Denver Catholic

8 FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 9, 2018 | DENVER CATHOLIC St. Francis of Assisi's mission alive in Denver parish O rnate scagliola columns fi rmly outline the central nave of Annunciation Catholic Church as if St. Francis of Assisi upheld the Church himself. His life, deeds and words continue to inspire many men and women at the parish, bearing fruit 800 years after his death. The Capuchins Franciscans that have served Annunciation Parish in Denver for nearly 50 years have made this possible. Led by the spirit of the saint, they have attended this Denver neighborhood with a mark of brotherhood, poverty and dedication. "From the time of St. Francis to the pres ent day, our whole approach to min- istry is that we are primarily brothers. And [that is exactly how] we reach out to people," said Father Charles Poli¶ a, pastor of Annunciation Parish and Capuchin for 51 years. "Yes, we have people like myself who are ordained, but primarily, it's a sense of brotherhood and community that we try to build." The parish was built by Irish, Slavic, German and Italian immigrants, consecrated in 1907, and restored by Hispanic and African-American parish- ioners that arrived in the 1950s. Since the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor was assigned to the parish by Archbishop of Denver James V. Casey on May 1970, the friars have looked to identify and meet the needs of the community. "Our people want to fi nd security and a home here, and there are many living in fear because of what is happening with immi- gration," Father Poli¶ a said. "To be able to help them have faith is big: Letting them know they are accepted, that they are loved, that they are people who bring gifts and bring greatness to our community and neighborhood. To a¡ rm their worth and value is some- thing that is very important." The way Capuchins have served the church community, which is now predominantly Hispanic, has brought about fruits in families, as Doricel Aragon, a parishioner who grew up in the neighborhood, refl ected: "The church is an extension of our family. It is an example for us. It has helped us form our children with love for God and the Church." Parish Spotlight BY VLADIMIR MAURICIO-PEREZ vladimir.mauricio-perez@archden.org Capuchins serve Annunciation Church in footsteps of spiritual father PARISH SPOTLIGHT Church himself. His life, deeds and community.

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