On Mission

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,...

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....

(Photo: Unsplash) A 2025 YouGov poll revealed some interesting factoids about Americans’ reading habits — or lack thereof. 40% of us didn’t read a book last year. About a quarter of the country read one to four books in 2025, and 13% clocked in at between five and nine books in all formats (print, electronic, audio). 19% of us did 82% of America’s book reading. So let’s up our game. Herewith, some suggestions for your own reading pleasure this summer, which I hope you’ll pass along to...

Research shows premarital cohabitation is linked to higher divorce rates and lower marital satisfaction. Here's why. (Photo: Lightstock) Dr. Phil is ruining my life. His reels keep showing up on my Facebook feed, upon which I waste far too much time. I have been particularly fascinated by the episodes featuring clearly incompatible engaged couples trying to work out their problems. And I yell, “Just break up! Don’t get married! Run!!!” And then I learn that they have three kids together. And...

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...

Whether protecting the Eucharist, serving leprosy patients, defending Native peoples, caring for the cancerous poor or rescuing prisoners of war, these Catholics show what heroic service looks like. (Photo: Denver Catholic design) By Laura Becerra Youth Ministry Coordinator Archdiocese of Denver In every age and time, though much differs and changes, one thing remains steadfast: God raises up saints to manifest his loving kindness to his people. He inspires people to live holy lives,...

(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...

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...

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...

The interior of the Coliseum (shrine chapel) at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville, New York. The shrine rests on the site where the North American Martyrs gave their lives for the faith. (Photo: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons) This summer has led me on an unexpected pilgrimage related to the founding of the United States. I wrote previously about traveling some of the paths taken by Spanish explorers in 1776, including the trek through Colorado and Utah by...

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,...

Mary Magdalene's story reminds us that even after we stumble, Christ never stops calling us back to himself. Penitent St. Mary Magdalene and Eight Stories from her Life by Maestro della Maddalena. Tempera and gold on wood panel, 180x91 cm, Date: 1280 – 1285. Galleria dell'Accademia, Florence, Italy. (Photo by Elizabeth Zelasko) I was hesitant to watch The Chosen. I grew up with an image of Jesus burned into my mind from watching Jesus of Nazareth, starring Robert Powell. It was a powerful and...