As the mother of nine children, Marilyn Gore knows all about the joys – and challenges – of parenting. In addition to her own family, she has spent decades supporting and encouraging countless mothers and babies across the Denver metro area. Her home is often filled with little ones, including three-month-old twins she recently brought into Marisol Family St. Pius to pick up more diapers. For many women, Marilyn has been a lifeline, offering hope outside abortion clinics and reminding them that are not alone.
“I don’t think I could actually put a number to how many babies and moms we’ve taken in over the years,” Marilyn said. “Every family’s needs are different. Sometimes it’s diapers. Sometimes it’s just someone to talk to on the phone. But we always share the same message — God loves you.”
Marilyn’s pro-life journey began more than 20 years ago when she was pregnant with her third child. “I remember thinking, how can I carry a child inside of me and not do something for other women facing this decision?” From that moment, she knew her life would be devoted to protecting the unborn and walking with their mothers. With her children beside her, she began praying and singing outside Planned Parenthood. Songs like “Let Me Live” and “Jesus Loves Me” became part of their ministry. “One time a woman who was praying with me ran down the sidewalk and said, ‘Those kids saved that last baby,’” Marilyn remembers.
Over the years, Marilyn realized her calling went beyond the sidewalks. “I felt like the Lord was calling to focus on discipleship,” she explains. “These moms needed someone to walk with them after the decision not just before.” That’s when Catholic Charities’ Marisol Family became an essential partner in her mission.
Through Marisol Family, Marilyn connects moms with diapers, formula, wipes and ongoing support. “This place makes it easier,” she says. “Every time I’ve come you’ve been so kind. This is the kindest thing you could do — really helping people.” She often refers mothers to Marisol Family herself. “I sent another mom here on Wednesday, she has six kids and just got Section 8 housing. Seeing her move from crisis to stability — that’s what this is about.”
Even with her own bustling household Marilyn continues to show up. She drives families to appointments, helps with paperwork and welcomes moms and babies who’ve been rescued from abortion, including some who have survived sex trafficking. “It’s overwhelming sometimes. But God has given me this mission. We’re either being discipled or making disciples and that’s what He calls us to do.”
“Everybody calls me ‘Mama,’” Marilyn says with a smile. And to so many women and children in Denver, she truly is. With Catholic Charities Marisol Family walking alongside her, Marilyn’s home — and heart — remain open to life, one baby at a time.
The teenage years have always been a time of growth, discovery and challenge. But being a high school student in 2025 is something uniquely noble and uniquely fragile.
“What a noble age this is to be a high schooler, but also how precarious and really how fragile it is to be one in 2025, in the twenty-first century,” said Senite Sahlezghi on a recent episode of Respect Life Radio. “Holding both in tension, some of the things I’ve seen working at the high school and with youth in other places is this desire and need to be affirmed in their dignity, to be told they are good and that their life has hope and that they are worthy. I think doubts in those respects, in those avenues, lead to experiencing depression, experiencing anxiety, experiencing concerns in relationships.”
Sahlezghi, a school counselor at St. John Paul the Great High School in Denver and a consecrated virgin of the Archdiocese of Denver, joined the podcast alongside Emma Ramirez, respect life director, and Jennifer Torres, respect life community engagement coordinator, for a conversation on the intersection of mental health, youth ministry and the pro-life call to honor each person’s inherent dignity.
Their dialogue highlighted how the Church’s mission to defend life extends far beyond legislative efforts or political debates — it is a call to uphold the dignity of every human person, especially those struggling with questions of identity, worth and belonging.
Catholic teaching as a guide “One of the treasuries of the Church that we have is Catholic Social Teaching,” Sahlezghi explained. “The fundamental call that all of them build off of is the innate dignity of every human person. So the Church’s mission is to uphold that dignity and the sanctity of every human life.”
That conviction shapes her daily work with students. In the words of Mother Teresa, she aims each day to “Find them. Love them.” For her, counseling is not about solving every problem but about encountering young people where they are and helping them recognize that “the love of Christ is always available to them” — a love that reveals their worth as sons and daughters of God.
“All of us humans desire to belong and to have connection and to be in places where we can be ourselves in our joy, in our hopes, in our sorrows, in our insecurities, in our sadness — that’s the human experience,” she said.
Pilgrims along the way In her work, Sahlezghi often walks with students as they wrestle with profound questions: Who am I? What does life mean? What does hope for my future look like?
“My hope has been, and I think it’s borne fruit, that the love of Christ is what I want to share with them. I want to know them as the daughters and sons of God that they are, and to walk alongside them,” she said. “I don’t think it’s necessarily being a sage or anything like that. It’s just how do we be pilgrims along the way together.”
She described her role as not only loving and knowing the students but also helping them “become more of who they are as motivated and impelled by the love of God.” Moments of clarity — those “light bulb moments” when teens realize God’s love for them — are at the heart of her ministry.
In short, her mission is “to be witnesses to love to them and with them,” she said.
A message for all What Sahlezghi sees among teenagers is a truth for everyone: all people long to be accompanied, to be reminded of their dignity, and to know they are loved. Ramirez pointed to the many apostolates in the Church — from Marisol Health to the Sisters of Life — that embody this mission of accompaniment.
Whether part of these ministries, apostolates and missions or not, the pro-life call to uphold and honor each person’s dignity is at the heart of being a Christian. Loving our neighbor as a reflection of our love for God is paramount to the Gospel, to the Christian life and to the pro-life mission.
Beyond high school, each person needs to be reminded of their inalienable dignity and belovedness. Citing Pope St. John Paul II, Sahlezghi concluded, “We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures; we are the sum of the Father’s love for us and our real capacity to become the image of his Son.”
It is a reminder not only for those working in mental health or youth ministry but for all Christians: the pro-life mission begins with seeing and loving the person in front of us, revealing to them the truth that they are made in God’s image and infinitely worthy of love.
Starting over isn’t easy – especially when it means leaving everything, and everyone you’ve known behind. At just 21 years old, Huey Min arrived in Denver, not knowing a soul, carrying the weight of that decision. It was a leap into the unknown, driven by the hope of building a life on her own terms.
“I didn’t have anyone here. No friends, no family. I just remember feeling pretty scared. I knew my family wouldn’t talk to me again after I left so I had to find a way to make it work.”
Huey Min found her way to Samaritan House directly from DIA, where the staff welcomed her with open arms. The shelter became her first foothold in a new city, offering not just a safe place to sleep and three nutritious meals each day, but a network of people there who wanted to get to know her and her story.
Her Samaritan House case workers quickly stepped in to help her navigate this new chapter. Afterall, it was the first time she’d ever been alone. Through their efforts, Huey Min is now being connected with a host family here in Denver—a stable and welcoming home where she can begin to plant roots and continue to work through her trauma. She plans to move in with them soon.
“I am really excited to have a family, to feel at home,” she says. “I made friends here too which has helped me feel better about who I am as a person.”
Huey Min’s story is still unfolding, but her courage and the support she’s received since she landed in Colorado is already shaping a new beginning—one built on trust, connection and the quiet strength it takes to start over.
When eight employees from Leprino Foods walked into Samaritan House 48th, they expected a day of service and team-building. What they didn’t expect was how much the experience would stay with them.
The visit began with a tour led by shelter supervisor, Denise Chavez, who painted a picture of daily life inside the Catholic Charities property and the many ways our team helps neighbors get back on their feet. Then the real work began – cleaning tables, setting up the dining area and serving a delicious lunch to Samaritan House 48th’s 256 guests. The atmosphere was upbeat and welcoming with music playing on the speaker provided by catering supervisor, Heather.
But the most memorable moments came after the trays were filled. A few of the Leprino team sat down with guests, striking up conversations that quickly went deeper than small talk.
The annual day of service that Leprino Foods started years ago provides organizations like Catholic Charities a chance for staff to have extra hands to serve and extra hearts to share.
One of the new volunteers shared that she had a chance to connect with a mother over the joys and struggles of raising children. “To connect as women about being mothers and talking about our children, and her sharing how much she loves her kids even when they don’t have a great relationship was cathartic,” she said.
Another volunteer shared that she had an instant sense of friendship: “There was a girl that I passed during lunch, and I looked at her, and thought, that could be one of my friends.”
What started as a company service project became something more – connection with others and understanding. For the Leprino Foods team, it wasn’t about serving lunch – it was about seeing the humanity they share with people they came to serve.
Interested in volunteering as a group?
Catholic Charities welcomes corporate teams looking for meaningful, hands-on service opportunities. Serving a meal together is a great way to build teamwork while making a real difference in the community. To learn more or schedule a group volunteer day, visit https://ccdenver.org/corporate-engagement/
At Catholic schools across Denver, one lesson stands out above all: relationships matter. Students aren’t just learning math, reading or art—they’re learning how to be part of a community, how to navigate challenges and how to care for one another.
“Positive connections have a profound impact on a child’s development,” says Liz Rahn, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and school counselor at St. Raphael, Notre Dame and Blessed Sacrament schools. “Children learn by watching and imitating those around them, especially their peers.”
From the soccer field to the art studio, from youth groups to service projects, students have countless opportunities to practice teamwork, empathy and communication. Even unstructured playtime with friends becomes a classroom for life skills—sharing, taking risks and understanding others’ perspectives.
In conversations with students, Liz hears the same message repeatedly: friendships matter. “They tell me their friends make them feel supported. They share stories of learning new skills, tackling tough problems or finding better ways to express their feelings,” she says.
Parents play a critical role, too. By encouraging participation in school activities, parish youth groups and peer play, families help children strengthen their social and emotional well-being. These connections lay the foundation for healthy, meaningful relationships that will last a lifetime.
Through friendships, teamwork and community engagement, St. Raphael Counseling helps students grow not only academically but socially and emotionally—learning lessons that will shape the rest of their lives.
About St. Raphael Counseling
St. Raphael Counseling, the largest Catholic therapy practice in the country, offers a wide range of services, including individual therapy, school counseling, couples counseling and family therapy. We also provide evaluations for learning difficulties, attention problems and autism in a timely, thoughtful way that supports children and their families. With flexible scheduling, insurance options and a sliding scale, we make care accessible. St. Raphael Counseling
In addition, our St. Raphael school counseling program serves students in individual and group counseling sessions, exploring emotions, overcoming challenges and developing essential life skills. Last year alone, 10,000 counseling hours were committed to the well-being of students at Catholic schools. St. Raphael Counseling
The heart of our school counseling mission focuses on student needs, from developmental challenges to technology-induced anxiety and everything in between. We prioritize holistic support, including efforts in areas such as suicide prevention and parent-child engagement. Through individual sessions, group interventions and classroom lessons, counselors equip students with coping strategies and social-emotional skills.
By fostering a collaborative environment, St. Raphael Counseling aims to reassure parents that seeking help for their children is a positive step. Our efforts have led to notable outcomes, including a crossover of parents seeking counseling services for themselves, inspired by their children’s experiences.
By Dr. Angela Wall, St. Raphael Counseling of Catholic Charities Denver
Acts of violence, especially in schools, can leave children anxious and afraid. They may wonder if they or their loved ones are in danger. In these moments, children look to parents, teachers, and caregivers for reassurance. As people of faith, we are called to comfort our children, remind them of God’s loving presence, and guide them toward peace and hope.
1. Reassure Children of Their Safety
Tell children they are safe and remind them that God has placed caring adults—parents, teachers, and community helpers—in their lives to protect them. Even though the news may seem frightening, schools remain among the safest places for children.
2. Listen and Validate Their Feelings
Every feeling is acceptable after a tragedy. Let children express their worries through words, drawings, or play. Acknowledge their fears while also offering hope: violence is real, but many good people are working to make the world safer.
3. Make Time for Conversation
Allow their questions to guide you. Younger children need simple reassurance that home and school are safe, while older children may want to discuss causes of violence and solutions. Remind them that while adults carry the main responsibility for safety, students also help by reporting threats, following school guidelines, and treating others with respect.
4. Keep God in the Conversation
Pray with your children for victims of violence, for peace in our schools, and for hearts to be healed. Remind them that Jesus calls us to be peacemakers and that God can bring good even out of terrible situations.
5. Review Safety and Support
Go over school and community safety measures. Encourage your child to identify trusted adults they can go to if they ever feel unsafe.
6. Watch for Signs of Distress
Children may show anxiety through changes in behavior, sleep, or appetite. While most will recover with love and routine, some may need professional help—especially those with past trauma or special needs. Seek help early if you’re concerned.
7. Limit Media Exposure
Graphic images and constant news updates can heighten fear. Be mindful of what children hear in conversations and on social media. Instead, encourage family activities, prayer, and time outdoors.
8. Correct Misinformation
Children may hear rumors or stereotypes about violence. Gently correct misunderstandings and remind them that most people, including those with mental illness, are not dangerous. Stress that violence never solves problems.
9. Maintain Routine and Healthy Habits
Normal routines—meals, rest, schoolwork, play—offer security. Encourage activities that foster joy, connection, and gratitude.
10. Encourage Positive Action
Help others build resilience by inviting your children to pray, volunteer, or participate in school and parish efforts that promote prayer and peace. Small acts of love can make a big difference.
Key Points to Emphasize with Children
Schools are safe places where adults work hard to protect you.
Adults are responsible for safety, but children can help by speaking up when something feels wrong.
Violence is never God’s answer; we are called to resolve conflict peacefully.
Guns and weapons are dangerous—always tell an adult if you see one.
Staying close to family, friends and God gives us strength and peace.
Even though violence is difficult to understand, our Catholic faith reminds us that Christ is with us always, especially in times of fear. With prayer, love, and trust in God’s care, families and schools can help children feel secure and grow as instruments of peace.
Reference (National Association of School Psychologists)
Skinned knees. A freshly cut set of house keys. Whispers shared by friends in the evening breeze.
Nearly 200 years I have been standing here. Listening, learning about life, loss and love.
I remember the soft dirt below me beginning to change. Wagon wheels rattling on dirt paths change to cobblestone streets with automobile engines rumbling. Linden Street grows with me each year as I inhale, expanding my trunk and stretching my branches to shake off the sleep of winter. Each time, the world below me is just a bit different.
Sometimes the change is imperceptible. Other times, unmistakable.
In 1927, I hear the rumblings of new voices. Those of Catholic Charities coming to Colorado, bringing with it a mission of compassion. Families gathering, communities leaning on each other and hope taking root in a new way.
I see the community around me searching for shelter, safety and belonging – much like the birds in the air and the beetles on the ground who seek solace below my canopy. Except, I feel the weight of the ones who aren’t successful in finding their way. Their spirits drop as my leaves do in autumn. The winds bring rumors of a woman fighting to support them.
Later, in 1987, I remember another tree growing beside me. The woman, Sister Mary Alice Murphy, plants it at my feet. Its roots are unlike any I know. They form not in dirt, but in air. Stories, not water, nourish it. They cling to the hearts of those who hear them. As they take root, they don’t grow a wooden trunk like mine, but one made of brick.
This tree has an unusual, but apt name – The Mission. It has a mission to extend a healing ministry. It grows to provide refuge. Laughter, prayer and sometimes even tears fill its walls.
This tree does not grow quiet in the cold, as I do. Instead, it breathes and stretches its branches in the biting winds of winter. As I rest, I dream of children laughing, of a snowball missing its mark and thudding softly against my side. I feel the warmth of a back pressed against me, seeking comfort I am happy to give. I hear the faint sobs of a mother carrying the weight of her world, caring for her young.
It’s as if my branches extend – I take in these voices, the laughter and sobs alike, as though I need them to breathe.
But lately, they are harder to hear.
Today, my friend beside me has a new name – Samaritan House Fort Collins – and is part of a bigger tree that offers warmth in the winter, rest in the summer and a chance to begin again. That bigger tree, Catholic Charities, stands nearly 100 years now.
The voices from these trees are not harder to hear because there are fewer or because they are farther away. In truth, there are more. Feet shuffling. The whoosh of the bus door. The jingle of a bike lock. So many sounds that I can only catch glimpses of the voices beneath me. The chatter of a child learning to tie their shoelaces. A distant whistle of a father waiting at a bus stop. The humming of a woman softly singing the songs of her past.
Together, these sounds weave a song of their own – one of hope and transformation. I am amongst a community, watching as it grows and for one of my two centuries, Catholic Charities has been part of that story. Looking to the future, I know that the roots of compassion planted here will continue to grow, reaching toward tomorrow.
Deb found herself in the same situation affecting thousands of northern Coloradans every day. The high cost of living in Fort Collins left her with limited options and a distressing living environment. After securing a new place but lacking the necessary funds, she faced rejection when seeking assistance from relatives. With a sense of panic and necessity driving her, Deb turned to Samaritan House Fort Collins for help on October 30th of last year. It was the first time she had experienced homelessness.
Feeling defeated by the costs of living, Deb applied for the extended stay program at Samaritan House where she worked with her case manager to save money and begin the search for housing she could afford. It ended up being the most invaluable support Deb found at Catholic Charities’ Samaritan House. Even more than that, it was a safe place to sleep for an extended time, and the meals provided at the shelter kept her fueled and motivated on her journey.
Despite the challenges, Deb overcame significant milestones during her time at Samaritan House in Fort Collins. Securing employment marked a turning point, providing her with a stepping stone toward self-sufficiency. The staff, particularly her case worker at Samaritan House, played a crucial role in providing the stability and support necessary for Deb to pursue employment opportunities.
Today, Deb is preparing to transition to her new apartment. She admits to feeling a mix of anxiety and relief. She finds solace in the prospect of residing with accommodating roommates in a pleasant neighborhood in Loveland.
Reflecting on her experience, Deb expresses gratitude towards the supportive network at Samaritan House. The staff, particularly her case worker, played a crucial role in providing the stability and support necessary for Deb to pursue employment opportunities. Deb shared, “I am grateful for the staff [who] have been nothing but helpful.” She encourages others facing similar challenges to utilize the available resources, emphasizing the significance of organizations like Catholic Charities.
Despite facing setbacks, Deb remains committed to overcoming obstacles and taking positive steps towards a brighter future. Her journey serves as a testament to the transformative impact of perseverance and support.
Hannah is no stranger to sacrifice. As a U.S. Army veteran, she served her country with courage and resilience. But this past summer, she found herself fighting a very different kind of battle—one she never expected to face at home.
No matter how carefully she planned, Hannah couldn’t stretch her income far enough. Even with her two daughters contributing, the bills piled up faster than she could pay them. Jobs were scarce, and the family had already fallen behind on rent and utilities. Every month brought painful choices: pay for groceries or keep the gas on, cover rent or make sure her daughters had what they needed.
For Hannah, the decision to put food on the table was easy. But it meant going without other necessities—warm showers, a working stove and the security of knowing their home could stay safe and comfortable. The weight of those sacrifices grew heavier each day.
Pride made it even harder to ask for help. Hannah had always been the one who provided, who persevered, who pushed through hardship. She had never sought assistance before. But when her veteran benefits still weren’t enough to cover her Atmos Energy bill, she realized she couldn’t keep carrying the burden alone.
That’s when she found Catholic Charities serving Weld County. Our emergency assistance program is focused on homelessness prevention. We understand that unexpected costs arise and, when they do, decisions like Hannah’s have to be made. This program aims to assist our neighbors with rent and utilities so that they can stay in their homes.
Hannah called the utility assistance hotline and scheduled an appointment. Within 24 hours, her gas was restored. For the first time in weeks, her family could cook a hot meal, take warm showers and feel the comfort of stability returning to their home.
But Catholic Charities didn’t stop there. Because Hannah had given so much through her service, our team wanted to give back in every way possible. We connected her to veteran services designed to support those who have served our country. We referred her to the local food bank to help ease the pressure of providing meals. And we introduced her to a partner organization that uplifts women facing hardship, offering Hannah encouragement and community.
The helplessness she had carried for months began to fade. In its place grew the steady reassurance that she and her daughters were not alone.
For Hannah, the assistance was more than a restored utility. It was a reminder that her sacrifices were seen and honored. Because of Catholic Charities—and the generosity of so many—Hannah and her family found hope and security.
St Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Denver
When I began my career 25 years ago, one of the biggest obstacles was the stigma around seeking professional help. Many believed it was “weak” to ask for help, so they went without the support that could have made a difference. Catholics, in particular, often hesitated, unsure about working with a therapist who might not share their faith or worldview. The fear of being misunderstood, or worse, encouraged in directions contrary to their beliefs, kept many people from even considering counseling.
Wow! Times have changed. While stigma still exists in some circles, many people today are open to therapy—especially younger generations. For example, a recent dating app survey found that more than half of men and women value therapy, or openness to it, in a potential partner. This signals a cultural shift: seeking help is no longer viewed as weakness but as wisdom, strength and even a sign of emotional maturity. Across the Archdiocese of Denver, St Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities, now offers nearly 40 staff members to provide therapy from a Catholic perspective. For Catholics, this means they can receive high-quality professional care without having to set aside their faith.
Therapy can lead to better mental health, stronger coping skills, healthier relationships and deeper self-awareness. It can also help people adopt a more hopeful and grateful outlook. For instance, a young adult struggling with perfectionism may learn to recognize unhealthy thought patterns, shift toward self-compassion and experience new freedom in their relationships. A couple locked in constant arguments may discover new ways to listen and reconnect. A parent carrying grief from childhood trauma may finally process painful memories and find healing, which in turn affects how they raise their own children. Opening up can be difficult, especially about long-standing struggles, but the benefits usually far outweigh the challenges.
So who is therapy for? The short answer: everyone. At St Raphael Counseling, we see individuals, couples and families. Some come with diagnosed mental illnesses like depression or anxiety, others seek help with communication in relationships and many want a safe space to process life’s challenges or pursue personal growth. A newly married couple may come to learn how to start their life together with strong communication skills. A retiree may come to navigate the loss of identity after leaving the workforce. Teenagers often come to explore identity, anxiety or family conflicts. No matter the reason, therapy provides a structured, supportive environment to work toward growth.
What makes St. Raphael Counseling unique is that while our therapists are trained like secular professionals, we also approach clients’ concerns through a Catholic lens. A couple, for example, may feel more comfortable working with a therapist who understands the sacramental nature of marriage rather than one who might encourage divorce as the first option. Parents may feel more at ease knowing their therapist affirms Church teaching when working with their children. This integration of faith and therapy allows us to care for the whole person—body, mind and spirit.
Therapy is not the same as spiritual direction. A priest or deacon provides guidance in areas like prayer and faith formation, while a therapist focuses on mental and emotional well-being. Still, the two complement each other, working hand-in-hand to support the whole person. Someone seeing a spiritual director may be guided toward deeper prayer practices, while therapy can address the underlying anxiety or trauma that makes prayer difficult. Both roles are vital, but they serve in different ways.
Addictions are one area where this integration is especially powerful. Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous emphasize reliance on a “higher power.” Many people try to fill what I call a “God-sized hole” with alcohol, drugs, gambling or pornography. Therapy, combined with faith and community support, can help them surrender control and find healing. I once worked with a client who had tried for years to stop drinking on his own but kept relapsing. When he began to integrate prayer, community accountability and therapy, he discovered that recovery wasn’t about willpower alone but about letting God and others walk with him.
I often think of the story of the woman who prayed for God to save her during a flood but refused help from rescuers. After she drowned, she asked God why He didn’t intervene. He replied, “I sent you two boats and a helicopter.” I see therapy the same way: a vessel through which God offers healing. It’s a privilege to witness clients discover new insights that transform their lives. Sometimes the transformation is dramatic, like overcoming an addiction, but often it’s subtle: a shift in perspective, a release of shame, a new sense of peace. Those moments, small or large, are sacred ground.
So, is therapy for you? There’s no set formula. Some people come for a few sessions, others stay for years. The key is finding value in the process, not just checking it off a list. Therapy works best when you bring real issues to the table, not just surface concerns. If you come with openness, honesty and a willingness to grow, you’re more likely to see results.
If you’re curious, I encourage you to try a session or two. It just might change your life. Therapy is not about labeling you as “broken,” but about helping you live more fully. God created us as whole beings—body, mind and spirit. When one area suffers, the others do too. Therapy can be one of the ways God restores balance, heals wounds and strengthens us for the journey.
About St. Raphael Counseling St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Denver, is the nation’s largest Catholic therapy practice. Our licensed professionals provide individual, couples, family and school-based counseling rooted in both sound psychological principles and the Catholic faith. With nearly 40 staff across multiple locations and telehealth options, we serve clients of all ages and backgrounds who are seeking hope, healing and growth. St. Raphael Counseling integrates faith with mental health treatment, offering compassionate care that supports the whole person—body, mind and spirit. For more information, visit straphaelcounseling.com or call 720-377-1359.
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