Denver Catholic

9 DENVER CATHOLIC | FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 9, 2018 After 100 years of service to the Archdiocese of Denver, our Cathedral is in need of some vital repairs. Thank you for your generosity! Visit denvercathedral.org call us at 303-831-7010 or email us at CBIC2016@ denvercathedral.org for more information A RESTORATION FOR THE AGES All donations are tax deductible "Our historic and iconic Cathedral Basilica needs your help." Father Ron Cattany Pastor and Rector North, East and West Façade Repair $2 Million Leaking Flat Roof Repairs $50,000 East Door Handi- capped Access $50,000 Colfax Facade $3.6 Million Total: • Cathedral Savings and Restoration Fund $2.92 Million • Pledges & Gifts $554,385 EXTERIOR PRESERVATION 2021 Consecration Jubilee Trust Fund $5Million Clean Kimball Organ $100,000 Clean Altars $100,000 Carpet Cathedral $45,000 Paint Interior $750,000 INTERIOR RENOVATION Lower Level Bathrooms and Lift: • $350,00 from savings Sanctuary Handrails and Votive Candles: • Gifts & Pledges $46,639 SERVING THE DENVER CATHOLIC COMMUNITY SINCE 1890. The heritage behind our mortuaries and cemeteries is one of history and tradition. For more than a century, Catholic families have trusted Olinger Mortuaries and Cemeteries to care for their loved ones because respect for traditions, understanding the needs of the Catholic faith, and providing affordable options is at the heart of what we do. With more than a 85 years of combined experience, parishioners Harry Stevenson and Matt Whale have assisted families with care and compassion. Their expertise combined with those who provide professional services in 11 Olinger neighborhood chapels is virtually unprecedented in serving the Denver Catholic community. (303) 455-3663 www.denverfuneralproviders.com Harry Stevenson 55 Years Matt Whaley 30 Years POVERTY AND DEDICATION Father Poli¶ a, who is currently assisted by one other Capuchin in the parish, Father Joseph Mary Elder, hopes their Franciscan spirituality is refl ected in all ministries, including the school, food bank, and youth and young adult programs. According to James Chappell, a parish- ioner who has known Father Charles and the Capuchins for over 30 years since he lived in Kansas, the friars carry out this wish vividly: "They are so humble and are a wonderful group. They take seriously the vows of poverty." "The Capuchins are not seen on golf courses," he continued. "They're out there working on their knees, playing with kids, helping people, working with divorced cou- ples, being part of the healing process…" Chappell is a member of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians at Annunciation, an Irish Catholic fraternal organization that helps the pastor and parish reach its fi nancial and spiritual goals through the planning of di˜ erent events. A critical way in which the order helps the parish is through the fi nancial support of Annunciation Catholic School, consid- ered one of the most important ministries by Father Poli¶ a. "The school provides for people in our parish and community a safe place, a loving place and a faith-fi lled place," he said. "People are looking for a safe place for their kids, a place where their kids are loved and where the values of our catholic faith are lived." For Chappell, the success that he sees in the work of the Capuchins and sta˜ at the school outweighs the needs and dangers students face, which range from poverty to violence and neglect. "The children in the school are some of the very less fortunate fi nancially in the archdiocese. But consistently their test scores show them at the top or near the top of [Denver schools]," he assured. "When you look at the percentages of kids that are successful, it's in the 80s and 90s and not in the 40s. The education of our kids is one of the most important missions and [our Capuchins and teachers] do a great job at that." Father Poli¶ a sees their mission at Annunciation Catholic School as a con- tinuation of the mission that the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, Kans., left when they founded the parish school in 1890. "Their faith and community are still evi- dent here," he said. "It's powerful to see a guy in a brown rope that looks like a linebacker from the Denver Broncos surrounded by so many high school kids," Chappell said, referring to Father Elder. "They do a great job and it's not just me, they're beloved by many people." From the time of St. Francis to the present day, our whole approach to ministry is that we are primarily brothers. And [that is exactly how] we reach out to people" FATHER CHARLES POLIFKA " Annunciation Catholic Church channels the spirit of St. Fran- cis of Assisi in its service to others. PHOTOS BY DANIEL PETTY

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