As we begin the holiday season, it is important to remember that we are entering into a holy time in the life of the Church. Thanksgiving is a day in which we thank God for all the goodness and blessings in our lives that only come from him. We also call to mind that the Eucharist means “thanksgiving” and at every Mass we give thanks to the Father for sending his Son to save us. We then begin the holy season of Advent when we prepare our hearts to celebrate the Incarnation of Jesus at Christmas. Through his Incarnation, Jesus “has truly been made one of us, like us in all things except sin.” (Vatican II, Gaudium et spes, 22) By shattering the darkness of sin and death, Jesus restores in us our great dignity as sons and daughters of God created in his image and likeness. My prayer is that this holiday season is an opportunity for all of us to grow closer to Jesus and become more like him so that he can use us to accomplish his holy will in our families, our parishes, and in our diocese.

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. It’s hardly news that planning for death — or, more precisely, for what happens after it — may be the least popular to-do list item ever.

Yet consider the alternative: if a person dies without putting their wishes down on paper, they leave the funeral planning in the hands of grief-stricken family members who may or may not practice the Catholic faith. Increasingly, the Catholic Church is encouraging parents to spare their kids the anxiety of working through funeral details.

November is Black Catholic History Month in the United States. It is a time to emphasize the significant contributions and rich history of Black Catholics, regardless of their country of origin.

Established in 1990 by the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus, November was chosen because a number of important dates for Black Catholics fall within the month. This includes the feast day of the Colorado Springs Council for Black Catholics’ patron saint — St. Martin de Porres. St. Martin de Porres, a Peruvian, is the only Black saint from the western hemisphere. It is also a special time to promote awareness of and sharing information about Black Catholic notables, especially African-Americans.

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.

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Bishop Golka's Reflection on Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

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Bishop Golka's Reflection on the Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Bishop Golka's Reflection on the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

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Bishop Golka's Reflection on the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed