WASHINGTON, D.C. On a Saturday morning in March, about 80 Catholics gathered for two hours at the Archdiocese of St. Louis’ headquarters in a southwest St. Louis suburb.

Their aim was to reflect on two questions: “Where have I seen or experienced successes — and distresses — within the Church’s structure(s)/organization/leadership/life that encourage or hinder the mission?” and “How can the structures and organization of the Church help all the baptized to respond to the call to proclaim the Gospel and to live as a community of love and mercy in Christ?”

FRUITA. On Dec. 9, 2023, Bishop Stephen Berg of Pueblo joyously dedicated the new Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe on a one-acre site located on the grounds of Sacred Heart Parish in Fruita. The bilingual Mass of Consecration capped off years of planning, construction, fundraising, hard work, and earnest prayers by the 12 members of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine Committee – known as the “Mary Committee” -- as well as the many other parishioners, deanery members and even strangers who donated their talents and treasure to the project. 

COLORAOD SPRINGS. The Diocese of Colorado Springs announced that Lucas Pollice has been named Director of the New Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, effective June 1.

Pollice will be collaborating with the Catholic Pastoral Center staff, pastors, clergy, and parish leaders throughout the diocese to promote the Church’s vision for the New Evangelization and missionary discipleship through pastoral, catechetical, and leadership formation and support, the diocese said.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Celestino “Tino” Archuleta, who served on the first board of directors of Colorado Springs Catholic Social Services, died April 11 at age 92. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated April 24 at Sacred Heart Parish in Colorado Springs, followed by burial at Caernero Creek Cemetery in La Garita.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Over the past 30 years, Msgr. Bob Jaeger has worn many hats in the Diocese of Colorado Springs, including Master of Ceremonies, Vicar General, and Vicar for Clergy, in addition to his parish assignments at Holy Family in Leadville, St. Peter in Monument and St. Paul in Colorado Springs.