1979 - 2009

Celebrating 30 years

Church:

10306 West Bowles Ave.

Littleton, CO  80127-2060

Pastoral Center:

10316 West Bowles Ave.

Littleton, CO  80127-2060

Office hours: 8:00am - 5:30pm

Tuesday through Friday

Office is closed:

Sunday, Monday, Saturday

Phone: 303-973-3969

Fax: 303-973-2122

The first Mass was celebrated by Fr. Frank Syrianey, at Colorow Elementary on July 5, 1979. The new parish gathered in the gymnasium and was affectionately referred to as “Our Lady of the Nets.”

On Easter Sunday, 1982, some 200 families participated in a ground breaking ceremony for the new church building.  Parishioners were determined that the church building should make a statement to the surrounding community of the presence and purpose of the Catholic Church and its mission within the community. With an inspiring view of the Denver skyline to the northeast and of the mountains to the west, the church would be a beacon “on the hill” -- a symbol of light to all.

Built as a multi-purpose facility, the first Mass was celebrated in the worship space portion of the building on Holy Thursday of 1984. That same year Fr. John Mancini was assigned as the first Parochial Vicar in July of 1984. The church building was officially dedicated on September 13, 1987, delayed by the deaths of Fr. Frank Syrianey and Archbishop James V. Casey. Fr. Roger Lascelle was assigned as the next Parochial Vicar after Fr. Mancini left the parish.

Following the death of Fr. Syrianey, 1986, Fr. John Dold was appointed the new pastor bringing organizational leadership and vision to the parish. A pastoral Council and a Coordinating Council were developed. In 1988, land was purchased west of the church building for additional parking. On 10, 1989, a ground breaking ceremony was held “on the hill” for an addition to the east and west ends of the existing facility. On the east a youth area, (now the Atrium of the Good Shepherd,) an all purpose space, (now known as Archangels Hall,) and a kitchen were built. To the west the worship space was expanded to accommodate an additional 300 people and smaller meeting rooms lined the Gallery, which now contain the Gift Shop and Food Pantry to care the hungry in the area.

Several priests have been assigned to the parish throughout her history. Fr. Neal Pfister was assigned as Parochial Vicar in 1990 replacing Fr. Lascelle. In June 1993, Fr. Patrick Tierney was assigned to the parish as Parochial Vicar and later was named Pastor of the parish.  Fr. Greg Mirto was assigned in July 1994 as Parochial Vicar. Upon completing his 3 year assignment, Fr. Jerry Rohr was assigned as Parochial Vicar.

Once again the parish broke ground for additions to the facility. An office complex (now known as the Parish Pastoral Office) was built on the southeast end of the property and a community center (now known as the Our Lady of the New Advent Community Center) attached to the west end, expanding the potential for more ministerial offerings.

In June of 1998, when Fr. Patrick  Tierney was assigned into a chaplaincy ministry, Fr. Jerry Rohr was named Parish Administrator with Fr Sean McGrath as Parochial Vicar. In march Fr. McGrath left the parish and in June of 1999, Fr. Jerry Rohr was named Pastor.

The parish family of Light of the World weather trials and tragedy as the world witnessed the senseless violence of the Columbine High School shootings on April 20, 1999. The leadership and compassion of Fr. Rohr and the entire parish family of Light of the World provided great comfort to members of the parish and the surrounding community who came seeking strength and understanding.

In December of 2003, Fr. Clement Ioka from Nigeria was assigned as Parochial Vicar. Fr. Clement left Light of the World in May of 2005 to return to his home diocese in Africa.

On June 15, 2005, Fr. Michael Pavlakovich was named paster of Light of the World. Bringing with him a passionate devotion to the celebration of Eucharist and the Sacraments, Fr. Michael’s enthusiastic leadership style of fidelity to the values of the Gospel and the traditions of the Church, provides a renewed vision to al already dynamic community of faith.

With a desire to allow the Holy Spirit to lead in the future work of the parish so as to unfold it’s vision for a new generation, along with the pastor and clergy, the Pastoral Staff and parish leadership work together to create a cohesive environment of holiness, hospitality and honor.

In our “present history,” a new emphasis has been placed on the social teachings of the Catholic Church in an effort to meet the growing needs of the poor and outcast within and beyond the boundaries of our parish family. The leadership and Pastoral Staff look forward to a future of continued growth and vitality with the ever expanding needs and membership of the parish.

The next planned phase of construction is for a church to be designated as a larger and permanent place of worship facing the scenic Rocky Mountains. Such construction would accommodate more individuals at any given worship service and provide additional and larger space for social gatherings and educational opportunities by utilizing our present worship space.

While still seeking to bring the very best to the Liturgical worship of the parish, the Religious education of children and adults, a new enthusiasm and ownership of the faith to our teens through the LIFE TEEn experience and the numerous social concerns activities assisting us in putting the gospel into practice, Light of the World continues to remain rooted in Christ, build on the values of our foundation and look to the future and ultimate goal of heaven.

The history of Light of the World Catholic Church has been one of phenomenal growth and leadership. The parish remains under the protection and patronage of Christ, the Light of the World while striving to be the light of Jesus Christ to the faithful family gathered in prayer, as well as to the surrounding and global family of God of which we are a part. May God continue to bless us as work together in His Name. Amen.