Faith & Spirituality

Nurturing Your Child’s Relationship with God after Baptism

(Photo by Rachel Moore) By Karin Middleton Assistant Director of Family Ministry Archdiocese of Denver Bringing your child to be baptized gives him or her a tremendous grace and gift of God. It begins your child’s relationship with the Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit as well as the Church. God charges parents to communicate his love and truth at home and in the world (see Deuteronomy 6:7). Jesus affirms this by inviting parents to bring the little children to him (see Matthew 19:14). Yet not...

Love, Asleep in My Arms: The Catholic Mission of a Godparent

A peaceful moment with a sleeping goddaughter became a profound reflection on grace, prayer, witness and the love of God for one new godfather. (Photo provided) A warm November day might be rare in Denver, but in Florida, it’s to be expected. But even as November days go, this was a perfect one. It was sunny and temperate, there was a light breeze, and my four-month-old goddaughter, newly baptized, was asleep on my chest. I sat quietly on my mom’s screened-in porch, admiring the paddling of...

More than a Ceremony: What it Means to be a Catholic Godparent

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 with the same...

Why Catholics Baptize Babies

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 henchmen carrying...

From Death to Divine Life: What Really Happens at Baptism?

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 lips cannot speak...

Everything Changed at the Font: How Baptism Changed the Lives of Three New Catholics

Three adult converts share their journeys to the Catholic Church and the new life they found in Jesus Christ. (Photo by Neil McDonough/Denver Catholic) Most Catholics, baptized as babies, don’t remember their spiritual birthday, when they became children of God. It’s a far-off thing, existing only in dusty scrapbooks on dark shelves in chilly basements or garages. But for some — a growing amount, to be sure — the Lord calls a bit more slowly but no less emphatically. For these adult converts...

A Tsunami of Love: Rediscover the Gift of Baptism

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.” I experienced...

American Holiness: 5 Catholic Witnesses Who Served the Vulnerable with Courage

Whether protecting the Eucharist, serving leprosy patients, defending Native peoples, caring for the cancerous poor or rescuing prisoners of war, these Catholics show what heroic service looks like. (Photo: Denver Catholic design) By Laura Becerra Youth Ministry Coordinator Archdiocese of Denver In every age and time, though much differs and changes, one thing remains steadfast: God raises up saints to manifest his loving kindness to his people. He inspires people to live holy lives,...

WATCH: Father Mike Schmitz Praises the Sacred Work of Colorado’s Catholic Cemeteries

During a service day during a trip to the Archdiocese of Denver for Steubenville of the Rockies, Father Mike and his group learned what it means to “fill the void of loss with faith” at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery. (Video by Ascension) When a loved one passes, there’s a lot that goes on: funeral arrangements, property and inheritance management, family dynamics, strong emotions and powerful grief. Saying it’s a difficult time is an understatement. Yet the Church walks into that darkness...

When Mercy Calls Our Name: An Art Reflection on St. Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene's story reminds us that even after we stumble, Christ never stops calling us back to himself. Penitent St. Mary Magdalene and Eight Stories from her Life by Maestro della Maddalena. Tempera and gold on wood panel, 180x91 cm, Date: 1280 – 1285. Galleria dell'Accademia, Florence, Italy. (Photo by Elizabeth Zelasko) I was hesitant to watch The Chosen. I grew up with an image of Jesus burned into my mind from watching Jesus of Nazareth, starring Robert Powell. It was a powerful and...

American Holiness: 5 Catholic Witnesses Who Planted Seeds of Renewal

From religious freedom and Franciscan reform to truth, beauty and everyday holiness, these modern witnesses show how God renews the Church through lives surrendered to Christ. (Photo: Denver Catholic design) In every age and time, though much differs and changes, one thing remains steadfast: God raises up saints to manifest his loving kindness to his people. He inspires people to live holy lives, following him even to the Cross, in love for God and neighbor. The same is true here, on our...

American Holiness: 5 Catholic Women Who Revealed Grace Through Suffering and Service

From a North Dakota missionary and a Southern Catholic writer to Black religious founders and a mystic healed by St. Thérèse, these holy women show how God transforms suffering into witness. (Photo: Denver Catholic design) By Terry Polakovic In every age and time, though much differs and changes, one thing remains steadfast: God raises up saints to manifest his loving kindness to his people. He inspires people to live holy lives, following him even to the Cross, in love for God and neighbor....