Protecting Life, Transforming Families: Archbishop Golka’s Message of Hope
"We're willing to walk with vulnerable people, hand in hand, to give them the support that they need. Because we have enough experience in this to show that if we walk with a vulnerable person trying to bring life into the world, our presence and support will make all the difference and change the trajectory of that family." – Archbishop James R. Golka
Archbishop James R. Golka delivered that powerful reminder on Friday, October 23, as nearly 200 people gathered for a special 40 Days for Life Mass in the Marisol Health Garden in Denver.
Organized by Respect Life Denver, a ministry of Catholic Charities, the outdoor Mass brought together pro-life advocates, community members and seminarians from St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver on a beautiful fall afternoon. Together, they prayed for unborn children, expectant mothers and families facing difficult circumstances, while reflecting on the Catholic Church's unwavering commitment to the dignity of every human life. A commitment to life that extends before and after birth.
Throughout his homily, Archbishop Golka emphasized that protecting human life means more than advocating for unborn children. It also means providing the practical assistance, encouragement and ongoing support that mothers and families need to thrive.
He directly addressed one of the criticisms frequently directed at the Catholic Church.
"One of the critiques that we receive often is, 'Well, Catholics are really concerned about the baby in the womb but don't do much for them after they're born.' That's a lie," he said.
He pointed to the daily work of Catholic Charities, priests, volunteers and countless others who serve vulnerable people, emphasizing that the Church's commitment to life continues long after a child is born.
Archbishop Golka described how walking with families through challenging circumstances can transform their futures. With the right support, children who might otherwise grow up in poverty have greater opportunities to pursue education, find meaningful employment and build stable lives.
(Photos by Matt Walker/Denver Catholic)
His message resonated especially strongly at Marisol Health Denver, where that commitment to life is put into action every day.
Located just steps away from the largest Planned Parenthood in Colorado, Marisol Health Denver provides comprehensive women's healthcare, including pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, prenatal care, gynecological services and professional counseling. The ministry offers compassionate, professional care to women regardless of their financial circumstances, helping them make informed decisions and receive the support they need.
Through Catholic Charities' broader network of Marisol Services, women and families can also access housing, parenting education, diapers, clothing and other essential resources. These interconnected ministries reflect a commitment not only to helping women welcome their babies into the world but also to supporting families as they build healthy, stable futures.
Archbishop Golka also expressed profound gratitude for the work of Marisol Health and the lives touched through its ministry.
"Thank you for the hundreds and thousands of babies who have been saved and born into this world with a human life that has divine value in it because of the work that you do and the ministry that you do," he said.
He reminded those gathered that the Catholic Church's defense of life is rooted in a fundamental belief that every person is created by God with inherent dignity and worth.
"Our God created us with dignity and with value," he said.
Sharing a conversation with government officials, Archbishop Golka recalled their appreciation for the Catholic Church's consistency in defending human dignity.
"You know, what we appreciate about the Catholic Church is that there are no surprises with you," he recalled one official saying. "We know where you stand, and we know that you're always going to stand with the dignity and value of human life."
He also spoke passionately about the dignity of individuals with disabilities, particularly children with Down syndrome, expressing concern about countries where prenatal diagnoses can lead to abortions.
"We need these people. There's a value and a dignity there," he said, describing individuals with Down syndrome as some of his closest friends.
His message was clear: every human life matters, regardless of age, ability, circumstance or stage of development.
"We have much to learn about how to value life from the moment of conception all the way to the moment of natural death," he said.
Beyond his reflections on the dignity of life, Archbishop Golka encouraged those gathered to recognize the transformative power of prayer and blessings.
"I do believe in the power of blessings," he said. "To bless each other makes an incredible difference."
He shared how the blessings of his own mother and father had profoundly influenced his life, reminding attendees that even simple acts of faith and encouragement can have a lasting impact.
Pointing to the seminarians seated near the front of the gathering, Archbishop Golka explained that they were spending their spirituality year learning to pray, discern God's will and listen for his voice.
He encouraged everyone to approach prayer not simply as an opportunity to speak to God but as a chance to listen.
"Prayer is not just you talking to God," he said. "God, show me what you want. Help me to hear your voice."
He challenged those gathered to imagine what could happen if all 650,000 Catholics in the Archdiocese of Denver began each day listening clearly for God's direction.
"Can you imagine what we would do tomorrow? We would change the world."
Before concluding his homily, Archbishop Golka led a prayer of deliverance and protection for those at the nearby Planned Parenthood facility, asking for God's protection and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The Mass was hosted by Respect Life Denver, a Catholic Charities ministry that works with parishes, schools and community partners to promote the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death. Through education, advocacy, prayer and community engagement, Respect Life Denver encourages individuals and families to build a culture of life rooted in Catholic teaching. Its work includes supporting pro-life initiatives, providing educational resources and connecting people with opportunities to put their faith into action.
The October 23 Mass was part of the international 40 Days for Life campaign, which brings people together through prayer, fasting and peaceful witness to end abortion. Celebrating Mass in the Marisol Health Garden offered a particularly meaningful connection between prayer and service. Just steps away from where the faithful gathered, women and families receive the compassionate care and practical assistance that Archbishop Golka described throughout his homily.
As the afternoon concluded, his message served as both an affirmation of the work already being done and a challenge to continue.
Protecting life is not simply about one moment, one decision or one stage of life. It is about recognizing the God-given dignity of every person and responding with compassion, commitment and meaningful support.
And as Archbishop Golka reminded those gathered, that willingness to walk with vulnerable families can do more than help them through a difficult moment. It can change the trajectory of their lives for generations to come.
