I was ordained a priest on Dec. 18, 1976.  It was the most precious Christmas gift I have ever received. For me, it culminated 13½ years of priestly formation: that is, personal and spiritual growth, academic study, and field education. I was blessed to have good teachers and mentors. I am still friends today with many of the men who were in the seminary with me, both ordained and lay. Some of them have been sixty years a friend.

Profiles of the 12 men who are being ordained permanent deacons on May 25, 10 a.m. at St. Peter Church, Monument.

Bishop James Golka announces the following clergy appointments (all appointments effective July 1 unless otherwise noted).

COLORADO SPRINGS. It’s a busy year for ordinations in the Diocese of Colorado Springs. Not only will Bishop James Golka ordain three men to the priesthood, but 12 permanent deacons and one transitional deacon are on track for ordination this spring.

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.

COLORADO SPRINGS. The Diocese of Colorado Springs will host the second annual Discernment Retreat for single men and boys between the ages of 16-40 on  June 1 at the St. John Henry Newman Center, located at 4785 Stanton Rd., Colorado Springs.

COLORADO SPRINGS. The Diocese of Colorado Springs is seeking information on men and women who have entered or will enter a religious order this year. Those whose names are submitted will be included in a poster inviting the faithful to pray for and support vocations to religious life. Please send an email to Veronica Ambuul at editor@coloradocatholicherald.com with the following information: name, home parish, name of religious order, stage of formation and headshot. Deadline is April 15, 2024.

COLORADO SPRINGS. The St. Serra Apostolate of Colorado Springs will hold its Anniversary Dinner and Silent Auction on Jan. 15, 2024 at 4 p.m. at the Newman Center, 4785 Stanton Rd., Colorado Springs, 80918. Tickets are $45 per person; attendees can bring one additional priest or religious sister for $25. Make checks payable to St. Serra Club of Colorado Springs and send to 228 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, 80903 by Jan. 5. For more information, call 719-576-0641 or send an email to SerraCOsprings@diocs.net.

COLORADO SPRINGS. The St. Serra Apostolate of Colorado Springs announced the winners of its 2023 Priesthood Appreciation Contest. The contest is held each year in conjunction with Vocations Awareness Week in early November.