COLORADO SPRINGS. It’s hardly news that planning for death — or, more precisely, for what happens after it — may be the least popular to-do list item ever.

Yet consider the alternative: if a person dies without putting their wishes down on paper, they leave the funeral planning in the hands of grief-stricken family members who may or may not practice the Catholic faith. Increasingly, the Catholic Church is encouraging parents to spare their kids the anxiety of working through funeral details.

November is Black Catholic History Month in the United States. It is a time to emphasize the significant contributions and rich history of Black Catholics, regardless of their country of origin.

Established in 1990 by the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus, November was chosen because a number of important dates for Black Catholics fall within the month. This includes the feast day of the Colorado Springs Council for Black Catholics’ patron saint — St. Martin de Porres. St. Martin de Porres, a Peruvian, is the only Black saint from the western hemisphere. It is also a special time to promote awareness of and sharing information about Black Catholic notables, especially African-Americans.

COLORADO SPRINGS. The ACT for Freedom Now Second Annual Rosary Appeal ran from October 1-31. All Catholic organizations and Catholics were encouraged to pledge and pray rosaries and fast throughout October to end human trafficking and pornography; to build strong, holy families to protect the innocence and purity of children; and to protect all who work in the fight against human trafficking. Many Colorado Springs Diocese churches, schools, religious communities, men’s groups and women’s groups, ministries, Bible and rosary groups participated as well as individuals. Individuals outside our diocese and from 11 other states besides Colorado joined in the mission to pray and fast to end modern slavery.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I greet you in the peace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As rector of St. Mary’s Cathedral, I am privileged to witness the vibrant and diverse faith life of our community, and I am deeply thankful for the support and dedication you all show to the Church. It is with gratitude and a spirit of collaboration that I come to you today.

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Bishop Golka's Reflection on Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

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Bishop Golka's Reflection on the Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Bishop Golka's Reflection on the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

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Bishop Golka's Reflection on the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed

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Bishop Golka's Reflection on the Thirthieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Bishop Golka's Reflection on the Twenty-Nineth Sunday in Ordinary Time