Denver Catholic

14 JUNE 10-23, 2017 | DENVER CATHOLIC Around the Archdiocese In 1906, Bishop Nicholas Matz invited the Vincentians of the Western Province to Denver to open St. Thomas Seminary. For nearly 90 years, Vincentian fathers and brothers prepared more than 1,100 priests and hundreds of the laity for service in the Church. Today, the Vincentian presence is still found in the lives of communities throughout the greater Denver area: parish ministry, Colorado Vincentian Volunteers, and many Vincentian Family groups and communities. As the Vincentians celebrate 200 years of service in the United States, we invite you to join us! Please consider supporting our Walking with the Poor Campaign. You can find out more and donate at: Vincentian.org/200years.html. THE VINCENTIANS W A L K I N G W I T H T H E P O O R EDUCATED AND FORMED PRIESTS IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS AND GREAT PLAINS SINCE 1906. " It has been a joy for me to have shared St. Vincent's love of the poor with so many priests and people in the Archdiocese and beyond." – Fr. Paul Golden, C.M. CONGREGATION OF THE MISSION WESTERN PROVINCE ● 13663 Rider Trail North ● Earth City, MO 63045 ● vincentian.org ● 314.344.1184 O n the feast of St. Joan of Arc, May 30, the only church in the Denver Archdiocese named after the 15th century French peasant girl turned soldier marked it's 50th anniversary. A mystic known for her devotion and courage, St. Joan is remembered on the day she was burned at the stake in Rouen, condemned as a witch and here- tic. A quarter century later, the verdict that led to her death at 19 was nullifi ed. She was canonized a saint in 1920. Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila was the main celebrant of the Arvada parish's anniversary Mass. "As we celebrate this anniversary today…and as we celebrate the solem- nity of St. Joan of Arc, it is a reminder of what it means to keep our eyes fi xed on Jesus," the archbishop said in his homily. "To be those willing to deny ourselves in the steps of Jesus. That is the invitation that Jesus gives us…to heed the Gospel and to live it no matter the cost." Father Nathan Goebel, the pastor, was a concelebrant of the Mass, as were three former pastors — Father Joseph Cao, Father Timothy Gaines and Father James Kleiner — and former parochial vicars: Msgr. David Croak, Msgr. Anthony McDaid and honorary parochial vicar Dominican Father Robert Staes. The parish's assisting priest, Father James Cuneo, was unable to attend. Charter members of the parish were recognized at the Mass. "The parishioners are the lifeblood of every parish," Archbishop Aquila said in his closing remarks. "The pastors and parochial vicars come and go but it is you, the people who are so dedicated and faithful to Christ and to the parish, that keep it sustained. So thank you to all of you for your great witness." At a festive, sumptuous reception after the Mass, a video and still photos honored the priests, deacons, laity and history of the parish. " We've been blessed with an extremely devout community, one centered in Christ and in community," Father Goebel told the Denver Catholic. Pastor for about a year, the 34-year-old priest added, "As soon I came in, I was impressed with the number of ministries here, especially spiritual ministries." The vibrant parish life is in keeping with the spirit of the saint it honors, Father Goebel said. "St. Joan of Arc is known for her devotion," he said. "She received a word from the saints inspired by God to be a Arvada parish marks half- century of Christian love BY ROXANNE KING editor_king@icloud.com @RoxanneIKing

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