Local

Denver Catholics to Observe Week of Prayer for Christian Unity With Ecumenical Service

St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Denver will welcome Christian leaders for prayer and dialogue for a second consecutive year. (Photo courtesy of St. Catherine of Siena Parish) Each January, Christians around the world pause to pray for a unity that reflects Christ’s own desire for his disciples: “that they may all be one” (John 17:21). From January 18 to 25, the universal Church observes the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, a time dedicated to prayer, reflection and mutual understanding...

Sacred and Religious Art Still Matter: Painting Healing and Hope

In this third installment of our series, Casey Batt reflects on her journey, through job loss, prayer and parish life, to painting God's healing grace at All Souls Parish in Englewood. Casey Batt paints the Wedding at Cana in her home studio. The painting was installed at All Souls Parish in Englewood, as part of the parish's recent renovation and rededication. (Photo by Matt Walker) By Matt Walker After 18 years, Casey Batt lost her job when her company laid off thousands of employees at...

As Colorado’s Legislative Session Begins, Catholics Are Called to Pray

Entrusting lawmakers, families and the common good to God’s providence, asking him to guide decisions that affect life, dignity and society. (Photo: Pixabay) As Colorado’s elected officials return to the State Capitol, a new legislative session begins — a season that will shape laws, policies and priorities affecting families and communities across the state. Each year, the opening of the Colorado State Legislature marks more than the start of debate and decision-making. It is also a moment...

Archdiocese of Denver Launches Office of Capital Campaign Services to Strengthen Parish Mission 

(Photo: Denver Catholic file photo) The Archdiocese of Denver has launched a new Office of Capital Campaigns, a significant investment in the future of parish life across Northern Colorado. Led by David Mehr, executive director, the new office is designed to help parishes confidently move forward with major projects that support worship, formation and community.  The Office of Capital Campaigns will operate as a centralized Curia-based resource, with services retained directly by parishes....

Sacred and Religious Art Still Matter: Where Faith Meets Contemporary Art

In the second installment of our series on sacred and religious artists, the Denver couple reflects on vocation, marriage and creating beauty for God. Nicole and Mark Thomason, pictured here with their five sons at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, are local artists that blend faith and contemporary art. (Photo provided) As a graduate student in theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, Mark Thomason bought himself some brushes. He...

Caring for the Youngest Neighbors: Samaritan House Seeks Support for Children’s Clinic

(Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities) On any given Tuesday or Thursday, a quiet but powerful work of mercy unfolds inside Samaritan House in downtown Denver. In a space unlike most pediatric clinics, children who are experiencing housing insecurity receive medical and behavioral health care free of charge in an environment designed to honor their dignity and support their families. Through a life-affirming partnership with Every Child Pediatrics, Samaritan House is home to one of the first...

Father Scott Bailey Reflects on Faith, Film and Mystery in "Knives Out" Movie

The film's Catholic Technical Consultant reacts to "Wake Up Dead Man" and some of the online reception. When faith shows up in popular culture, it often sparks curiosity — and sometimes controversy. But for Catholics in Northern Colorado, the conversation around Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery  feels a little closer to home. That’s because Father Scott Bailey, pastor of Risen Christ Parish in Denver, recently shared his reflections on the film in a new YouTube video. The video offers...

Medicine, Mercy and Mission: A Catholic Doctor and Family Finds Christ in the Poor, from Loveland to Tanzania

A family on mission, the Engbloms show how faith-filled communities live the Gospel together. Dr. Bethany Engblom with the addiction team. (Photo provided) By Jay Sorgi Dr. Bethany and Josiah Engblom’s journey of seeing the face of Christ has led them to be the hands and feet of Christ, and in turn, has brought them closer to a deeper love of Christ. This journey of service has led the Loveland residents to a life of deep commitment to a community in Tanzania, as well as instilling a similar...

Sacred and Religious Art Still Matter: Painting and Praying with Beauty

In this first installment of our series on Catholic religious and sacred artists, meet Catholic artist Brie Schulze and the vocation behind her sacred work. Brie Schulze, a local Catholic artist, seeks to bring others into an encounter with God and his saints through her art. (Photo by Juan Andrés Coriat, courtesy of Brie Schulze) By Gennie O'Gara For local Catholic artist Brie Schulze, good art centers on a personal relationship with God. Meditating on sacred art serves as a way for the...

'Hope Does Not Disappoint': The Paschal Candle Burns for One Almost Forgotten Man

A Jubilee inscription takes on new meaning as a baptismal promise is fulfilled at a funeral Mass marked by hope and mercy. (Photo by Karin Gamba) By Karin Gamba The flame of the Paschal candle flickered as the daily Mass crowd slipped into their pews on a cold Monday morning in December. Carved into the tall pillar of wax are the words of St. Paul to the Romans: Hope does not disappoint.  First lit at the Easter Vigil, the candle proclaims the joy of resurrection, Christ, the light of life,...

Inside Colorado’s Prisons, One Inmate Is Quietly Restoring Dignity — One Hygiene Kit at a Time

A single inmate’s calling becomes a ministry of dignity for men and women entering Colorado’s correctional system. (Photo: Lightstock) By Ryan Brady   When a man enters Colorado’s Denver Reception and Diagnostic Center (DRDC), he carries whatever he arrived to jail with. Often, that amounts to almost nothing.   The state’s central intake facility processes approximately 30-40 new inmates daily, assessing their needs and assigning classifications. Many come in without basic hygiene items and...

A Church on Fire for Christ: SEEK26 in Denver

Denver parishioners leave the annual conference renewed in faith and mission, on fire for love of Jesus and ready to preach the Gospel. (Photo courtesy of FOCUS) A Revival of Faith Thousands of Catholics from across the United States traveled to FOCUS’ annual SEEK conference in Denver this New Year. The five-day experience reignited many participants with a fire for Christ, throughout daily Mass, keynote talks and breakout sessions, and extended opportunities for Adoration and Confession. The...