Immaculate Heart of Mary
Conceived in the wake of Vatican II, Immaculate Heart of Mary was among the first thoroughly modern churches established in the Denver metropolitan area. Embracing the dramatic new changes issued from Rome – particularly increased participation by the laity – founding members envisioned creating a “Parish of Love.” The independent spirit of those enthusiastic pioneers dedicated to stewardship has been a hallmark of the parish’s evolution through nearly four decades, fostering the parish’s growth into one of the largest Catholic communities in the entire state of Colorado.
Spurred by a booming population in the Northglenn area, more than 380 interested Catholics met at Leroy School to discuss a new church in 1967. They organized a Parish Council to raise money and canvassed the new neighborhoods for support. Large dowries from neighboring parishes – Holy Cross in Thornton, Our Lady of Sorrows in Eastlake and Holy Trinity in Westminster – also helped fund the church. Immaculate Heart of Mary had 1,350 registered families when Archbishop James V. Casey and Reverend Martin J. McNulty, the founding pastor, blessed the ultramodern church on April 30, 1970.
During the next two decades, more people settled in the area and the parish became a focal point of the faith community. Under the leadership of Reverend William Breslin, a new parish activity center was built in 1984 and the old one was remodeled into Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel. As more people filled the pews, more needs became apparent. Encouraged to become involved and make a difference, the industrious congregation instituted a variety of ministries and outreach programs that established Immaculate Heart of Mary’s reputation as a model parish in the Archdiocese of Denver.
The seeds of the Food Bank, perhaps one of the largest and well known programs offered today, were sown in the homes of a few parishioners. Under the leadership of Reverend Martin Lally, a new addition was built specifically to house the effort in 1998. Today, more than 150 volunteers distribute surplus food to more than 1,500 needy people in the area each month. Single mothers, elderly widows and the unemployed, grateful for the supplemental food that enables them to buy their prescription medications, are the primary beneficiaries. The group also distributes Easter food baskets, school supplies in September, Thanksgiving food baskets and Christmas food baskets and presents.
As the needs of the parish grew into the Third Millenium, it became apparent that another building project was not far off. As these needs were being talked about, other needs arose as well, most notably repairs and renovation to the church building. In 2007, a Capital Campaign was formed and launched to begin raising the necessary funds for renovation and building – connecting the existing parish center building to the church building. Through the arduous task of design and oversight of the building project and the leadership of Reverend Gregory K. Ames, Immaculate Heart of Mary celebrated her 42nd year with a newly renovated church on March 25, 2009, the Feast of Annunciation. Additions included a new adoration chapel and steeple, a new Narthex and gathering area complete with a bookstore and cafe, new restrooms, an enclosed cloister walk that connects the church with the parish center, new sacristies and classrooms, and renovations within the church that allow the beautiful work of skilled artisans and master craftsmen to show off the glory of God.
A renewed emphasis on stewardship offers almost 5,000 currently registered families opportunities to share their time, talent and treasure. Immaculate Heart of Mary now boasts 84 ministries and programs that serve the parish as well as the extended northern metropolitan area. Father Greg Ames instituted Our Catholic Journey, a popular weekly adult faith formation program that provides an opportunity to learn more about the Catholic faith. Journey Days, an annual weekend family festival held in Summer, features a Sunday Mass of Unity for the entire community on the IHM campus.
An all-encompassing Family Life ministry was formed to develop strong relationships within the parish with fun community-building activities and spiritual enrichment programs. Truly a “cradle to grave” ministry, it welcomes new members through Baptism and Marriage and includes everyone to those at the end of life, when it offers assistance with funeral needs. Other ministries are devoted to liturgical and worship services, faith formation and parish operations, as well as programs for specific age groups like youth and senior citizens. In addition to the Food Bank, community outreach programs range from the Bonfils Blood Drive, Community Food Fairs, to Growing Home Hospitality Network, when the parish hosts homeless families four weeks out of the year. Associations include the Knights of Columbus, Mothers Preschoolers and Metropolitan Organization for People of ICAN, a grassroots effort to address social issues concerning the extended community.
Envisioned decades ago, this “Parish of Love” continues to evolve with at least one constant – the strong dedication to stewardship now almost synonymous with Immaculate Heart of Mary. May future generations live up to their legacy and make them proud.