Denver Cathedral Basilica attendance thriving despite major downtown street construction

Though the city of Denver has undertaken a massive, multi-year construction project on the main road in front of the downtown Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, it has not deterred an influx of Catholics from gathering there — prompting one of its former rectors to describe the phenomenon as something brought about by God’s providence. 

“I hope that something of a revitalization is happening in the heart of Denver,” Father Samuel Morehead, who was the rector of the Cathedral Basilica from June 2021 to June 2025, told the Denver Catholic in a July 7 article. 

“I think various companies and the city are working on improving the Colfax district; however, those are still a work in progress. It’s hard to get here. The parking is horrendous,” he said. “So, God is obviously doing something that’s independent of other realities around here.”

FOX affiliate KDVR reported that construction on Colfax Avenue, the road in front of the church, began in May, reducing parts of the road by half with concrete barriers as more bus stop arches are added. The East Colfax Avenue Bus Rapid Transit project aims to improve public transportation efficiency and is estimated to last until 2027, according to KDVR. 

According to the Denver Catholic, Mass attendance rose 26% between October 2023 and October 2024 at the Cathedral Basilica, and 85 youth and adults joined the Church this Easter. 

The Cathedral Basilica has been undergoing renovations of its own as well, such as a resurfaced parking lot and exterior enhancements. Father John-James Arcidiacono, the parochial vicar, told the Denver Catholic that now the church “shines more visibly” from the outside — catching the attention of passersby. 

“I think a lot of people do come to the Cathedral because it is a beautiful building,” he said. “The architecture is a visible attraction for the Cathedral, but then, you also have the auditory attraction with the bells. They remind people that this is a place of prayer and invite them to come.”

Fr. Morehead noted that the church’s architecture provides a visual representation of “the depth of our Catholic tradition,” which people take notice of. 

Additionally, the exterior beauty is not the stopping point, but an entryway into a community rich in sacramental life. The Denver Catholic noted that there are three Masses celebrated daily, four Masses on Sunday, and the opportunity for Confession every day of the week. The Cathedral Basilica also hosts young adult events and regular catechesis for adults and children. 

“People are drawn to truth, goodness and beauty, and the Cathedral offers all of that in spades,” Fr. Morehead reflected. “So, wherever the spark of faith has happened, and if you find yourself in Denver and you’re searching, in one sense, we’re the easiest place to find. If we, as the Cathedral priests, deacons and staff, are just halfway doing our job, we make it easy for people to plug in, to inquire, to be received into the Church and to come back to the full practice of the faith.”

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