Applicants sought for new cohort in formation program

The order of deacons traces back to the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 6:1-6). From the early history of the Church, deacons held a special place in the community, along with bishops and presbyters, and they continue to do so today. Undergirding the work of the permanent deacon is a three-fold ministry of Word, Liturgy, and Charity at the service of the people of God, in communion with the bishop and his priests.

COLORADO SPRINGS. On Oct. 25, 2025, generosity took center stage in Colorado Springs as the Knights of Columbus Guadalupe Chapter 2985 partnered with Catholic Charities of Central Colorado to host one of the most far reaching Coats for Kids distributions the region has seen. What unfolded was a powerful display of collaboration, compassion, and community spirit.

The 2025 Jubilee Year was a year of conversion, growth and deepening of faith for the young adults at St. John Henry Newman Chapel and Catholic Student Center.  It was a reminder of our mortality and that we are pilgrims on earth who have great hope and anticipation for the coming of the kingdom. 

COLORADO SPRINGS. Milton and Lucille Franklin met on a blind date almost 74 years ago in Louisiana. Lucille was 19 and Milton was 22 and in the Air Force when they married on August 16, 1952, at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in New Orleans. 

On Dec. 12, 2025, the Franklins were honored by the Colorado Marriage Encounter Community as the state’s Longest Married Couple for 2025.
Tom and Molly Johnson, Colorado leaders of Marriage Encounter, presented the Franklins with a certificate of recognition and flowers at Holy Apostles’ Mary’s House.

IMPORTANT LENTEN AND EASTER DATES FOR 2026

• Ash Wednesday: Feb. 18
• The Annunciation: March 25
• Palm Sunday: March 29
• Holy Thursday: April 2
• Good Friday: April 3
• Holy Saturday: April 4
• Easter Sunday: April 5
• Divine Mercy Sunday: April 12
• Ascension: May 17
• Pentecost: May 24

AURORA. Father John Auer, who served as pastor at several parishes in the Diocese of Colorado Springs before his retirement in 2016, died Nov. 20 at age 79. Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Dec. 4, 5-6 p.m.: Vigil, St. Mary’s Cathedral

Dec. 5, 10 a.m.: Mass of Christian Burial, St. Mary’s Cathedral

Dec. 9, 11 a.m.: Interment at Evergreen Cemetery, Colorado Springs (priest section)

See a list of parish Advent activities and Christmas Masses and more.

Upcoming Holy Days of Obligation 

• Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mon., Dec. 8
• Christmas Day, Thurs., Dec. 25
• Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, Thurs., Jan. 1, 2026

SALIDA. “A woman of valor, who can find?” Here at St. Joseph Parish in Salida, the name that comes to mind is our beloved office and business manager of 40 years, Mary Guccione McGlasson. She has grown from a teenager to a savvy professional with a heart full of love. On Aug. 2, our parish honored Mary with a “workiversary” celebration to express our gratitude for her commitment, dedication, and the unique brand of joy she brings to each of us. The theme for the evening became, “What’s the best thing about Mary?”

On a crisp Friday morning in Highlands Ranch, a crowd of people gathered at Civic Green Park to witness the unveiling of a newly installed monument honoring Kendrick Castillo. The seven-foot-tall memorial features an American flag wrapped around the column, an image of Kendrick sitting on his Jeep, a bald eagle and a cross, representing Castillo’s faith as the foundation of his heroism.