Deacons have been providing Catholic ministry at Children’s Hospital Colorado for several years. Many courageous and faithful patients, families and staff have benefited from this ministry and have been an inspiration to the deacon.

The deacon leads a Communion service once a week and assists a priest at Mass for special occasions. These services are scheduled on the hospital calendar which has attracted both regular staff attendees as well as patients and family members, especially at the Ash Wednesday service. Some families and hospital staff will stay after the service to talk and share some of their challenges, and in some cases schedule a private conference.

The hospital chaplain team calls on the deacon when they meet Catholic patients and families so that he can visit with them, lead prayers, provide blessings, perform emergency baptisms, and bring them the Eucharist. The deacon and the spiritual care chaplain team have a wonderful, collaborative relationship. Mutual support exists, which makes this a deeply rewarding ministry for the deacon and those who are served.