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.

On Feb. 5, 1918, Spencer Penrose, who was in the midst of building the Broadmoor Hotel, wrote a letter to Bishop J. H. Tihen of Denver, indicating that his wife, Julie Penrose, was “anxious” to build a small Catholic chapel near the hotel. He enclosed proposed drawings for the chapel and indicated it would be built on land donated by the Broadmoor. He estimated the cost would be between $10,000 and $15,000. Bishop Tihen approved, as long as the property was controlled by the church, and by September the project was underway. On Sept. 5, 1918, noted local architect Thomas MacLaren sent the bishop blueprints for the new chapel.

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.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Many Catholics in the Diocese of Colorado Springs may be aware that Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patroness of the diocese, and that Bishop James Golka dedicated a new shrine in her honor, located at 927 N. Logan Ave., on July 5. But the connection between the two is even more meaningful when considered in light of the symbolism found in the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe that was miraculously imprinted on the tilma of St. Juan Diego, according to a priest considered to be one of the world’s top experts on the subject.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Catholic Stewardship Consultants will present two retreats in the Diocese of Colorado Springs during the month of August.