On Mission

Celebrating 50 years of Archbishop Emeritus Samuel J. Aquila’s priesthood could offer a massive spiritual benefit. The St. John Paul II Center for the New Evangelization campus, home to St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, Redemptoris Mater Seminary and the Prophet Elijah House, will be the site of a massive celebration on June 5, one at which the faithful can earn a plenary indulgence. (Photo by Grant Whitty) Summer is fast approaching, offering a reprieve from school, vacation time from...

(Photo courtesy of Kieran Kenny/Holy Family High School) As the 101st graduating class of Holy Family High School in Broomfield prepared to turn their tassels and begin a new chapter, they received a special visit from Northern Colorado's new shepherd. On Wednesday, May 20, Archbishop James Golka joined the graduates, their family and friends and school faculty, staff and students for the annual Baccalaureate Mass, a special liturgy to pray for and with those graduating. During the Mass, the...

A worldwide rosary, coordinated by the Dicastery for Evangelization, will be prayed at the Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens on May 30. A pilgrim prays the rosary at a Marian vigil in St. Peter’s Square, Rome, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. (Photo by Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News) By Madalaine Elhabbal/EWTN News Pope Leo XIV is inviting Catholics around the world to join him in praying a rosary for peace on May 30. The Holy Father is set to pray the rosary live from the Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican...

Part Six: To accompany others, we must share the Good News, the Gospel, the saving message of Jesus Christ. (Photo by Grant Whitty) Editor's Note: This column is part of a yearlong series on evangelization, breaking down what often feels like a tall order into real, practical, actionable steps towards intentional accompaniment. Part One: A Practical Guide for Everyday Catholics Part Two: Be A Disciple First Part Three: Discern Who to Accompany Part Four: Build Authentic Friendships Part Five:...

With the help of the Holy Spirit, traditionally depicted in the form of a dove (also a symbol of peace), we can create meaningful peace that will last. (Photo: Unsplash) Repetition, it’s said, can be the mother of learning. So, in light of recent Catholic debates about the pursuit of peace in the Middle East and elsewhere, permit me to reprise, with slight adjustments, parts of a column from twenty-four years ago. The points I made then seem to me as salient today as when I first made them:...

In the spirit of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage and its historic procession through the heart of Denver, another Eucharistic procession is coming to the Mile High City on June 6. On Saturday, June 6, another MASSIVE Eucharistic procession is coming to downtown Denver — calling to mind this special, unforgettable one through the heart of our city during summer 2024's National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. On that day, nearly 5,000 people from across the archdiocese gathered in faith, witness...

One woman shares how childhood wounds, anxiety and loss shaped her life — and how Christ led her toward grace, healing and freedom. A young Amanda, pictured here with her parents shortly before their divorce. (Photo courtesy of Amanda Flageolle) By Amanda Flageolle I’d like to tell you a story. It isn’t a fairy tale, though it does have a happy ending. It isn’t a tragedy, though it does have loss and sadness. It’s a true story; it’s my story. My story of belonging to a secret club I never...

The pierced heart of Christ reveals a path of mercy, communion and mission for the Church in America today, ahead of its 250th anniversary. (Photo: Unsplash) By Father Jim Thermos This June 11, the bishops of the United States are inviting each of us to draw nearer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as they consecrate the United States to that heart, burning for love of us. As that day approaches, we can glean new insight into that Heart and the call to intimacy that Jesus makes in each of our...

Through Bouguereau’s Pietà, one mother reflects on Mary, suffering and the staggering beauty woven into love itself during the month of mothers and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Pietà by William-Adolphe Bouguereau, c. 1876. (Photo: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons) “What on God’s good earth is more glorious than this: to be a mother?” Venerable Jozsef Cardinal Mindszenty As a mother, I can only answer, “nothing.” And while there are myriad paintings I could have chosen to honor the month of...

From religious freedom and parental rights to homelessness and human trafficking, the Colorado Catholic Conference reflects on a consequential year at the Capitol. The 2026 legislative session at the Colorado State Capitol considered several important topics for Catholics. (Photo: Pixabay) The 2026 Legislative Session kicked off on January 14. Lawmakers exceeded their allowable threshold of submitted bills (500 total bills for 100 total members), continuing a recent years-long trend. The...

Venerable Emil Kapaun’s holy, courageous priesthood brought others to Christ amid great darkness and suffering

(Photo: Lightstock) I did not want to write about screens. I did not want to because, Lord knows, we are struggling to figure out screens for our own family. We make rules and guidelines, find them hard to stick to, and before you know it, we are back where we started with too much screen time. It feels like once you open Pandora’s box regarding devices, there’s almost no going back. But then, I was in our dentist’s waiting room on two different occasions, and what I witnessed gave me a sort...