The Gospel of Matthew records the last earthly words of Jesus before his Ascension as He gives the disciples (and us) the Great Commission: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

COLORADO SPRINGS. Bishop James Golka issued the following statement regarding the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day on March 17:

As we begin this New Year with optimism and thanksgiving for all the blessings God has given us, we also are still savoring our recent memories of this past holiday season surrounded by friends, family and loved ones. We may have been so wrapped up in the spirit of the season that we were not able to take time to recognize or help those less fortunate among us as much as we would have liked.