“How did a small church become a cornerstone of a Denver community?” That is a great question as we stand before Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church. This church is not just a building. It is a beacon of faith and community in Denver.
Saint Rose of Lima welcomes everyone. It is a place where faith and community intertwine. The church offers several services. Mass is celebrated in both English and Spanish. This reflects the diverse community it serves. You can attend services on Saturdays and Sundays. Weekday Masses are also available. Adoration takes place on the first Friday of each month. Confessions are heard on Saturdays or by appointment.
Saint Rose of Lima’s story extends beyond its church services. The church is deeply connected to its school. The school’s mission is to provide quality Catholic education. They focus on the needs of their students. Respect responsibility and community are developed. The school is affiliated with the Archdiocese of Denver. It serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Saint Rose of Lima School has been operating for over five decades. It has sent hundreds of students to secondary schools. Many graduates pursue higher education. Alumni can be found across the country.
In November 1923 twenty Catholic families formed an association. They lived in the Valverde neighborhood. They purchased a vacant lot. It was located at West Nevada Place and South Navajo. They bought a church from the Presbyterians. The church was moved onto the lot. This original church was dedicated in October 1924. It seated 35 people.
Almost thirty years later the parish broke ground on a new school. This happened in October 1950. Archbishop Urban J Vehr dedicated the school on May 12 1955. The school welcomed its first students in September 1955. In its early years Saint Rose of Lima served grades 1-4. There were 156 students.
The parish hall was renovated in 1956-57. This provided temporary classrooms. The basement of the original convent was also modified. This added additional classrooms. Fifth sixth and seventh grade students joined the Saint Rose community. A three-classroom addition was completed in 1958. In 1959 the second story was completed. Today Saint Rose of Lima School has ten classrooms.
The school has limited class sizes. There are fewer than 20 students per faculty member. Individualized attention is a priority. Teachers work to build relationships with students and families. Various events are sponsored by the school. These include chili cook-offs a Halloween festival and Christmas concerts.
Saint Rose of Lima School offers various safety measures. These include a single entrance with sign-in and required uniforms. There is also a low student-to-teacher ratio. After-school programs are available. Discipline policies are clearly communicated. Background checks are conducted on all adults working with students.
Saint Rose of Lima continues to serve the Denver metro area. It provides Catholic school instruction to low-income families. The school is currently engaged in a capital campaign. The aim is to raise funds for a school addition. The addition will include a gymnasium a library and a two-classroom preschool.
Saint Rose of Lima stands as a testament to faith education and community. Its rich history and ongoing commitment make it a vital part of Denver. As you leave Saint Rose of Lima consider the impact this church and school have on the lives of many. It is a place where faith and community truly come together.