Notre Dame Catholic Church

Sixty-six years ago, this corner of Sheridan Boulevard and Evans Avenue was just another piece of Colorado prairie. Archbishop Urban J. Vehr saw something more. He envisioned a home for God, a church for a new parish. That parish became Notre Dame Catholic Church. Notre Dame has been more than just bricks and mortar for 65 years. It’s a vibrant Catholic community woven into the fabric of Harvey Park, Bear Creek, and East Lakewood. Notre Dame Catholic Church officially began in 1957. The first parish Mass was held at Kunsmiller Junior High School on October 13th. Construction began quickly. The groundbreaking ceremony took place just eleven days later. The founding pastor, Father Koontz, had a unique inspiration for the church’s name: his beloved college football team, the Fighting Irish. Christmas Midnight Mass in 1958 marked the first service in the newly constructed church. The official dedication by Archbishop Vehr followed shortly after, on January 13, 1959. Over the years, Notre Dame Catholic Church continued to grow. A school opened its doors in 1966, followed by the rectory in 1968 and a school gymnasium in 1974. The church itself underwent renovations in 1994. More recently, in 2017, the former rectory was transformed into parish offices. Notre Dame Catholic Church has served as a beacon of hope and support, particularly for the Vietnamese community during their resettlement in Denver and for individuals with disabilities. The parish remains committed to serving the poor and fostering a welcoming environment for all. It continues to evolve, adapting to the changing needs of the surrounding neighborhoods.