Celebrating 2024: The Year in Stories

As we prepare to kick off a new year, we can't help but look back on a year full of blessings and graces from the Lord!

Together, we welcomed Jesus to our Archdiocese as he passed through the country on his way to the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. We celebrated meaningful anniversaries in our parishes, among our priests and deacons, and in the archdiocese. We marched and mobilized for life, seeking to build up a culture that protects and defends human life from conception to natural death.

And we read story after story of how Denver Catholics continue to grow in love for Jesus and his Church, and how they continue to dedicate their lives to serving both because of that love.

As we look back, we're filled with gratitude for the stories we've been blessed to tell, and look forward to what God has in store for 2025! Check out some of 2024's highlights below!

 

Archbishop Aquila

PASTORAL NOTE: Listen to Him

PASTORAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Get More out of Mass this Summer

The Hope of Christmas

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

Holy priests for Eucharistic Revival

You Matter: The mission lives in you

Marriage, Mutual Submission, and the Sign of the Covenant

 

National Eucharistic Pilgrimage

Nearly 5,000 process through the heart of Denver to give testimony to Real Presence of Jesus

WATCH: Downtown procession a moment of grace-filled witness

“I wept in thanksgiving for this great gift”: National Eucharistic Pilgrimage finds home at 100-year-old Sacred Heart in Roggen

Small town, warm welcome: Rangely welcomes National Eucharistic Pilgrimage to Colorado

The Eucharistic heart of Jesus on full display in Arvada procession

PHOTOS: Mountaintop Moment: National Eucharistic Pilgrimage arrives in Colorado!

When the Body of Christ meets the body of Christ: National Eucharistic Pilgrimage pauses to serve the poor

Littleton, big devotion: Light of the World Parish a beacon for Eucharistic pilgrimage

WATCH: 3 Denver Catholic Young Adults & National Eucharistic Pilgrims reflect on historic pilgrimage

A divine road trip through the Rockies: Pilgrim reflects on National Eucharistic Pilgrimage

National Eucharistic Pilgrimage walks in the footsteps of saints (and hopeful saints) in Colorado

 

50th Jubilee of the Permanent Diaconate

From tax collector to the diaconate: Deacon Pedro Reyes’ modern St. Matthew story

Living into eternity: Deacon-Doctor Alan Rastrelli’s dual calling to heal bodies and souls

A Deacon’s Heart: Deacon Jim Blume’s merciful ministry to grieving families through Precious Lives

From the judge’s bench to the altar: Deacon-Judge Phil McNulty’s testimony

Finding faith amidst the flames: Deacon-firefighter Derrick Johnson’s testimony

WATCH: A ministry of love: Deacon Hugh Downey’s service in Africa

‘Let him go to my Son’: Powerful prayer confirmed Deacon Tim Unger’s service to future permanent deacons

The Lord will overcome any worldly obstacle: Deacon Luke Oestman’s testimony of prayerful service in Yuma

‘I never stopped mattering:’ Deacon Richard Milinazzo finds God-given purpose through strife

Hope and healing through Christ: Deacon Donald Weiss’ ministry to adult children of divorce and separation

Human trafficking survivors invited to RISE to new life, thanks to local deacon’s ministry

Deacon Ernie Martinez: From veteran Denver cop to Director of Deacons

 

Around the Archdiocese

‘It’s like being in a family’: One mom’s experience of unconditional love through Seeds of Hope

Church on the move: Most Precious Blood in Denver hosts first Eucharistic procession in living memory

PHOTOS | A new dawn in community: The restoration of St. Peter’s historic church in Greeley

A Modern St. Joseph: Local woodworker builds up the Church – literally!

PHOTOS: St. Gianna Molla Parish breaks ground for new church

From the Rockies to great rivers, Denver’s Augustine Institute finds new home in St. Louis

WATCH: ‘To the Heights!’: Celebrating Mass at 14,000+ feet… 58 times?!

PHOTOS: That all may draw near and experience the Risen Christ

‘A Renewal of Hope’: Denver’s Holy Ghost Parish Celebrates 100 Years of Service with Christmas Luncheon for Those in Need

“Education has given me everything”: Students earn bachelor’s degrees thanks to Centro San Juan Diego and UPAEP

 

Mission

Jubilee Year of Hope to Begin in Denver: Local Pilgrimage Sites, Indulgences and a Renewed Call to Trust in God

Your priest needs you: An interview with Father Mike Schmitz

Hope Springs Eternal this Christmas: An Interview with Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT

Led by the Spirit: Archdiocesan mission anchors

Parish leaders embrace new evangelization strategies at first-ever convocation

 

Vocations

WATCH: When your son becomes your… “Father”?!

EXCLUSIVE | PHOTOS: Inside the Abbey of St. Walburga’s hidden vocation of prayer for the Church

WATCH: Deacon David Hall’s priestly call thanks to his parents’ sacrifice and his mom’s Honda Odyssey

PHOTOS: ‘Yes, for always’: New Abbey of St. Walburga nun vows life to Christ the Bridegroom

WATCH: From student to shepherd; Fr. John Stapleton ascends to spiritual helm at Holy Family High School

WATCH: Finally! Our son’s a priest!

Wisdom from Walburga: ‘Prefer nothing to the love of Christ’ - be sure to check out the whole series! Search "Wisdom from Walburga" on our site to see them all!

In its 25th year, St. John Vianney Theological Seminary is seen as model for others

 

Pro-Life

Thousands march for truth and love at Inaugural March For Life in Colorado

‘God truly cares about all his children’: Hundreds join Archbishop Aquila in powerful Eucharistic procession around Planned Parenthood on All Souls Day

YES to life: One family’s testimony of unconditional love in the face of adversity

‘No person is beyond redemption’: One politician’s journey to end the death penalty in Colorado

Voices for Life: Colorado medical professionals rally for women and babies, against Amendment 79

Pro-Life Colorado: Building a culture of life

WATCH: Vote NO on Amendment 79: Lauren’s mom chose life

Blessings and Beginnings: Marisol Health Northern Colorado Opens its Doors

 

Catholic Education

‘My Catholic education saved me’: Father Daniel Ciucci’s journey from Catholic school to abundant life in his vocation

God Provides: Donated duplex creates new teacher housing at St. Stephen School

Engulfed in Peace: Experiencing the Ignited FIRE

Keep the Faith: How Holy Family High School is Changing the Conversation on Campus

No matter how small: 7-year-old Frassati student with rare cancer leaves lasting impact of faith, joy and resilience

Shea Homes continues to positively impact Catholic schools across Colorado in a big way

School’s in session! Get to know our new Superintendent!

An answered prayer, new Catholic high school campus coming to Northern Colorado

Sacramental joy abounds thanks to new Holy Family High School Confirmation program

Archbishop Aquila establishes Cabrini Teaching Fellows

Assumption Catholic School implements daily Mass amid Eucharistic Revival

 

Saints

The ‘Shepherd in Combat Boots’: Priestly Witness on the Battlefield

Someday Saints to Befriend: Nicholas Black Elk, the Catechist of the Lakota Sioux

Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro: Unbreakable faith amid persecution

Preparing for Battle: 7 Tips from St. Paul on Evangelization

What St. Catherine of Siena teaches us about the virtue of hope

St. Homobonus, patron of business leaders, pray for us!

 

Prayer

The Paschal Triduum: Worship, Experience, Encounter

Praying for our priests: 12 ways to spiritually support our clergy

Embracing the Spirit of Advent & Christmas: An Invitation to Prayer Amid the Hustle and Bustle

An Introduction to the Byzantine rite

Three ways to incorporate Ignatian spirituality into daily life

Great power, greater responsibility: 12 ways to hold our elected officials in prayer

Pray St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s prayer for priests on this World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests!

Wisdom from Walburga: ‘A return to Eden’ - be sure to check out the whole series! Search "Wisdom from Walburga" on our site to see them all!