On Mission

(Photo by André Escaleira, Jr./Denver Catholic) When I began my time in the Diocese of Colorado Springs, I said I was fascinated by Jesus Christ, and I have been for much of my life. What was true then, and what was true in the Scriptures, is only truer today. I am fascinated by the way that Jesus makes himself present in our world today. I am fascinated by Jesus’ words, which echo through the centuries and in your heart and mine. I am fascinated by the way that he loved all those he...

Those who knew him before Denver say the Archdiocese is in good hands. Archbishop James R. Golka knocks on the doors of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver at the beginning of the Mass of Taking Possession of the Cathedral, his last formal liturgical step towards assuming the pastoral responsibility for the Archdiocese of Denver. (Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) Archbishop James R. Golka's first full day leading the Archdiocese of Denver began at the doors of the...

In his first homily as the shepherd of Northern Colorado, the newly installed archbishop called the Church to know Jesus more deeply, listen to his Word and go on mission to preach the Gospel. Newly-installed Archbishop James R. Golka processes out of the CoBank Arena at the National Western Complex following his Installation Mass, in which thousands from across the archdiocese and beyond came together to witness apostolic succession in action, and to pray for their new shepherd. (Photo by...

Inspired by Mary and strengthened by prayer, Denver’s incoming archbishop begins his ministry with a commitment to Christ and the Church in a formal profession of faith and oath of fidelity to the pope, the Catholic Church and his ministry. Archbishop-designate James R. Golka kisses the Book of the Gospels after making his Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity, a requirement before taking office as the sixth Archbishop of Denver. (Photo by Grant Whitty/Denver Catholic) Mary as the Model On...

St. Augustine Arguing with Donatists by Charles André van Loo, c. 1753. (Photo: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons) My Lenten reading has included an interesting, if somewhat odd, book about the greatest of the Latin Fathers of the Church: Augustine the African by Catherine Conybeare, a philologist currently teaching at Bryn Mawr. The interesting part of the book reframes Augustine as a North African provincial who sees the world differently — and thus thinks differently and more creatively...

In his remarks to archdiocesan deacons, Denver’s new shepherd expressed profound gratitude for the ministry and service of those configured to Christ the Servant. Deacon Tim Unger, director of the St. Francis School of Theology for Deacons; Deacon Mark Leonard, assistant director of deacons; Cardinal Christophe Pierre, papal nuncio to the United States; Archbishop-designate James Golka; and Deacon Ernie Martinez, archdiocesan director of deacons, pictured here with the deacon wives behind the...

Archbishop-designate James Golka chats with Father Joseph Toledo, pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Fort Collins, following the presbyterate meeting on March 18. (Photo by Neil McDonough/Denver Catholic) As he prepared to assume leadership of the Archdiocese of Denver this week, Archbishop-designate James Golka made an important visit March 18 to those at the forefront of the Church's ministry in Northern Colorado: the Archdiocese of Denver's priests. The visit came during the...

In a packed, vibrant Denver parish, the retiring archbishop delivers a call to faith, gratitude and mission. Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila visited Annunciation Parish in Denver, his last parish visit as Archbishop of Denver. (Photo by Olivia Britt/Denver Catholic) “Do you believe?” That was the simple — yet complex — question Archbishop Aquila posed Sunday to the packed congregation at Denver’s Annunciation Parish as the inner-city “parish of immigrants” gathered to say farewell. In one...

Archbishop Aquila’s Journey of Faith, Humility and Mission with the Neocatechumenal Way Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving with the Neocatechumenal Way community on Saturday evening. (Photo by Kaylee Stoll/Denver Catholic) A large group of young pilgrims drew near the center of the historic city of Santiago de Compostela when, from a nearby alley, they were suddenly attacked. As objects flew and insults filled the air, one man stood at the head of the group, calm...

Nebraska native’s hometown family and friends share who he is and what he’s like Then-Bishop James Golka shows his pectoral cross to Charlotte, Jolene Wojcik's granddaughter, after a wedding Mass. (Photo courtesy of Jolene Wojcik) Connected to Christ. Of the many fine qualities those close to Archbishop James Golka attribute to him, the foundational one is that. He is genuine, prayerful, humble, deeply faithful and pastoral, said family, friends, mentors and colleagues. His leadership flows...

Hundreds from across Northern Colorado came together in prayer and gratitude for Denver's retiring archbishop. Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila blessed those gathered as he processes out of the Mass of Thanksgiving for his ministry on Sunday at Light of the World Parish in Littleton. (Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) Before hundreds of faithful gathered Sunday afternoon for a special Mass of Thanksgiving at Light of the World Parish in Littleton, Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila summed...

After 14 years leading the Archdiocese of Denver, Archbishop Samuel Aquila will enter retirement on March 25. By Francesca Pollio Fenton/EWTN News Over the past 14 years, Archbishop Samuel Aquila has led the Archdiocese of Denver. Appointed to lead the archdiocese in 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI, Aquila — who at 75 has reached the customary retirement age for prelates — now prepares to hand the role over to Bishop James Golka, who will be installed as the archdiocese’s new leader on March 25....