Faith & Spirituality

Are You Worshipping God — or the God You Want Him to Be?

America’s unofficial religion offers a God who asks little and promises happiness. But the God revealed in Scripture calls us to something far greater. (Photo: Lightstock) By Mary Beth Bonacci Does America have an official religion? Not “officially,” of course. But, at least according to one expert, we definitely have an American religion. And it is very widely practiced. Sociologist Christian Smith, some 20 years ago, conducted a study on the religious beliefs and habits of 3,000 American...

Making Disciples: Share the Call

Part Eleven: You’ve made it this far in Intentional Accompaniment. Now it’s time to invite the person you’re walking with to turn and accompany someone else towards Jesus. (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...

Thirsting for Transcendence: The New Age and the Call Back to Christ

While searching for control and connection, those who practice New Age spirituality — from tarot to Reiki, from manifestation to astrology — are led astray, into anxiety, depression and conflict. (Photo: Adobe Stock) By Cecilia Dietzler Across the Western world, New Age spirituality has seen a dramatic rise. From meditation apps to hair salons offering Reiki treatments, it seems to be a constant in our society. Yet, beneath the aesthetic appeal and trendy buzzwords, these practices carry real...

When Faith Becomes Flesh: How Love Left Its Mark on Julia Greeley, Mother Teresa and the Sisters of Loretto

Worn knees, aching feet and bones marked by service offer a fascinating glimpse into a Catholic faith that isn’t merely spiritual — it is lived through the body. Left: Servant of God Julia Greeley, a formerly enslaved Black woman known in Denver for her profound charity. (Photo: Archdiocese of Denver file photo). Right: St. Teresa of Calcutta holds her hands in prayer during a visit to Denver. (Photo by James Baca/Denver Catholic Register) Angel wings. Halos. Voices from the clouds. When you...

Form your conscience well this election season: Highlights from the Catechism

(Photo: Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash) Our conscience is our innermost sanctuary where we are “alone with God whose voice echoes in [our] depths” (CCC 1795; Gaudium et Spes 16). To make good choices from this place of intimacy with the Trinity, we must be well formed: rooted in the Word of God, committed to prayer and attentive to God’s voice. As we prepare ourselves for this election season, take some time to pray over what the Catechism has to say about moral conscience in paragraphs 1776-1802....

Two Years In, Quinceañera Formation is Transforming Young Women, Families and Communities

Through a cherished Church tradition, the Magnifica por Endow Quinceañera program helps young women encounter Christ while strengthening bonds with friends, family and parish. Participants in ENDOW's Quinceañeara program are finding deeper faith, purpose and encouragement through the eight-week program. (Photo courtesy of ENDOW) For Carla Reyes, the Quinceañera formation program by Magnífica por Endow answered a need. After participating in an Endow study in her forties, she found herself...

Father Mike Schmitz: Your Baptism Was Only the Beginning

Baptism makes us beloved children of God — and gives us a lifelong mission as kings, prophets and priests to bring his Kingdom into the world. Father Mike Schmitz addresses Steubenville of the Rockies attendees during the conference's Sunday Mass, celebrated by Denver Archbishop James Golka. (Photo by Kim Rivera/Denver Catholic) Water flows. The baby cries. Everyone smiles. Now what? The Baptism takes only a few moments, but the Christian mission lasts a lifetime. So what does the baptized...

Holding Heaven In My Arms

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 have experienced...

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...