ST. TERESA PRAYER SOCIETY
“Love, to be true, has to begin with God in prayer. If we pray, we will be able to love, and if we love, we will be able to serve."
– St. Teresa of Calcutta
Our Mission
The mission of the St. Teresa of Calcutta Prayer Society is to foster organized, spiritual support for Catholic Charities’ staff, volunteers and those we serve, and to pray for those who ask for our prayers.
Our Mission
The mission of the St. Teresa of Calcutta Prayer Society is to foster organized, spiritual support for Catholic Charities’ staff, volunteers and those we serve, and to pray for those who ask for our prayers.
sEVEN THEMES OF
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING
The Church's social teaching is grounded in the basis of our mission at Catholic Charities of Denver. In these brief reflections, we highlight several of the key themes that are at the heart of our Catholic social tradition.
LIFE & Dignity Of THE HUMAN PERSON
The dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. We believe that every person is precious, that people are more important than things and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person.
CALL TO FAMILY, COMMUNITY & Participation
The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.
RIGHTS and
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community is achieved when human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency.
OPTION FOR THE POOR AND VULNERABLE
A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment (Mt 25:31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.
THE DIGNITY OF WORK & RIGHTS OF WORKERS
The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God's creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected--the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property and to economic initiative.
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SOLIDARITY
We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic and ideological differences. We are our brothers' and sisters' keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace.
"if you want peace, work for justice."
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CARE FOR GOD'S CREATION
We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God's creation. A full understanding can only be achieved by reading the papal, conciliar and episcopal documents that make up this rich tradition.
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FACES OF HOPE
Transforming Spaces: From Empty Garden Beds to a Place of Peace
On the second floor of Catholic Charities Samaritan House in Denver, two 72-foot garden beds now bring color and life to a space that once went largely unnoticed. The space was previously filled with river rock and soil. With the help of a beautification grant from the Colorado Garden Foundation, staff saw an opportunity to … Read more
Between Two Countries, One Family
For most of her life, Maria never planned to leave Mexico behind. Her husband had become a U.S. citizen after originally obtaining status through the amnesty program, but Maria continued living in Mexico. She visited the United States regularly and respected the terms of her visa. Over time, however, the needs of the people she … Read more
Sko Buffs, Go Beyond the Sandwich
Sko Buffs, sko serve! When CU Boulder students showed up at Samaritan House Denver, sandwiches were on the menu—but so were service, connection and a new perspective. The students were part of Sko Serve, CU Boulder’s service program connecting students with opportunities to serve local communities while learning more about the issues impacting the people … Read more
Indonesian Sisters Visit Little Flower Assistance Center, Inspired by a Model of Compassionate Service
Catholic Charities Little Flower Assistance Center recently welcomed two Sisters from Daughter of Our Lady of Queen of the Holy Rosary congregation in Indonesia for a visit centered on learning, collaboration and service. During their time at Little Flower, Sr. Maria Benedictis and Sr. Maria Hilaria explored Little Flower’s comprehensive approach to serving individuals and families … Read more
More Than a Purse: SHE Leads Continues Four-Year Tradition of Giving Back
For SHE Leads Group, empowering women extends beyond professional connections—it also means finding meaningful ways to support women in their community. SHE Leads is a women’s networking organization focused on building relationships, encouraging professional growth and creating opportunities for women to connect and make an impact. Through initiatives like the SHE Leads Purse Project, members … Read more
CU Anschutz Staff Meeting an Essential Need, One Donation at a Time
When Emily Bishop saw a need in the community, she knew it was one she wanted to help meet. Emily, a simulationist with the University of Colorado College of Nursing at Anschutz Medical Campus and a member of the campus staff council, recently organized an incontinence care drive benefiting Catholic Charities. After a month of … Read more
Crowne At Old Town North Rolls Out The Red Carpet For Hope
The red carpet at Crowne at Old Town North did not lead to a movie premiere. It led to the pool—and an opportunity for neighbors to support neighbors. Nearly 150 residents and guests attended the apartment community’s annual pool party over the weekend. This year, Community Director Nikki and Leasing Consultant Soha transformed the red-carpet-themed celebration into Crowne’s … Read more
Serving with Purpose: Youth Groups Travel to Denver to Make a Difference at Samaritan House
Samaritan House on Lawrence Street in downtown Denver recently welcomed eight young volunteers and two dedicated adult leaders who traveled hundreds of miles with a shared purpose: to serve others with compassion and to put their faith into action. The group, organized through YouthWorks, a faith-based organization that provides mission trip opportunities for youth groups, … Read more
A Safe Place To Begin Again
As students prepare to return to the classroom, most back-to-school lists focus on supplies: notebooks, pencils and backpacks. But a student’s most important resource may never appear on a list—a safe, dependable place to begin and end each day. For students experiencing homelessness, ordinary school routines can become difficult. Where will they sleep? Where will they keep their belongings? … Read more
At St. Valentine, Trust Takes Root
A community garden at St. Valentine Apartments is helping residents cultivate confidence, trust and connection. Before the garden produced its first vegetables, it produced something just as meaningful: evidence that residents could rely on one another. This summer, residents at St. Valentine Apartments began planting and tending individual garden plots. When one gardener spent time away, neighbors watered and … Read more
Sammy’s Big Adventure
For 40 years, Samaritan House has welcomed children and families with safety, compassion and hope. This year, as we celebrate that milestone, we found a new way to tell its story—through the eyes of a teddy bear named Sammy. Sammy’s Adventures at Samaritan House introduces young readers to Sammy, whose three most important jobs … Read more
Healing A Family, One Step At A Time
When Kayvon Tenisha Stephens lost her husband unexpectedly last fall, life changed overnight. As she navigated the grief of losing her husband while helping her young son cope with the loss of his father, another challenge emerged. A job change significantly reduced her work hours, making it impossible to keep up with rent. Before long, … Read more
A Morning Of Service Comes Full Circle At Samaritan House
In just 90 minutes, four Blue Federal Credit Union employees helped make Samaritan House Fort Collins a more welcoming place for the neighbors who turn to Catholic Charities for shelter, stability and support. Samaritan House Fort Collins provides emergency shelter for women and families, along with extended-stay shelter and supportive services for men, women, families and veterans as they work toward … Read more
Clergy on the Move Helps Priests Begin New Parish Assignments
Each summer, priests across the Archdiocese of Denver receive new parish assignments, beginning a new chapter in their ministry. While these transitions bring exciting opportunities to serve, they also come with a practical challenge that often goes unseen: moving from one parish to another. To help ease that burden, Catholic Charities launched a new initiative … Read more
A Lasting Gift for 40 Years of Hope
For 40 years, Samaritan House has opened its doors to neighbors experiencing homelessness, offering hope, stability and compassionate care. As Catholic Charities celebrates that milestone, one generous Colorado company has helped create another lasting gift—an inviting outdoor space where residents, children and families can gather, play and simply enjoy being together. For four decades, Samaritan … Read more
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Let Us Pray
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the many blessings You have poured out on those we serve through Catholic Charities. Thank You for the generous donors whose compassion sustains our mission. May You bless them abundantly for their faithfulness and trust in our work. Let their kindness bear fruit in the lives of those we serve.
Lord, we lift up the individuals and families who come through our doors in need—those experiencing homelessness, hunger, hardship or despair. Wrap them in Your mercy and guide them toward hope and healing. May they feel seen, valued and loved as they encounter the dignity they were created with.
We also thank You for the many volunteers who give so selflessly of their time, energy and hearts. Their love in action is a reflection of Your own compassion. Strengthen them in their service and renew their spirits when they grow weary.
Lord, continue to guide Catholic Charities as we walk alongside our neighbors in need. Fill our staff with wisdom, patience and joy. Unite us all—donors, volunteers, staff and the people we serve—as one community rooted in love, striving always to reflect Your Gospel.
We entrust our work to You, knowing that through You, all things are possible. May Your will be done in and through us, today and always.
In Jesus’ holy name we pray,
Amen.
How can we pray for you?
Catholic Charities Prayer
"God of Living Hope, across the ages, You call us to be bearers of Divine Hope. The Prophets spoke, Proclaiming the Good News to come. The Virgin Mary found favor and Jesus, our Greatest Hope, was born. Remaining faithful to the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, help employees, volunteers, and benefactors of Catholic Charities be disciples of hope. Protecting the unborn, sheltering those in need, educating the young, supporting women’s health, reuniting families, nurturing mental health, providing affordable homes and fostering relationships at every age and every stage of life. Amen."