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A Sacred Collaboration: Six Denver Ministries Unite to Launch End-of-Life Network

Through prayer, partnership and pastoral care, Denver Catholics are working together to honor the dignity of every person at life’s end this End-of-Life Respect Month and every day. (Photo: Unsplash) By Erin Scherer “Where was this two years ago when my mom died?” asked one participant at last year’s End-of-Life Conference at Queen of Peace Parish in Aurora. The gathering brought together several ministries serving families in their final journeys of life, offering resources, guidance and a...

When the Call to Be a Priest Comes in High School

Three Colorado teens traded high school routines for an early call to the priesthood. Now seminarians at St. John Vianney, they share how faith, school and unexpected moments led them to embrace a life of mission and sacramental devotion. Ashton Mendoza, Daniel Olivas-Rey and Thaddeus Conder smile for a quick selfie during a recent hike. (Photo provided) Thaddeus Conder knew that fear crept in at night. As a small boy, he suffered from night terrors. He recalls once waking from a nightmare,...

Making Mysticism Accessible: St. John of the Cross Offers Lessons for Today’s Catholics

Father Angel Perez-Lopez, rector of St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver, Cardinal J. Francis Stafford, archbishop emeritus of Denver, and Daniel Campbell, executive director of the St. John Vianney Seminary Lay Division, discuss St. John of the Cross during a Lay Division event. (Photo by Sheryl Tirol) Cardinal J. Francis Stafford spoke before a crowd at St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver last week, exploring the work of a 16th-century Spanish mystic whose writings have intimidated Catholics...

PHOTOS | 'A Vocation of Sacrifice': Archbishop Aquila Honors First Responders at Denver's Blue Mass

At the Cathedral Basilica, the archbishop reminded police, firefighters, and paramedics that God’s peace is found through prayer — even amid danger and sacrifice. First responders from around the Denver Metro area gathered at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver on Sunday for the first Blue Mass in 12 years. (Photo by Joe Donelson) By Joe Donelson “You will have much more peace if you pray than if you do not pray,” said Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila in his homily to a...

Need on the Rise: Catholic Charities' Little Flower Center Serves Hundreds More Each Week

As the government shutdown continues and cold weather looms, more than 1,000 people received food and clothing in just one week — a sign of skyrocketing need. (Photo provided) As the government shutdown continues and the cold winter temperatures approach, the Little Flower Assistance Center in Aurora has seen a  sharp increase in families seeking help . Last week alone, the Catholic Charities’ center served more than 1,000 people  — about 150 to 200 more individuals than usual — through its...

A Servant’s Heart: Deacon Mark Leonard Begins New Role Supporting Denver’s Deacons

Deacon Mark Leonard, the Archdiocese's new associate director of deacons, prays the Rosary while walking in the recent pro-life procession around Planned Parenthood in Denver. (Photo by André Escaleira, Jr.) When Deacon Mark Leonard and his wife, Joanna, packed up their home in New Mexico to move to Denver, they did so for a familiar reason — family. Their daughter, her husband, and their grandchildren had settled here, and the Leonards wanted to be close. But as God often does, he had more...

Holy Family Tigers Claim State Softball Title, a Triumph of Teamwork and Tenacity

Broomfield's Holy Family High School Tigers became Class 4A State Softball Champions after their decisive win over Windsor High School on Saturday. (Photo courtesy of Holy Family High School) At Aurora Sports Park on a brisk October afternoon, Broomfield's Holy Family High School softball team proved that grit, faith and teamwork can overcome even the toughest odds. With a stunning 7–4 comeback win over top-seeded Windsor, the Tigers captured their first Class 4A state championship since 2021...

Rooted in Hope and Love: Gospel of Life Workshop Inspires the Faithful to Renew Their “Yes”

(Photo provided) The room was filled with warmth, laughter and a shared sense of mission as more than three dozen advocates gathered for Respect Life Denver’s Gospel of Life Workshop on Saturday, October 18. The day offered not only formation but also a renewal of heart for those seeking to live out Christ’s love in the pro-life movement. Participants were joined by the Sisters of Life and Chelsy Gomez from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Walking with Moms in Need...

PHOTOS | 'A Ray of Light': Archbishop Aquila Leads Eucharistic Procession around Planned Parenthood

With rosaries in hand and Christ in the Eucharist leading the way, Denver Catholics stood as a sign of hope in a state where life is under assault. (Photo by André Escaleira, Jr.) The chill of the autumn air was met with the warmth of prayerful community on Saturday morning, as faithful from across the archdiocese gathered for the annual pro-life procession around Planned Parenthood in Denver. With Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila leading the effort, the procession circled the facility...

Archbishop Aquila Invites the Faithful to Be Part of the Mullen Residences Community

Mullen Residences, a new senior living community coming to North Denver in 2029, will continue the legacy of the Little Sisters of the Poor and J.K. and Catherine Mullen. (Photo courtesy of Mullen Residences) Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila issued an open letter to the faithful of Northern Colorado announcing the new Mullen Residences at the Highlands, a new senior living community coming to North Denver in 2029. In his letter, the archbishop encourages the faithful to support the new...

Remembering Father Hilary Maria Khanh Nguyen, CRM

(Photo: Pexels) The Archdiocese of Denver joins the Congregation of the Mother of the Redeemer and the faithful of Queen of Vietnamese Martyrs Parish in Wheat Ridge in mourning the passing of Father Hilary Maria Khanh Nguyen, CRM, a devoted priest and missionary who served with humility and joy in several dioceses across the United States, including here in the Archdiocese of Denver. Born on July 15, 1951, in Phu Tho, Vietnam, Father Nguyen was the son of Truc Ba Nguyen and Nang Thi Tran....

PHOTOS | Archbishop Aquila Calls Healthcare Workers to Pray for Patients At Annual White Mass

Gathered on the feast of St. Luke, Catholic doctors and nurses reflected on faith, healing and the dignity of every patient. Medical professionals from around the archdiocese gathered at Light of the World Parish in Littleton for the annual White Mass honoring healthcare workers. (Photo by Nick Koshute/Denver Catholic) By Barbara O'Neil Social Media Manager Archdiocese of Denver “But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila reflected on these words...