Prayer in a Time of Violence 2026

Inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s Angelus appeal on January 4, 2026, this reflection invites us to lament violence and recommit to paths of justice and peace. “It is with deep concern that I am following the developments in Venezuela. The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration. This must lead to the overcoming of violence, and to the pursuit of paths of justice and peace, guaranteeing the sovereignty of the country, ensuring the rule of law enshrined in its Constitution, respecting the human and civil rights of each and every person, and working together to build a peaceful future of cooperation, stability and harmony, with special attention to the poorest who are suffering because of the difficult economic situation. I pray for all this, and I invite you to pray too, entrusting our prayer to the intercession of Our Lady of Coromoto, and to Saints José Gregorio Hernández and Carmen Rendiles.” ~ Pope Leo XIV

In a time of violence,

we gather to mourn and to pray

for communities and individuals who suffer,

for nations and countries that long for dignity,

for Venezuela and all places

where fear has taken root.

In a time of violence, we commit ourselves anew

to seek justice and peace among us,

that the good of the people

may prevail over every other claim,

that the rule of law may be honored, human and civil rights respected,

and the voices of those on the margins may be uplifted and be heard.

O God of peace, strengthen us to reject despair

and to resist the lure of violence and power.

Give us the courage to speak peace again and again,

and hearts ready to work together for a future marked

by solidarity, stability, and concord.

Through the intercession of Our Lady of Coromoto*,

St. José Gregorio Hernández*, and St. Carmen Rendiles*,

we entrust all who suffer to your care.

Teach us to trust in you, the God of peace,

and to stand in solidarity

with all peoples and communities wounded by war,

until justice takes root and peace begins to flourish.

Amen.

*Patron Saints of Venezuela.    ~Education for Justice

“Making Life Unbearable”

The Impacts of Immigration Enforcement on Families and Communities |Pre-recorded Panel Discussion | Wednesday, Jan 14 | 10:00am | Parish Office Classroom

The administration’s approach to immigration enforcement “seeks to make life unbearable for undocumented immigrants,” as Washington’s Cardinal Robert McElroy recently lamented. “It is willing to tear families apart, separating grieving mothers from their children, and fathers from the sons and daughters who are the center of their lives.”

This conversation focused on the effects of fear-inducing immigration enforcement tactics, the separation of families, and racial prejudice resulting from the violent rhetoric and policing that have accompanied the immigration policies of the last year. It explored the impacts these dynamics are having now in Latino communities across the nation, as well as the lasting damage they will continue to do in the future.

Georgetown University is the host for this pre-recorded panel discussion. Time for discussion and sharing of resources on how you can support our neighbors will be provided. Flyers with more information are in the back of church. All are welcome. No need to RSVP. Snacks provided.

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Every year since 2010, January has been dedicated to raise awareness about human trafficking and to educate the public about how to identify and prevent this crime. Human trafficking violates the sanctity, dignity, and fundamental rights of the human person which is which is in stark contrast to our Catholic Social Teaching.

Training and education are key in stopping human trafficking. Since 2005, the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking (LCHT) has been a leader in the movement to end human trafficking in Colorado.

Your involvement can drive progress in anti-trafficking training, community-based research, strengthening Colorado’s 24/7 Human Trafficking Hotline, and developing future human rights leaders. Check out the LCHT website and learn how you can be more informed and active in stopping human trafficking. https://combathumantrafficking.org/

Here are a few facts to get you started:

Who experiences it?

Human trafficking is a crime against a person, not a border. It can impact individuals from a range of diverse backgrounds and identities, including:

• Those at risk of or experiencing homelessness
• Individuals struggling with substance dependency
• LGBTQIA+ community members
• Sex Workers
• Minors not residing with legal guardians
• Undocumented individuals
• Asylees and refugees

Where does it happen?

Human trafficking occurs across Colorado, in both urban and rural areas. It can take place in a variety of settings and sectors, including:

• Food service and hospitality
• Construction
• Farming and agriculture
• The commercial sex industry
• Temporary foreign worker visa programs
• Debt bondage scenarios with recruiters or smugglers
• Involuntary servitude or forced marriage arrangements
• Exploitative labor operations involving children

24/7 Hotline:   Call 866.455.5075   Text 720.999.9724