Faith & Spirituality

What is a Pallium? A Denver Catholic Guide to Archbishop Golka’s Upcoming Pilgrimage

The new Denver archbishop is heading to Rome this June to receive a special liturgical vestment from the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. In this article, we explain the history, significance and symbolism of the pallium. Denver Archbishop James Golka will receive his pallium alongside new metropolitan archbishops from around the world during Mass with Pope Leo XIV on the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, June 29. Pope Leo will impose the pallium on Archbishop Golka during a special liturgy at St....

Making Disciples: Share the Kerygma

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 Friendships Part Five:...

Through the ‘Beautiful Gate’ of Jesus’ Sacred Heart: Preparing for a National Consecration

The pierced heart of Christ reveals a path of mercy, communion and mission for the Church in America today, ahead of its 250th anniversary. (Photo: Unsplash) By Father Jim Thermos This June 11, the bishops of the United States are inviting each of us to draw nearer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as they consecrate the United States to that heart, burning for love of us. As that day approaches, we can glean new insight into that Heart and the call to intimacy that Jesus makes in each of our...

'God Has Not Called Me to Be Successful': The Freedom of Faithfulness

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 the ends we have in...

Find Meaning in the Mass with Dr. Edward Sri’s New Podcast

Dr. Edward Sri and Father Mike Schmitz have collaborated to produce A Pocket Guide to the Mass, which aims to help engage Catholic liturgy more intentionally. (Photo courtesy of Ascension) By Leila Joy Castillo Do you sometimes come out of Mass discouraged at how easily you were distracted? Have you ever asked yourself why the Eucharistic liturgy is structured the way it is and why we say the words we say during it? Do you wonder how the saints managed to enter into the Mass so fully? ...

What If Catholics Took Evangelization Seriously? A How To

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 change if this were...

In thanksgiving for the gift of baptism

Sts. Philip and James Church in Baltimore, MD, where George Weigel was baptized 75 years ago. (Photo by Father Lawrence Lew, OP, Creative Commons via Flickr) Three-quarters of a century ago, on April 29, 1951, I was baptized by Father Thomas Love, SJ, in Baltimore’s Church of Saints Philip and James. Old Scratch must have thoroughly sunken his claws into my infant self; according to family tradition, I sent up such a howl when he was ousted by water and the Holy Spirit that my cousin Judy hid...

5 Tips for Evangelization from Pope Francis

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 equivalent of a...

A Quiet Beginning

Archbishop James Golka makes his profession of faith and oath of fidelity during Vespers, a prayer service from the Liturgy of the Hours, the Church's official prayer, before formally taking office as Denver's sixth archbishop and ninth bishop on March 24, 2026. (Photo by Daniel Petty/Denver Catholic) There is something quietly beautiful about beginnings that come in the light of Easter. As I begin my ministry as Archbishop of Denver, entrusted to me by the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, through...

Making Disciples: Build Zones of Freedom

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 towards...

‘The Sacred Ground of the Other’: Reverence and Evangelization according to Pope Francis

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 teaching of the faith...

Bringing the Resurrection to Those Who Suffer

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 acquaintances over many...