Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1158293
8 AUGUST 24-SEPTEMBER 14, 2019 | DENVER CATHOLIC A hundred years ago, the Catholics of Weldona, a farm community 80 miles northeast of Denver, built a red brick church topped by a white steeple on the corner of Warren Avenue and Cottage Street, which they named after St. Francis of Assisi. On July 20, the congregation filled their charming gothic-style church to capacity (about 90 people) to mark its centennial anniversary with a Mass, followed by the blessing of a statue of their namesake saint, and a luncheon at the local school. Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila was the main celebrant of the Eucharist. Mass concelebrants included the pastor, Father Erick Vigil Reyes, parochial vicar Father Francis Saleth, former pastor Father Jason Thuerauf, Father Michael Bodzioch and Father Matt McGee. Deacon Rich Wilson assisted. "A hundred years [isn't long] when compared to the churches in Europe," Archbishop Aquila said in his homily. "But … it points to the living faith that has been here and has been handed down from generation to generation to generation. "It is a time to lift up our hearts in gratitude to the Father for all that has been accomplished here and for all the celebrations — the Eucharists, baptisms, weddings, confessions, con- firmations, funerals — all that has taken place here and give thanks to the Lord." Their church was established because the founders had a relation- ship with Christ and lived lives that bore witness to that relationship, the arch- bishop said. He encouraged the current congregation to continue to do likewise. "Your neighbors, your co-workers — all should know that you are Catholic by the way you live your life. They should know that there is something di¨erent Around the Archdiocese Craig Saeman Chief Development Officer 720-799-9222 CSaeman@ccdenver.org Tim Urban Philanthropic Advisor 720-799-9258 TUrban@ccdenver.org John Neal Philanthropic Advisor 720-799-9251 JNeal@ccdenver.org Angela Deeney Philanthropic Advisor 720-799-9296 ADeeney@ccdenver.org MANY MINISTRIES, ONE PURPOSE TO SERVE ALL PEOPLE 88¢ of every dollar went directly to programs to serve those in need* 102,956 women, men and children assisted across northern Colorado 202,730 nights of shelter and 992,070 nights in affordable housing 612,158 meals provided PARTNERING WITH YOU TO SERVE THOSE IN NEED Statistics from FY 2017-2018 *Based on consolidated CCCS financials and Archdiocesan Housing, Inc. Thank you for serving those in need in northern Colorado since 1927. ccdenver.org BY ROXANNE KING editor_king@icloud.com @RoxanneIKing Country mission church marks centennial anniversary Picturesque Weldona church gives witness to faith of its founders, current parishioners Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila rides in a 1919 Model T Ford owned by St. Francis of Assisi parishioners Mike and Joan Blossom following the 100th anniversary Mass for the parish July 20. PHOTO PROVIDED