May the promise of the resurrection bring you peace!
Welcome to St. Mark Catholic Church
(A Brief Historical Synopsis)
Plans for this church had been a long time in the making. From the early days of the
Colorado Springs Diocese (established over 22 years ago), Douglas County has been growing.
Long ago talks were in progress as to where and when, in western Highlands Ranch,
to begin another church. It was not until the prospect of land purchase and the availability
of a priest made this church community a possibility.
With the cooperation of the parishes just “north of the border” Most Reverend Richard
C. Hanifen, Bishop of the Diocese of Colorado Springs, met twice with concerned Catholics,
at two meetings, hosted at St. Thomas More Church (Centennial)and St. Mary Church (Littleton).
Excitement was evident, and as a follow-up, approximately 150 households who indicated serious
interest were contacted and gathered for suppers at the Padre Restaurant at St. Thomas More.
Liturgical and educational ministries were established and the name "St. Mark" was granted
by Bishop Hanifen.
The first Mass was celebrated on Palm Sunday, April 16, 2000. Some 100 households attended
with a potluck following Mass. St. Mark Catholic Church officially opened her doors,
in temporary space at ThunderRidge HS Commons Area, on Easter Sunday, April 23, 2000 with
three Masses. More than 1,200 people celebrated Easter with us on that historic day.
Our property was dedicated by Bishop Hanifen on May 6, 2001. Site and financial planning,
choosing the firm of SlaterPaull as architects, and Fransen Pittman as General Contractor followed.
Throughout 2001-2002, parish-wide meetings were held to discuss needs and desires for our land.
Development, Finance, and Design Councils and Pastoral Staff members all contributed many hours
to make our dreams come true. A gala parish-wide Capital Campaign Celebration was held on
November 17, 2002 as the culmination of our funding commitment drive.
Groundbreaking was celebrated on March 21, 2004 with 950 people in attendance. Construction began
on the property March 4, 2004. The first public Mass in our new church building was held on April 4, 2005
for the late Pope John Paul II. Dedication of the building was celebrated on the Feast of St. Mark,
April 25, 2005. The building provides a 750-seat sanctuary with a large Gathering Space and a lower
level for administrative offices, classrooms, a youth room and a multipurpose room. The lower level,
excluding the offices, was finished and dedicated on January 3, 2007.
The 14 acre site will eventually include outdoor gathering and ritual spaces and a prayer garden.
St. Mark currently has six full-time employees - Fr. Larry Solan, Bridget McEowen, Tim Rohl,
Jennifer Garcia, Katherine DeBacker, and Ron Lesnick and two part-time employees
- Julie Adam and Juanita McDonald. We are also priviledged to have Deacon Garrett Christnacht to help.
Volunteer staff include Ken & Sue Petracek. We have grown to over 900 households and more
than 50 ministries. We are a community of people filled with the love of Christ, energized by the
Holy Spirit striving to worship well and bring about the kingdom of God. We would be blessed
to have you consider St. Mark Catholic Church your parish.
And from here, where shall we go?
Why St. Mark?
(What’s in a name?)