Diocese of Colorado Springs

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The Diocese of Colorado Springs, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the United States serving El Paso and Teller counties in central Colorado. Erected on October 22, 1984, by Pope John Paul II, it falls under the Ecclesiastical Province of Denver and is led by Bishop James D. Golliher since his installation on March 25, 2024.[1] The diocese oversees 36 parishes and a Catholic population of approximately 92,000, notable for its military chapels serving the U.S. Air Force Academy and Fort Carson amid a diverse community.

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Colorado Springs

Diocese: Diocese of Colorado Springs
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of Denver
Metropolitan Archdiocese:Archdiocese of Denver
Country:United States
Region:Colorado
Bishop:James D. Golliher
Website:https://diocesecoloradosprings.org/
Newspaper:https://diocesecoloradosprings.org/colorado-catholic
Catholic %:10.5%
Elementary Schools:18
High Schools:4
Deaneries:6
Priests:75
Existence:1984–
Predecessor Dioceses:Archdiocese of Denver
Catholic Hospitals:2
Rating:4.2
Chancery Address:228 N Cascade Ave

Colorado Springs, CO 80903-1814

United States

Establishment

The Diocese of Colorado Springs was canonically erected on October 22, 1984, by Pope John Paul II through the apostolic constitution Ad pastoralis officium.[2] It was created by partitioning territory from the Archdiocese of Denver to serve the rapidly growing Catholic population in the Pikes Peak region, particularly around Colorado Springs, driven by military expansion and population influx.[3]

History

The diocese's history is tied to Colorado's frontier missionary era, with Catholicism introduced by Spanish explorers and strengthened by 19th-century immigrants. Key milestones include the construction of early churches like St. Mary's Cathedral in Colorado Springs (now the co-cathedral) and the influx of Catholics due to military bases post-World War II.

In 1984, the erection addressed the needs of over 100,000 Catholics in the area. Under Bishop Michael Sheridan, the diocese navigated challenges like clergy abuse scandals and promoted vocations. Boundary adjustments have been minor, with stable territory since inception.[4][5]

Geography

The Diocese of Colorado Springs encompasses two counties in central Colorado:

  • El Paso County
  • Teller County

Covering approximately 2,945 square miles (7,625 km²), it includes the city of Colorado Springs, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and mountainous terrain in the Rocky Mountains. It is a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Denver.[6]

Mother church

The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Colorado Springs serves as the mother church. Built in 1936 in Romanesque Revival style, it was elevated to cathedral status upon the diocese's erection and features stunning stained glass and a prominent tower.[7] St. Mary's Cathedral is a co-cathedral.

Leadership

Current Bishop

Bishop James D. Golliher, appointed November 4, 2023, and installed March 25, 2024, previously served as vicar general and pastor in the diocese. A Colorado native ordained in 1990, he emphasizes evangelization and family life.[8][9]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Michael Jerome Sheridan 1985–2023 First bishop; appointed 1984, ordained and installed 1985; resigned 2023.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[10]

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The diocese rates 4.2 (slightly conservative), with weekly Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) available in multiple parishes (about 15%), a strong emphasis on pro-life initiatives and traditional marriage teachings alongside social services for the poor and military families, and leadership under Sheridan and Golliher promoting doctrinal fidelity and Eucharistic devotion.[11][12]

Statistics

As of 2023, the diocese covers 2,945 square miles (7,625 km²), serves 92,000 registered Catholics (10.5% of total population of 875,000), across 36 parishes and 6 missions, with 75 priests, 18 elementary schools, and 4 high schools.[13][14]

Religious Communities

Carmelites

The Carmelites (Discalced) maintain Mount Carmel Monastery in Littleton, focusing on contemplative prayer and retreats. Address: 6131 S. Boulder Rd., Littleton, CO 80125.[15] Carmelites

Franciscans

The Franciscan Friars of the Primitive Observance serve parishes and chaplaincies, emphasizing poverty and service. Active in Colorado Springs.[16]

Poor Clares

The Poor Clares operate a monastery in Colorado Springs, dedicated to perpetual adoration. Address: 700 S. 17th St., Colorado Springs, CO 80904.[17]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in Diocese of Colorado Springs
Diocese of Colorado Springs

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No results The diocese includes 36 parishes organized into 6 deaneries, with notable military chapels at the Air Force Academy and Fort Carson, reflecting its service to diverse ethnic communities including Hispanic and Vietnamese Catholics.[18]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese supports 18 elementary/middle schools and 4 high schools:

School Name City Type Website
Divine Redeemer Catholic School Colorado Springs Elementary https://dr-cs.org/
Holy Family School Colorado Springs Elementary https://holyfamilycs.org/school/
Mother Cabrini Catholic School Northglenn (serves area) Elementary
Our Lady of El Paso Catholic School Colorado Springs Elementary
Regina Cleri Catholic Seminary (minor) Peyton Seminary/High
Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School Colorado Springs Elementary https://shjcs.org/
St. Anthony Catholic School Colorado Springs Elementary
St. Mary Catholic School Colorado Springs Elementary/High https://stmaryhighschool.org/
Other schools listed in full at List of Catholic schools in Diocese of Colorado Springs.

[19]

Main article: List of Catholic schools in Diocese of Colorado Springs

Community Outreach

Catholic Charities of Central Colorado provides food, shelter, and immigration services to over 20,000 people annually, with strong programs for veterans and the homeless.[20]

Notable Events or Figures

  • Bishop Michael Sheridan hosted the 2008 Eucharistic Congress, drawing over 5,000 attendees.[21]
  • The diocese serves as chaplain to the U.S. Air Force Academy, with Catholic cadets forming a vibrant Newman Center community.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Colorado Springs:


  • Did you know? Carved from the Archdiocese of Denver in 1984 by Pope St. John Paul II, the Diocese of Colorado Springs was created to serve the booming Pikes Peak region fueled by military families and outdoor enthusiasts!
  • Surprise! The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart boasts stunning rose windows and was built in 1936, becoming the diocese's heart just as Colorado Springs grew into a hub of faith amid the Rockies.
  • Here's something cool: Home to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the diocese's chaplains serve soaring Catholic cadets, with the Cadet Chapel's modern design hosting daily Masses for future leaders!
  • Wow moment: Bishop Golliher, a local son ordained in 1990, became the fifth bishop in 2024, bringing his love for hiking and family ministry to the mountain diocese.
  • Little-known gem: Teller County, part of the diocese, includes the historic Cripple Creek mining town where old Catholic churches still stand as testaments to Gold Rush-era faith.
  • Fun fact: The diocese supports a thriving Vietnamese Catholic community, with vibrant Our Lady of La Vang parish celebrating traditions from halfway around the world in the Rockies!
  • Did you know? St. Mary's High School, over 100 years old, has produced notable alumni including Olympians, blending faith, sports, and academics in the shadow of Pikes Peak.
  • Surprise! The Poor Clares' monastery offers silent retreats, where visitors can experience perpetual adoration in peaceful prayer amid Colorado's breathtaking scenery.

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    References

    1. ↑ "Diocese of Colorado Springs". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dcspr.html. 
    2. ↑ "Ad pastoralis officium". https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_19841022_ad-pastoralis-officium.html. 
    3. ↑ "Diocesan History". https://diocesecoloradosprings.org/about/history. 
    4. ↑ "Diocese of Colorado Springs". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dcspr.html. 
    5. ↑ "Roman Catholic Diocese of Colorado Springs". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Colorado_Springs. 
    6. ↑ "About the Diocese". https://diocesecoloradosprings.org/about. 
    7. ↑ "Cathedral of the Sacred Heart". https://sacredheartcathedral.org/. 
    8. ↑ "Bishop James D. Golliher". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bgollijames.html. 
    9. ↑ "Bishop Golliher Installed". https://diocesecoloradosprings.org/bishop-golliher-installed-as-fifth-bishop. 
    10. ↑ "Diocese of Colorado Springs". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dcspr.html. 
    11. ↑ "Traditional Latin Mass". https://diocesecoloradosprings.org/worship/liturgy/traditional-latin-mass. 
    12. ↑ "Respect Life". https://diocesecoloradosprings.org/respect-life. 
    13. ↑ "Diocese of Colorado Springs". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dcspr.html. 
    14. ↑ "Diocesan Statistics". https://diocesecoloradosprings.org/about/statistics. 
    15. ↑ "Mount Carmel Monastery". https://www.littletoncarmel.org/. 
    16. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://diocesecoloradosprings.org/religious-orders. 
    17. ↑ "Poor Clares of Colorado Springs". https://www.poorclarecoloradosprings.org/. 
    18. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://diocesecoloradosprings.org/parishes. 
    19. ↑ "Schools". https://diocesecoloradosprings.org/schools. 
    20. ↑ "Catholic Charities". https://ccdenver.org/. 
    21. ↑ "History". https://diocesecoloradosprings.org/history. 

    External Links

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