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40 Years of Hope: Samaritan House and the Church's Enduring Mission of Mercy

Denver Archbishop James V. Casey broke ground on what would become Samaritan House Denver in 1985, his final major act as archbishop. (Photo by James Baca, Archdiocese of Denver Archives) A new banner now hangs over the entrance to Samaritan House in downtown Denver. 40 Years of Hope. 1986–2026. For many, it marks the anniversary of one of Colorado's best-known ministries. But for the Catholic Church in Northern Colorado, it represents something much deeper: forty years of answering Christ's...

250 Years of Grace: The Story God Is Still Writing

From the Domínguez-Escalante Expedition to Archbishop James Golka, God has faithfully guided the Catholic Church in Colorado through every generation. As Archbishop James Golka took possession of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver on March 26, 2026, he reflected on God's mission for the Archdiocese of Denver — ever ancient, ever new — and invited the faithful to live it today. (Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) By Father Scott Bailey Pastor Risen Christ Parish,...

'Our Turn to Accompany Them’: Supporting Retired and Infirm Priests 

Monsignor Ed Buelt and Monsignor Tom Fryar, two archdiocesan retired priests, smile outside the Prophet Elijah House, the archdiocesan priest retirement home. (Photo by Neil McDonough/Archdiocese of Denver) Many of us can name a priest that has shaped our lives in a meaningful way. They baptize our children. They celebrate our marriages. They sit with us in hospital rooms and at the bedsides of loved ones. They hear our confessions, offer counsel in difficult seasons and celebrate Mass daily....

Remembering Monsignor Ken Leone: Columbine Pastor, Faithful Friend and Holy Priest 

The faithful and holy local pastor is remembered for his compassion, presence and friendship. (Photo provided) Monsignor Ken Leone, a beloved pastor, a faithful friend and a holy priest, entered eternal life on Saturday, July 25, after a long illness. The Denver native began his faith journey at just one day old, baptized at St. Catherine Parish in Denver on February 25, 1941. A graduate of Regis High School in Denver, he entered St. Thomas Seminary in Denver right out of high school. He...

Sammy's Big Adventure Begins with a Hug in this New Catholic Charities Book

(Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities) Every child who arrives at Catholic Charities Samaritan House gets to choose a stuffed animal. It may seem like a small thing. But for a frightened child entering an unfamiliar place, that stuffed teddy bear, bunny or puppy often becomes a sign that someone cares. It becomes a friend to hug at bedtime, someone to hold during difficult moments and a comforting reminder that they are created in the image and likeness of God. That simple act of welcome...

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...

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque's Relics Coming to Denver

The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver will host a rare opportunity to venerate the major relics of the Apostle of the Sacred Heart on Aug. 2, mere weeks after the United States was consecrated to Jesus’ heart. Three children examine the major relics of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque during public veneration on June 12, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Paul Haring, courtesy of the Knights of Columbus) The Apostle of the Sacred Heart is coming to Denver! In a historic...

A Shepherd Among His People: Archbishop Golka Visits St. Joseph’s Hispanic Community

The new Denver archbishop celebrated Sunday Mass, presented the pallium he received from Pope Leo XIV and invited the faithful to be leaven for the world. Denver Archbishop James Golka claps as the St. Joseph Parish Youth Choir performs for parishioners following Mass. (Photo by Juan Andrés Coriat/Denver Catholic) The Hispanic community of St. Joseph Parish in Denver welcomed Archbishop James Golka on his first visit since beginning his ministry in Denver. During a heartfelt Sunday Mass,...

Catholic Public School Teacher Honored as Semi-Finalist for Colorado Teacher of the Year

A devoted educator, Viviana Martinez aims not only to teach facts but help her students become who God has created them to be. (Photo courtesy of the Colorado Department of Education) The Colorado Department of Education announced 21 semifinalists out of 297 nominations in June 2026 for the annual Colorado Teacher of the Year, among them a local Catholic community member and leader, Viviana Martinez. The cofounder of Dios Entre Nosotros, Martinez has been active in the Denver Catholic...

Archbishop Golka Prays for Denver at Mayor Mike Johnston’s Third State of the City Address

In a historic first for his ministry, the Denver archbishop offered the invocation before the mayor’s annual address, calling for wisdom, service and care for the city's most vulnerable. Screenshot from the City of Denver's livestream of Denver Archbishop James Golka praying the invocation during Mayor Mike Johnston's State of the City address on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. (Courtesy photo) Before Denver Mayor Mike Johnston took to the podium to deliver his third State of the City address, there...

WATCH: Archbishop Golka Reflects on His New Mission in Denver with Catholic News Service

While in Rome for the Pallium Mass and Pilgrimage, Denver Archbishop James Golka sat down with Catholic News Service to discuss his new mission in Denver in a wide-ranging interview. The new shepherd of Northern Colorado reflected on the dynamism of the Archdiocese of Denver; how the Lord is moving throughout our parishes, schools and communities; and the challenges of ministry in an apostolic age in which the culture does not share the same beliefs as the Church. The archbishop also...

Meet Carl Berner: From Saxophonist to Seminarian

This Denver seminarian thought he was preparing for a career in music, on stage and in the spotlight. Instead, God led him to the seminary, to Rome and, soon, to the priesthood. (Photo provided) By Karin Gamba If you’ve been to an archdiocesan Mass, odds are you’ve seen or met a seminarian or two. You see them serving at those Masses. You may have even noticed them helping organize crowds and point folks in the right direction. You might have even heard them sing, either at Mass or at the...