PHOTOS | Grounded in Christ: Archbishop-designate Golka Meets His Priests

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 semiannual presbyterate meeting, a gathering of the entire archdiocese's priests for prayer, fellowship and business updates. At this special gathering, the incoming archbishop was introduced by Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, who noted his successor's deep prayer life and connection to Jesus Christ.

Beginning his remarks to the presbyterate, Archbishop-designate Golka asked those gathered to join him in prayer by turning to Our Lady, whose intercession he credits for the smoothness of the transition so far.

Archbishop-designate Golka chats with Hung Pham, archdiocesan director of liturgy.

The incoming archbishop met archdiocesan priests during the semiannual priest meeting.

Father Rocco Porter, pastor of Christ the King in Denver, chats with Archbishop-designate Golka.

Father Nathan Cromley thanks Archbishop Aquila.

Archbishop Aquila blesses the priests gathered for the presbyterate meeting.

Archdiocesan priests stand and applaud Archbishop Aquila at the end of his last priest meeting.

Archbishop-designate Golka greeted archdiocesan priests following the meeting.

Archbishop-designate Golka addresses the priests gathered.

Archdiocesan priests stand and applaud during the annual priests meeting.

Archbishop-designate Golka listens during a presentation at the semiannual priest meeting.

Archbishop Aquila addresses priests gathered at the semiannual meeting.

Archbishop Aquila addresses priests gathered at the semiannual meeting.

(Photos by Neil McDonough/Denver Catholic)

The archbishop-designate went on to express his excitement to meet the priests of the Archdiocese of Denver — an enthusiasm he has expressed throughout the transition — and his eagerness to work together for the good of the Kingdom.

“I really look forward to getting to know our priests," he said recently in an interview on the Dan Caplis Show. "I think, as a bishop, one of my primary cares is for our priests. If we have priests that are holy and healthy and happy, then we’re going to have parishes that are the same.”

Looking ahead to his installation this week, Archbishop-designate Golka asked the priests of the archdiocese to pray for him, especially for energy, given all of the historic, exciting events to take place.

As the meeting drew to a close, Archbishop Aquila offered a blessing over the archdiocesan presbyterate, who stood to clap for their spiritual father about to retire.