Remembering Father John Auer
- Denver Catholic Staff
- 28 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Father John Auer, a beloved priest affectionately known as “God’s fisherman” for his lifelong love of fly fishing, entered eternal life on Nov. 20 after 45 years of priestly ministry.
Ordained in 1979 for the Archdiocese of Denver, he became a priest of the newly formed Diocese of Colorado Springs in 1984. His decades of service, marked by perseverance, gratitude and an unwavering devotion to the people of God, leave a lasting legacy across parishes and communities throughout Colorado.
Last year, Father Auer reflected on his 45th anniversary of ordination with the Diocese of Colorado Springs' Colorado Catholic Herald.
“While it has not always been easy and there were trying times, I truly feel God’s presence and love in all activities,” he said at the time.
Those words capture the heart of his vocation — a priest who walked with Christ through every challenge, always attentive to grace.
A Vocation Formed by Family and Community
Born to Edward and Elizabeth Auer, devoted Catholics who lived their faith deeply, Father Auer credited his parents for instilling in him the desire to serve.
“My folks wanted my brother and myself to attend Catholic elementary and high school,” he told the Herald. “I was drawn to church ministry, so, I became an altar boy.”
His path to the priesthood took time and honest discernment. After an early period of formation with the Marist Fathers in San Francisco, he stepped back for further reflection, eventually pursuing a degree in behavioral sciences at Metro State College in Denver. It was during this time that he met a priest organizing Newman Club retreats — a moment that rekindled his call.
“What I was most intrigued with was the sense of community that had emerged as a result of the retreats,” he said. “The church is community, and I discovered that people want to be around those with a greater purpose in life.”
Father Auer entered St. Thomas Seminary in 1975 and was ordained four years later.
A Shepherd Across Colorado
His early ministry included service at St. Jude Parish in Lakewood as a transitional deacon, followed by assignments at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Denver, Divine Redeemer Parish in Colorado Springs and St. Rose of Lima Parish in Buena Vista, where he oversaw the completion of a new church building.
He later served at Holy Trinity Parish in Colorado Springs, where a Jesuit spiritual director encouraged him to pursue further studies. He completed a Master of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University Chicago, enriching his ministry and deepening his pastoral focus.
His assignments continued at St. Paul Parish in Colorado Springs, where he helped guide a major renovation, followed by St. Mark Parish in Highlands Ranch, and finally St. Mary of the Rockies Parish in Bailey, where he served until retiring in 2016.
Even in retirement, Father Auer continued to serve as a priest for others. He assisted at local parishes with Mass and Confessions, and he embraced a quieter rhythm of prayer, reflection and gratitude.
“I like retirement and find myself in an increase of prayer and reflection,” he said. “My heart is filled with gratitude and a sense of being blessed.”
A Life Well Lived
When he wasn’t serving his parishioners, Father Auer found joy in cooking, movies, reading, ham radio and above all, fly fishing — the pastime that gave him his nickname. He often described those quiet hours on the water as moments of peace with God.
Today, we entrust Father John Auer to the mercy of the Lord he served so faithfully. May Christ welcome him with the words he longed to hear: Well done, good and faithful servant.
