Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila issued a letter to the faithful of Northern Colorado on Thursday about Catholic Charities of Denver, detailing the good work they do to serve "the least of these," our brothers and sisters in need across the archdiocese.
With a comprehensive network of services offering support "from womb to tomb," Catholic Charities of Denver is the hands and feet of Christ in our communities — and they need our support, Archbishop Aquila wrote.
Prot. n. AB 2025-0164 A
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
For nearly a century, Catholic Charities of Denver has been a beacon of hope and compassion, extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to the poor and those in need. As the charitable arm of the Archdiocese of Denver, Catholic Charities serves tens of thousands of our neighbors across Colorado each year, bringing Christ’s love to those who need it most. In recent months, there has been a lot of talk about the role of Catholic Charities across the country and I want to take this opportunity to tell you about their work and impact across our archdiocese.
Through a vast network of programs operating at 76 locations across the Front Range and Western Slope, Catholic Charities provides life-changing support to individuals and families in crisis. Whether offering shelter to those experiencing homelessness at multiple Samaritan House locations in Denver, Fort Collins and Greeley, walking alongside women and families through Marisol Services, or helping vulnerable individuals find stable and affordable housing through Catholic Charities Housing, the mission remains steadfast: to support neighbors and transform lives.
Catholic Charities meets people where they are, offering services that nourish the body, mind, and spirit. Families find support through Early Childhood Education centers, where children receive a powerful foundation for lifelong learning. Individuals, couples, families, and students in our Catholic schools who are facing mental and emotional challenges receive healing and guidance through St. Raphael Counseling, the largest Catholic therapy practice in the nation. Immigrants and refugees with valid legal claims to status in the U.S. are welcomed with legal assistance and community resources. Emergency and food assistance programs provide essential relief, ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry or without support in their time of need. Catholic Charities also supports our seniors, veterans and grandparents caring for their grandchildren. Home to the Respect Life Denver office, Catholic Charities reflects the values of our community, womb to tomb.
The impact of this work is profound. Last year alone, the Catholic Charities team, with the support of thousands of volunteers, provided 300,000 nights of shelter, served more than 640,000 meals, and supported thousands of women through pregnancy services, parenting classes, and material assistance. Across Colorado, the reach of these programs continues to grow, transforming lives through faith in action.
For 98 years, Catholic Charities has embodied Christ’s call to serve "the least of these" (Matthew 25:40), ensuring that those in crisis find hope and stability. From Greeley to Glenwood Springs, Fort Collins to Fort Morgan, and Boulder to Centennial, their presence is a testament to the power of charity rooted in faith.
As the former Archbishop of Washington, D.C., James Aloysius Hickey is credited with declaring, "We serve the homeless not because they are Catholic, but because we are Catholic. If we don't care for the sick, educate the young, care for the homeless, then we cannot call ourselves the church of Jesus Christ."
As we look toward the future, I invite you to join in supporting this vital ministry. Through prayer, volunteerism, and generosity, we can continue to be the hands and feet of Christ in our communities, ensuring that Catholic Charities thrives into its second century and beyond.
May God bless you and your families abundantly.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Samuel J. Aquila, S.T.L.
Archbishop of Denver
