On Mission

(Photo: Archdiocese of Denver file photo) With sorrow, yet with confidence in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Archdiocese of Denver mourns the passing of Deacon Thomas “Tom” Michael Fox, who entered eternal life on July 25, 2026, at the age of 85. Following a lengthy battle with lung cancer, he died surrounded by his loving family. Deacon Fox was born on April 2, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, to Thomas Lawrence Fox and Mary Curtin Fox. He was baptized on April 27, 1941, at St. John...

Reflecting on St. John Paul II’s “law of the gift,” Denver’s archbishop encouraged young adult missionaries serving the poor to trust that the more they give themselves away in love, the more fully they become themselves. Denver Archbishop James Golka visited the Denver headquarters of Christ in the City, a local apostolate serving the poor and homeless, for the first time as Archbishop of Denver. (Photo by André Escaleira, Jr./Denver Catholic) Did you know that, according to Pope St. John...

Baptism makes us beloved children of God — and gives us a lifelong mission as kings, prophets and priests to bring his Kingdom into the world. Father Mike Schmitz addresses Steubenville of the Rockies attendees during the conference's Sunday Mass, celebrated by Denver Archbishop James Golka. (Photo by Kim Rivera/Denver Catholic) Water flows. The baby cries. Everyone smiles. Now what? The Baptism takes only a few moments, but the Christian mission lasts a lifetime. So what does the baptized...

Deacon Martinez has had the privilege of baptizing six of his nine grandchildren, a unique experience as a deacon, a father and a grandfather. (Photo by Neil McDonough/Denver Catholic) As a deacon, I have been blessed to baptize more than 100 children. Of all those moments, none have touched me more deeply than baptizing six of my nine grandchildren. I have stood in many places during my life. As a police officer, I witnessed both tragedy and grace. As a husband and father, I have experienced...

As the Church marks 800 years since St. Francis’ death, Denver Capuchin Franciscans invite Catholics to rediscover his radical witness of peace, simplicity, fraternity, service to the poor and surrender to Christ in an age of division, conflict and distraction. Denver's Annunciation Parish is preparing to celebrate St. Francis of Assisi in style on the 800th anniversary of his death, with a two-day festival complete with prayer, food, fun and two chances to earn a plenary indulgence. (Photo...

Denver Archbishop James Golka smiles with seniors at Holly Creek Retirement Community, where he visited to pray a Rosary. (Photo by Richard Caldwell, courtesy of The Rosary Team) By Teresa Rodriguez In celebration of National Grandparents Day and National Catholic Grandparents Day, Denver Archbishop James Golka joined more than 50 residents, staff and Rosary Team volunteers at Holly Creek Retirement Community in the Denver metro area to pray the Rosary together. For the seniors who gather...

The Holy Father received 147 bishops from five continents, participants in a formation course in Rome for new bishops. Pope Leo XIV speaks during a Sept. 10, 2026, meeting in the Vatican Synod Hall with bishops ordained over the past year. The bishops were attending a course sponsored by the Dicastery for Bishops and the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches. (Photo: CNS/Vatican Media) By Victoria Cardiel/EWTN Pope Leo XIV said the first task bishops must place before every other responsibility...

On Sept. 3, Viviana Martínez of Vista PEAK Preparatory was surprised in her classroom by state representatives with the news that she had been nominated for the 2027 Colorado Teacher of the Year award. (Photo provided) Reflecting on her journey in education, Viviana Martínez sums up her vocation in one phrase: “Education is a call to serve.” It is a conviction that has guided her work and the way she accompanies each of her students. A Spanish and history teacher at the public Vista PEAK...

Deacon Clarence Johnson was inside the Pentagon when American Airlines Flight 77 struck. The sacrificial love he witnessed that day taught him what it means to lay down one’s life for another. A September 14 aerial view of the Pentagon during cleanup operations following the September 11, 2001, attacks. (Photo: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons) By Deacon Clarence Johnson “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 Sept. 11, 2001, began...

The archbishop and Arthur Brooks challenged Catholic business leaders to pursue excellence, put Christ at the center and transform their businesses into places of mission capable of renewing the culture. Denver Archbishop James Golka celebrated Mass for the SENT Summit on Thursday, challenging Catholic entrepreneurs to use their gifts, talents and resources for the Gospel. (Photo by André Escaleira, Jr./Denver Catholic) Imagine bringing a squirt gun to a house fire. That wouldn’t be all that...

(Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic) “Could you explain what the Catholic Intellectual Tradition means?” This simple question from a superintendent reflected the renewal that is happening across the country. We’ve finally realized that Catholic education cannot simply follow along with current trends. Even if we can learn from contemporary methods, we stand within an unparalleled tradition reaching back thousands of years. The wisdom we have handed down through each generation is more...

A Catholic gym is helping people transform their workouts into opportunities for prayer, discipline, and service. Jayce Rastrelli is co-owner of Grow the Kingdom, a Catholic gym in Greenwood Village, Colorado. (Photo by Francesca Fenton/EWTN News) By Francesca Pollio Fenton/EWTN News As you walk into one new gym in the Archdiocese of Denver, the first thing you’ll notice isn’t the equipment. A large crucifix hangs on the wall above a Bible, while a nearby whiteboard is covered with prayer...