PHOTOS | 'A New Beginning': Sts. Peter and Paul Breaks Ground on Major School Expansion

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila and representatives from the Archdiocese of Denver, Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Parish and STEM School, SHEA Family Charities and others ceremonially break ground on the new building at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic STEM School in Wheat Ridge. (Photo by Neil McDonough)

On a bright December morning in Wheat Ridge, the schoolyard at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic STEM School bustled with excitement. Students gathered in their uniforms, families pressed together against the cold, and the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles stood near the construction fencing, joyful witnesses to a special moment.

Then, with shovels poised and prayers rising, the community broke ground on a major school expansion that will add seven classrooms, a chapel, an interior courtyard, a counselor’s office, an updated nurse’s station, an elevator and more. The new building will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the school’s mission to form saints and scholars for generations to come.

For many, the day felt like grace made visible.

“A special place in the heart of God”

Sister Ines Sandoval, O.C.D., principal of the school, could hardly express her joy.

“I don’t think words could even describe the joy of being able to be really like Juan Diego, an ambassador for God for the spread of his kingdom,” she said, watching the children grin as they held their miniature plastic shovels. “It just shows that Sts. Peter and Paul has a special place in the heart of God and in the heart of all of us.”

The school’s enrollment has surged in recent years — a welcome challenge, but one that has stretched classroom space to its limits. The expansion will allow smaller class sizes, more individualized attention and room to welcome new families who have been drawn to the school’s Catholic mission and thriving STEM program.

“It’s going to really enable us to be able to serve many more families,” Sister Ines explained. “Teachers will be able to give more individualized assistance to their children.”

That vision has fueled a remarkable capital campaign. In just eight months, the school raised 97 percent of the needed funding. It's a testament, Sister Ines said, to God’s provision and the faith of the community.

A Partnership Rooted in Mission

One of the most transformational gifts came through Shea Family Charities, longtime supporters of Catholic education.

Dan O’Melveny, executive director, shared why Shea felt drawn to the project.

“It was because of the Carmelites here doing such a great job in their leadership and just providing a great faith-based education to these kids,” he said. “They needed a space, and it was something that we had the opportunity to be a part of.”

Shea Family Charities, he added, “has a heart for education, Catholic education.”

Dr. Scott Elmer, interim superintendent of Catholic schools, said the project sends a message of hope to the entire Archdiocese of Denver.

“I think it’s a great sign of hope,” he shared. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of the leadership of Sts. Peter and Paul. … They’re living proof and really a light to a lot of our other school communities that this type of hard work can really pay off.”

(Photos by Neil McDonough)

A Parish Community United in Faith

For Father Jim Goggins, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Wheat Ridge, the groundbreaking represents far more than a construction project.

“It’s an exciting new beginning for Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic STEM School,” he said. “We’re growing, we’re thriving, and we want to lead more people to Christ.”

He noted that the Carmelite Sisters are at the heart of the school’s mission, calling them “the heart of our school.”

Everything the school does, Father Goggins emphasized, flows from a single purpose: “leading people to Jesus.”

The expansion will help the school continue to form future leaders: academically strong, grounded in Catholic identity and immersed in Carmelite spirituality.

For parents like Amy Mintz, who has three daughters at the school, the groundbreaking represents answered prayers.

“This is just a really special place for our kids to be, surrounded by people who love Jesus and people who love them,” she said. “My hope is that the school, partnering with us as parents, will help put them on the path toward Heaven.”

“A new beginning” for Catholic Education

At the ceremony, Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila blessed the land, thanking the parents, parishioners, Carmelites and school leaders whose sacrifices made the project possible.

He called the school’s growth a reminder that Catholic education remains a vital work of evangelization: forming hearts and minds in Christ and preparing young people to bring his light to the world.

Father Goggins echoed that belief.

“This is a new beginning,” he said. “This is a great win for Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Denver.”

As shovels hit the soil and cheers rose from students, it was clear the community was celebrating more than a building. They were celebrating a future, one built on faith, sacrifice and the conviction that every child deserves to encounter Christ in the classroom.

And now, with God’s grace, Sts. Peter and Paul is ready to welcome even more of them home.