On Mission

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...

(Photo: Ivon19/Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0) By Francesca Pollio Fenton/CNA Catholics across the United States are encouraged to participate in the national Respect Life Novena beginning Oct. 22 in an effort to unite in prayer for the protection of the unborn and all those affected by abortion. The Respect Life Novena is offered annually by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) and consists of nine days of prayers, Scripture readings, and suggested acts of reparation....

Faith is not just an idea but a relationship — a lived encounter with the Person of Jesus Christ. (Photo: Lightstock) “Do you know Jesus?” I let the question hang in the air, my go-to whenever I walk with someone in discipleship. A blank stare. “…I mean, I guess?” “You guess ?”  A smile. “Let me ask you a different question. Do you know me ?” “Yes.” “Do you ‘guess’ that you know me?” “No.” “Ok, then why do you guess that you know Jesus?” “Hm. Well, I guess I know about  Jesus, but I don’t...

Inspired by his encounter with Pope St. John Paul II at World Youth Day Denver in 1993, one local Catholic architect now builds and beautifies churches nationwide. Adam Hermanson, principal at IDG Design Group, a Denver-based architecture firm, speaks at a packed event at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Denver. (Photo provided) It all started with sleeping on a church floor to see Pope St. John Paul II at World Youth Day 1993 in Denver. That teenage future architect, Adam Hermanson, never would...

The UK Parliament has debated "assisted dying" for months, the latest affront to life and a clear misunderstanding of compassion. (Photo: Unsplash) The “Mother of Parliaments” — that’s the one in London — has been embroiled for months in a debate over “assisted dying,” which is euphemized elsewhere under other Orwellian monikers: “Medical Assistance in Dying,” “Physician Assisted Suicide,” “Physician Assisted Dying,” and so forth. The bill legalizing this odious practice narrowly passed the...

The newly reopened Mount Olivet Funeral Home Central Denver aims to serve the community through compassionate care at the end of life and amid grief. (Photo by Neil McDonough) The newly reopened Mount Olivet Funeral Home Central Denver, formerly known as Caldwell-Kirk Mortuary, is once again opening its doors to serve the local community — this time with a renewed Catholic identity and a mission of hope in the Resurrection. The reopening day began with Mass for the staff, followed by tours of...

Pope Leo XIV's first exhortation reminds us that the poor are not a problem to fix, but persons to love — and that every act of service begins with conversion of heart. (Photo courtesy of Christ in the City) By Philip Couture Director of Formation Christ in the City There’s a question that has defined all my years in Denver:   “How do I serve the poor?”   That’s probably not the question that follows most people through the Mile High City, but it marked my very first days here up to the...

(Photo provided) By Caitlin Burm  As Catholics, we’re called to safeguard human life and dignity, which is central and sacred to our teaching. That has not changed over time, but what has changed are the ongoing safety concerns that many of us face today when attending our parishes and schools — our sacred spaces. The Archdiocese of Denver continues to take measures to ensure the safety   of its parishioners and Catholic school students, according to Deacon Mike Daly , archdiocesan director...

Through the Crypt of All Souls and the annual ‘Bring Them Home’ Mass, Catholic Funeral & Cemetery Services of Colorado ensures every person — regardless of means — is laid to rest with dignity and prayer. (Photo provided) For more than three years, she kept a small wooden urn on the corner of her bedroom dresser. Inside were the cremated remains of her son. She loved her son deeply, but she also carried a quiet guilt. She didn’t know what to do with his remains. The idea of scattering them...

(Photo: Adobe Stock) By Dr. Albert Pace Clinical Director St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities Many Catholics worry about taking medication for mental health concerns. This concern has only increased in recent years, as distrust of the pharmaceutical industry has grown. While the topic of psychiatric medication is very broad, there are several common concerns that Catholics express when this conversation arises in therapy. Common Concern 1: Fear of Over-Reliance on...

(Photo provided) As the mother of nine children, Marilyn Gore knows all about the joys — and challenges — of parenting. In addition to her own family, she has spent decades supporting and encouraging countless mothers and babies across the Denver Metro area. Her home is often filled with little ones, including three-month-old twins she recently brought into Marisol Family St. Pius to pick up more diapers. For many women, Marilyn has been a lifeline, offering hope outside abortion clinics and...

(Photo: Adobe Stock) By Pedro Pablo St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities Many of us live day by day, only focused on the next thing: the next bill, the next paycheck, the next event. We often live merely to survive, with no time to think about other aspects of life. Sometimes, our only focus is on the physical needs. It’s a way of life that is understandable, but it overlooks the spiritual, interpersonal, community and psychological needs that we all have. I say “needs”...