- Why is your name 10:30 but you meet at 11:00?
Our Community was formed in 1972 by a group of parishioners who were attending the 10:30 AM Mass at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. When they decided to form their own community the Capitol Heights Presbyterian Church offered their facilities and the group moved to their church building.
The Presbyterians’ service is at 9:30 AM. Ours is at 11:00 AM and Dignity is at 5:00 PM.
- Are you really a Roman Catholic church?
Yes. Our liturgical celebrations are led by priests who share our beliefs and who are in good standing with the Archdiocese of Denver.
- What is an Intentional Eucharistic Community?
A Eucharistic community is rooted in the Catholic tradition, gathering weekly to celebrate Eucharist. Born in the enthusiasm flowing from Vatican Council ll for a church of the people, we share the responsibility for the governance and life of our community, while remaining faithful to the practices of the institutional church. As our statement of beliefs indicates, we are dedicated to the spiritual growth of our members as well as to serving the needs of the larger world through social justice commitments.
- How is the 10:30 Catholic Community different from a parish?
Our community differs from traditional Catholic parishes primarily because we are a non-geographic Catholic community and directed by volunteer committees of laypersons. We own no property, have no pastor nor paid staff. We have a church council who oversees the church activities.
- How do you share a church building with the Presbyterians and Dignity?
We share the use of the building and contribute to its maintenance and upkeep. More importantly we share some of our Social Actions commitments. The Women’s Homelessness Initiative, the Saturday Lunch Program and the Community Garden are some of the ways we work together. Several times a year we celebrate an ecumenical service with Capitol Heights.
- Why have you chosen to not have a parish priest?
Based on the principles of Vatican II we are a lay-led community whose members take personal responsibility for our faith. We encourage all members to participate in community life by sharing their time, talent and treasure and we have wonderful priests who celebrate with us.
- Is it true Mass is sometimes celebrated in the park?
Yes. During the summer on certain Sundays we meet at Little Cheesman to celebrate Mass. We celebrated Mass in this park the first summer before we had a permanent home. It is a way to remember our community’s history.
Masses in the park are listed in the Open Letter during the summer months.