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Archbishop Aquila Reflects on Curtis Martin’s Legacy as FOCUS Founder Steps Down as CEO

FOCUS Founder Curtis Martin announced his retirement from the role of FOCUS CEO, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. (Photo: FOCUS) Curtis Martin, founder of FOCUS, has announced he is stepping down as CEO after nearly three decades of leadership, marking a significant transition for one of the most influential Catholic evangelization ministries in the Church today.  Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila offered the following statement upon the announcement:  “I am deeply grateful for the many years of partnership...

SEEK 2026 Comes to Denver: An Invitation 'To the Heights' This January

(Photo by Rachel Moore, courtesy of FOCUS) When the calendar turns to a new year, thousands of Catholics, from college students to grandparents, parish leaders to young families, will begin 2026 not with resolutions, but with a pilgrimage of the heart. From January 1 to 5, the Archdiocese of Denver will welcome one of the largest Catholic gatherings in the country: SEEK 2026, the annual evangelization conference hosted by FOCUS. For decades, SEEK has been a catalyst for conversion, courage...

Our Lady of the New Advent: Denver’s Unique Marian Devotion Prepares Us for Christ

(Photo: Denver Catholic file photo) Every December, just as Advent reaches its final stretch and Christmas draws near, the Archdiocese of Denver turns its gaze toward a uniquely local Marian devotion: Our Lady of the New Advent, celebrated on December 16. While many Marian titles are celebrated throughout the universal Church, this one belongs especially to us. Rooted in Colorado’s landscape, crafted for our archdiocese and embraced by generations of faithful, Our Lady of the New Advent has...

Hope Fills Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in Denver During Traditional Feast Day Celebrations

Auxiliary Bishop Jorge Rodríguez preaches during the special Midnight Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Denver. (Photo by Juan Andrés Coriat) Neither the December Colorado cold nor the late hours of the night could keep thousands of Guadalupan faithful from gathering on Thursday, December 11, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in Denver to sing the traditional mañanitas to the Morenita of Tepeyac on her feast day.  Like every year, the areas...

'Holding on in the Storm': A Christian Physician on Dying, Dignity and Hope

Dr. Bob Cutillo's new book, "Holding on in the Storm," aims to help Christians face death and suffering without fear, drawing from biblical, medical and personal wisdom gleaned over decades of medical practice, and in his accompaniment of his wife, Heather, as she prepared for death. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Bob Cutillo) Many of us have faced the loss of a loved one and know how disorienting death can feel. Even with the hope of eternal life, grief can still overwhelm us and leave us searching...

Once a Ram, Always a Ram: Father Joseph LaJoie’s Journey From CSU Student to CSU Pastor

Father Joseph LaJoie celebrates "Mass on the Grass" at Colorado State University, a RamCatholic tradition in the fall semester. (Photo courtesy of St. John XXIII Parish's Facebook) By Sarah Mendus Across the street from Colorado State University in Fort Collins sits St. John XXIII Parish, the beloved home of RamCatholic and its many CSU student members. Since 2022, the community has been shepherded by Father Joseph LaJoie, a pastor known for his classic rock references and his “CSU Dad”...

Archdiocese of Denver Alert Regarding Charlie Johnston and CORAC

(Denver Catholic file photo) The Archdiocese of Denver has issued the following statement addressed to the faithful regarding the public activity of Mr. Charlie Johnston, to alert the community and avoid confusion about his status within the Church. The complete statement follows below, printed in full: The Archdiocese of Denver is issuing this alert to reiterate that, as stated in years past, it does not recognize Charlie Johnston or the website corac.co  as authoritative sources of Catholic...

Dr. Scott Elmer Named Superintendent to Lead Denver Catholic Schools On Mission 

(Photo: Denver Catholic file photo) After a brief period of service as interim superintendent, the Archdiocese of Denver is pleased to announce that Dr. Scott Elmer will assume the role permanently, effective January 1, 2026. Reflecting on this call, Dr. Elmer shared, “I could not be more excited for this opportunity. I truly believe that our schools are our most potent mission field and the greatest lever we have to build the Kingdom of God and impact the future of our society.”  In addition...

A Simple Gift That Changes Everything: Marisol Family Urgently Seeks Diaper Donations This Holiday Season

(Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities) As Advent draws near and families prepare their homes for Christmas, many parents in our own community are quietly struggling with a basic yet overwhelming need: diapers. For families facing financial hardship, diapers are more than an expense. They can be the dividing line between stability and crisis. Marisol Family, a ministry of Catholic Charities, is once again running its annual Diaper Drive to meet this urgent need. The organization is asking the...

PHOTOS: Archbishop Samuel Aquila Ordains New Deacon at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine 

Deacon Juan Diego de María Gómez Jiménez was ordained a deacon on Sunday by Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila. (Photo by Juan Andrés Coriat) In a moving Eucharistic celebration surrounded by family, friends and parishioners at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in Denver, Brother Juan Diego de María Gómez Jiménez, a Cleric Regular Theatine, was ordained a deacon on Sunday, Dec. 7.  Although Brother Juan had felt a special connection to the Church and to the idea of a religious vocation since childhood,...

PHOTOS | 'A New Beginning': Sts. Peter and Paul Breaks Ground on Major School Expansion

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila and representatives from the Archdiocese of Denver, Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Parish and STEM School, SHEA Family Charities and others ceremonially break ground on the new building at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic STEM School in Wheat Ridge. (Photo by Neil McDonough) On a bright December morning in Wheat Ridge, the schoolyard at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic STEM School bustled with excitement. Students gathered in their uniforms, families pressed together against...

PHOTOS: $1.3 Million Raised to Make Disciples: Record-Breaking Evening of Hope Inspires Catholic Community

With Father Mike Schmitz as the keynote speaker, Seeds of Hope celebrated its mission to form young disciples and the families whose lives are transformed. As the keynote speaker, Father Mike Schmitz reflected on the necessity of Catholic education and its role in making disciples of Jesus. (Photo provided) By Jay Sorgi The Denver Tech Center was abuzz with activity late last month, as hundreds of supporters of local Catholic education gathered for the annual Evening of Hope, benefitting...