Christians live in the world. Catholic Social Teaching (CST), however, developed only when the fabric of Christendom — the legacy of Christian culture — had worn th

(Photo: Adobe Stock) As faithful Catholics, it is our duty to shape the moral character of our community, state and country through voting. Our faith maintains a hierarchy of values when voting on candidates and issues. The listed values are supported by the Colorado bishops. Each value is important; however, some are more foundational and therefore require more priority. It is the duty of each person’s conscience to adhere to objective truth, which is reflected in the below

From school boards and city councils to advocacy and public service, Catholics have opportunities to bring their faith into civic life and work for the common good. (Photo: Adobe Stock) By Nathan Fisher Associate Director Colorado Catholic Conference Faith and politics share a relationship that is deeply interconnected yet distinctly separate. As Catholics, every facet of our lives must be informed by our faith, including our political outlook and engagement. I learned this

Pope Leo XIV smiles as he greets visitors and pilgrims from the popemobile while riding around St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican before his weekly general audience April 1, 2026. (Photo: CNS/Lola Gomez) Letter of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on the 250th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States of America I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Americans on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This semiquincentenni

True unity begins in Jesus Christ and comes alive through sacrificial love, service and a willingness to bring the Gospel beyond the walls of our churches into a world in need. (Photo: Lightstock) Two brothers inherit the family farm and split it in half. One is married with eight children, the other, a bachelor. At harvest time, the married brother realizes his family will support him, but his brother is alone. He decides to secretly put some of his grain in his brother’s ba

Deacon Martinez has had the privilege of baptizing six of his nine grandchildren, a unique experience as a deacon, a father and a grandfather. (Photo by Neil McDonough/Denver Catholic) As a deacon, I have been blessed to baptize more than 100 children. Of all those moments, none have touched me more deeply than baptizing six of my nine grandchildren. I have stood in many places during my life. As a police officer, I witnessed both tragedy and grace. As a husband and father, I

Behind the Church's requirements is a deeper mission: helping a child grow in faith, follow Christ and one day become a saint. Father John Paul Leyba baptizes a baby at St. Frances Cabrini Parish in Littleton. (Photo by Rachel Moore) By Alejandra Bravo Director of Evangelization and Family Life Ministries Archdiocese of Denver Why does Baptism preparation sometimes feel like a burden instead of good news? What would change if we helped parents approach Baptism preparation wit

Scripture, Tradition and the Church's understanding of salvation reveal why Baptism is not something children should have to wait to receive. Father Scott Bailey baptizes a baby at Risen Christ Parish in Denver. (Photo by Madisen Martinez/Denver Catholic) By Father Scott Bailey Pastor Risen Christ Parish, Denver It’s a famous and dramatic scene: a new mob boss stands by as godfather as the film cuts back and forth between the godfather professing his Catholic faith and his he

More than a symbol, the Sacrament of Baptism is the moment when God claims us as his own, recreates our nature and draws us into the life of Christ. (Photo by Ashley Ortiz) By Father Daniel Eusterman Vice Rector St. John Vianney Seminary, Denver Imagine standing next to a grave, freshly covered in earth. You call out to the one buried; he does not answer. Ask him to walk, and there is no movement. Ask him to listen, and his ears cannot hear. Ask him to speak praise, and his l

In Baptism, every Catholic receives a new identity in Christ and a mission to share his love with the world. Archbishop Golka blesses those gathered for Easter Sunday Mass with holy water, following their renewal of baptismal promises. (Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) The day after I was installed as Archbishop of Denver, one of my younger nieces came running up to me. She gave me a massive hug, looked up at me and said, “It’s like a tsunami of love just ran through us.”

Family ministries at Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Broomfield are leading couples and children closer together and nearer to Christ. (Photo by Neil McDonough/Denver Catholic) On weekday mornings, whether it is 20 degrees or 80, Mike and Erika Oakes carry their coffee to the front porch of their home and spend 15 minutes in prayer before the day begins. When their two children were younger, the couple would catch small fingers parting the window blinds, two little faces watch

Venerable Emil Kapaun’s holy, courageous priesthood brought others to Christ amid great darkness and suffering

Daily service at the archbishop's side offers a glimpse into a life lived in total surrender to Christ. As Archbishop Aquila's retirement drew near, Father David Hall had the privilege of watching Denver's shepherd follow the Lord in complete surrender, even to the end of his formal ministry. (Photo by Daniel Sasala) By Father David Hall Priest Secretary, 2025—2026 Editor's Note: Over the last almost 14 years, many have gotten to know Archbishop Aquila all across Northern Col

Through prayer, evangelization and healing, Archbishop Aquila guided the archdiocese into a new era of mission. From Archbishop Aquila's side, Father Tom Scherer saw the Archdiocese of Denver move to mission, through the Synod on Synodality and into an apostolic age. (Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) By Father Tom Scherer Parochial Vicar, St. Thomas More Parish, Centennial Priest Secretary, 2021—2025 Editor's Note: Over the last almost 14 years, many have gotten to know Ar

From the abuse crisis to the pandemic, Archbishop Aquila carried the Archdiocese with prayer at the center of his life. Even through serious challenges like the abuse crisis and pandemic, Father Matt Magee witnessed Archbishop Aquila's prayerful spirit. (Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) By Father Matthew Magee Pastor, St. Stephen Parish, Glenwood Springs Priest Secretary, 2018—2021 Editor's Note: Over the last almost 14 years, many have gotten to know Archbishop Aquila all

From parish drives to 'Super Bowl' liturgies, a priest shares the witness of Archbishop Aquila's priesthood and humanity. From Archbishop Aquila's side, Father Scott Bailey learned profound lessons about the spiritual life. (Denver Catholic archive photo) By Father Scott Bailey Pastor, Risen Christ Parish, Denver Priest Secretary, 2014—2018 Editor's Note: Over the last almost 14 years, many have gotten to know Archbishop Aquila all across Northern Colorado as he ministered an

Archbishop Aquila's first Denver priest-secretary reflects on the shepherd's leadership, rooted in faith and humanity. As Archbishop Aquila's first priest secretary, Father Matt Book (right) got a front-row seat to the new shepherd's ministry. (Denver Catholic archive photo) By Father Matthew Book Vicar for Clergy Priest Secretary, 2014—2024 Archdiocese of Denver Editor's Note: Over the last almost 14 years, many have gotten to know Archbishop Aquila all across Northern Color

A timeline of episcopal service in Northern Colorado (Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) 2015-2016: Restored Order of the Sacraments of Initiation and Sealed & Sent "The world needs saints. Even as our society becomes more distant from faith and more forgetful of God, it still hungers for joyful witnesses who have been transformed by Christ. At the same time, new generations of Catholics need grace to sustain them in a non-Christian environment. To answer these needs, I have