The Vatican has announced that Bishop James Golka of Colorado Springs will take over the leadership of the Archdiocese of Denver.
This comes as Archbishop Samuel Aquila steps down after reaching the customary retirement age of 75.
Aquila has guided the Denver archdiocese since 2012, when he was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI, and has been a prominent figure in Colorado Catholic circles for decades.
Born in 1947, he was ordained in Denver in 1976 and previously served as bishop of Fargo before returning to Colorado.
Archbishop Aquila’s Farewell Message
In a heartfelt letter to the archdiocese published on February 7, Aquila expressed his deep gratitude for his years of ministry.
“From the beginning of my ministry here, I have been convinced that the Lord is at work among us, calling us ever more deeply to conversion, communion and mission,” he wrote.
He also prayed for a smooth transition, asking that Bishop Golka be “strengthened by your prayers, encouraged by your collaboration, and sustained by the grace of the office he will receive.”
Meet Bishop James Golka
Bishop Golka has been serving the Diocese of Colorado Springs since 2021, appointed by Pope Francis. Born on September 22, 1966, in Grand Island, Nebraska, Golka has a long history of service and education in the Church.
He earned degrees in philosophy and theology from Creighton University and served as a Jesuit lay missionary volunteer with Native American missions in South Dakota.
Later, he completed master’s degrees in divinity and sacramental theology at St. Paul Seminary in Minnesota, and was ordained in the Diocese of Grand Island on June 3, 1994.
A Life of Service
Throughout his ministry in Nebraska, Golka held several leadership roles:
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Director of diocesan youth programs
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Chair of the personnel board
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Director of ongoing formation for clergy
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Member of the presbyteral council
He has consistently emphasized engaging the faithful and helping them grow closer to Jesus Christ.
“I’m fascinated by Jesus Christ,” Golka said in 2021. “It’s a gift that God gave me as a boy. I remember as a second-grader getting my first Children’s Bible. I loved reading the stories of Jesus.”
He was consecrated as bishop on June 29, 2021, and has continued to focus on spiritual growth and pastoral care in Colorado Springs.
What’s Next?
Bishop Golka will officially assume leadership of the Archdiocese of Denver, guiding thousands of Catholics through the next chapter of their spiritual journey.
The transition is expected to bring renewed energy and focus to programs in youth ministry, parish outreach, and community engagement.
Aquila will enter retirement, though he remains a respected figure whose guidance and mentorship will likely continue to influence the archdiocese.
Summary
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Archbishop Samuel Aquila steps down after leading the Archdiocese of Denver since 2012.
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Bishop James Golka of Colorado Springs is appointed as the new archbishop.
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Golka has extensive experience in parish leadership, youth programs, and clergy formation.
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Aquila expressed gratitude and offered prayers for Golka’s success in his new role.
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The transition is expected to bring renewed focus on spiritual growth and engagement across Denver’s Catholic community.
