About Colorado State University · Fort Collins, Colorado
Saint John XXIII Catholic Church (branded as 'RamCatholic') is the Archdiocese of Denver's personal parish serving Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Founded in 1969 across the street from campus at 1220 University Avenue, it is specifically a university parish without traditional geographic boundaries, focused on evangelizing CSU students, faculty, and staff while welcoming a wider parish family of all ages. The parish offers a rich liturgical schedule that includes a Latin (Extra Form) Sunday Mass, a Byzantine Divine Liturgy, a weekly Thursday night Candlelight Mass for students, daily Masses, perpetual adoration, and a vibrant FOCUS missionary campus ministry. Its current pastor, Fr. Joseph Lajoie — himself a former CSU student — leads a community known for student dinners, retreats (Fall, Spring, FOCUS Greek, SEEK), Greek Life outreach, Knights of Columbus, Stephen Ministry, and sacramental preparation for children of parishioners following the Archdiocese of Denver's 'Restored Order.'
- Established
- 1969
- Patron
- Saint Pope John XXIII
- Rector
- Fr. Joseph Lajoie
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Denver
Why belong here
Saint John XXIII offers something most parishes cannot: a Christ-centered community intentionally built around the mission of evangelizing a major university campus, while still being a real parish home for residents of all ages. Daily and Sunday Masses (including a Latin Extraordinary Form Mass and a Byzantine Divine Liturgy), perpetual adoration, weekly Candlelight Mass, and a robust FOCUS missionary team create constant opportunities for students to encounter Christ — and the parish family is invited into that mission by welcoming students as 'important guests,' mentoring them personally and professionally, and serving through the Knights of Columbus, Stephen Ministry, decorating committee, liturgy (EMHCs, lectors, altar servers, ushers), and Sacramental preparation of children. If you want a parish where your faith is lived out, shared, and passed on to the next generation, this one wears that mission on its sleeve.
Mass times at Colorado State University
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Tuesday: 8:30 AM
- Wednesday: 8:30 AM
- Thursday: 8:30 AM
- Friday: 8:30 AM
- Saturday: 8:00–8:50 AM
- Saturday: 2:30–3:30 PM
Adoration times
- Adoration Chapel: Monday–Friday 8:30 AM–8:00 PM (when CSU is in session)
- Saturday Adoration (Sanctuary): mornings 8:00 AM–8:50 AM
- First Tuesday of the month: ADORE Night at 7:00 PM in the Church
Our Parish Story
On August 12, 1967, the Archdiocese of Denver approved a new parish in Fort Collins dedicated to serving Colorado State University staff, faculty, and students. Before that, St. Joseph Catholic parish had been running campus ministry alongside its school and active family life. Fr. Leonard Urban was named the first pastor of the then-'Blessed' John XXIII University Parish, and a multi-use John XXIII Center was built and opened in the fall of 1969. The parish was re-named Saint John XXIII in 2014 when Pope John XXIII was canonized. Today's flourishing RamCatholic campus ministry traces its roots through eight successor pastors, soup suppers, ski trips, service projects, retreats, and the legacy of Fr. Don Willette's vision for a Catholic Studies chair at CSU.
- Founded 1967 (approved), 1969 (Center completed)
- Renamed from 'Blessed' to 'Saint' John XXIII in 2014
- Current pastor Fr. Joseph Lajoie (since August 2022)
- Nine pastors in the parish's history
Mission & Identity
Saint John XXIII exists to deepen discipleship in Jesus Christ and bring Him to the Colorado State University campus and to other college-age students in Fort Collins. Because it is a personal parish without traditional geographic boundaries, the parish family and the student body live in intentional partnership: parishioners welcome students as important guests in their 'home,' lead by example, and provide time, talent, and treasure to keep the doors open. Fr. Joseph Lajoie's pastoral letter frames the parish as a community called to encounter Jesus Christ — 'Who is Truth Himself' — and to take up the 'spiritual battle for holiness.'
- Personal parish — no traditional boundaries
- Primary mission: evangelization of CSU
- Parishioners partner with students through mentorship, hospitality, and stewardship
RamCatholic Campus Ministry
Coined by Fr. Rocco Porter, RamCatholic is the parish's signature campus ministry for CSU students. Over 150 students gather every Thursday night during the school year for the Candlelight Mass by candlelight. The program is staffed by FOCUS missionaries and a campus ministry team, and offers Dinner at Dad's, Freshmen Dinner Club, Bible studies, Greek Life outreach, Varsity Catholic for student athletes, retreats, and outdoor activities — all designed to help students encounter Jesus, grow in relationship with Him, and bring Him to everyone they meet.
- Thursday 8 PM Candlelight Mass
- FOCUS missionaries (Brandon Holy, Jackson Turman, Camille Zarycki, Cate Holy, Cruz Keefner, Brady Zink, Kaley Keefner)
- Freshmen Dinner Club (2nd Tuesday after 5:30 PM Mass)
- Dinner at Dad's (monthly after 5 PM Sunday Mass)
Greek Life & Student Athletes
The parish intentionally equips Catholics in Greek Life and student athletes to live their faith on the front lines of campus culture. FOCUS missionaries serve as outreach coordinators connecting sorority and fraternity members with Bible studies, accountability, and the FOCUS Greek Retreat. Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity is a long-standing partner, and Varsity Catholic supports student athletes seeking to glorify God in their sport and daily life.
- Catholics in Greek Life — Camille Zarycki (FOCUS Greek Outreach)
- Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity partnership
- Varsity Catholic — Brandon Holy (FOCUS Team Director)
Retreats & Conferences
Saint John XXIII hosts multiple retreats each year in Estes Park and beyond, and takes a large delegation of students to the national SEEK conference. Retreats include Fall Retreat, Spring Men's and Women's Retreat, the FOCUS Father's House Retreat, and the FOCUS Greek Retreat. Retreatants grow in friendship with Christ and with one another in a setting removed from campus busyness.
- Fall Retreat — Estes Park, late September
- Spring Men's & Women's Retreat — Estes Park, late February
- FOCUS Father's House Retreat — April, Estes Park
- FOCUS Greek Retreat — Arizona, March
- SEEK Conference — San Antonio, January 2027
Sacramental Preparation
Children's sacramental preparation at St. John XXIII follows the Archdiocese of Denver's 'Restored Order' — Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion in their original order. First Reconciliation is normally received in 2nd grade, and Confirmation with First Holy Communion is celebrated together in 3rd grade in the spring after Easter. The parish uses a homeschool model with curated tools and resources; each child is interviewed by a member of clergy about one month prior to reception. For adults and students, Catholicism 101 / OCIA classes meet on Wednesday evenings during the school year.
- Restored Order (Archdiocese of Denver)
- First Reconciliation in 2nd grade
- Confirmation + First Communion in 3rd grade (spring after Easter)
- Homeschool preparation model
- OCIA / Catholicism 101 for adults — Wednesdays 6:30 PM
- Contact: [email protected]
Parish Ministries & Service
Beyond campus ministry, the parish offers a wide array of groups for parishioners of all ages. Knights of Columbus Council #11140 serves the parish and broader community; Stephen Ministry provides one-to-one confidential, Christ-centered care; Endow small groups, Women's, Men's, and Couple's Groups, and a Youth Group round out formation. Liturgical roles — Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, lectors, altar servers, ushers, greeters, and sound ministry — are central to parish life, and the parish welcomes Front Desk Volunteers, Decorating Committee members, Finance Council members, and personal/professional mentors for students.
- Knights of Columbus Council #11140 (Grand Knight Mike Orzell)
- Stephen Ministry — Marlene 'Mo' Julian, (970) 231-3211
- Youth Group, Women's Group, Men's Group, Couple's Group
- Endow small-group study
- Liturgical ministries: EMHCs, lectors, altar servers, ushers, greeters, sound
- FOCO Young Adult Group for post-undergrads and young professionals
Father Don Willette Catholic Studies Program at CSU
Through the tireless retirement efforts of Fr. Don Willette (pastor 2002–2011), a chair of Catholic Studies at Colorado State University was approved and made official in 2018. The Father Don Willette Catholic Studies Program, housed in the College of Liberal Arts, continues the legacy of Fr. Don — a Vietnam veteran, Air Force colonel, and 30+ year priest who loved connecting with CSU students during his decade at St. John XXIII.
- Established 2018
- Endowed through Fr. Don Willette's retirement efforts
- Fr. Don passed away May 25, 2023
Clergy & Staff
The parish is shepherded by Pastor Fr. Joseph Lajoie and Parochial Vicar Fr. Michael Freihofer, with the diaconate care of Deacons Greg Trudel and David Peverley. A robust lay staff leads operations, communications, development, liturgy and music, campus ministry, and facilities. FOCUS missionaries form the backbone of student outreach.
- Pastor: Fr. Joseph Lajoie
- Parochial Vicar: Fr. Michael Freihofer
- Deacons: Greg Trudel, David Peverley
- Director of Campus Ministry: Tynan Bollinger
- Director of Communications: Vince Byrne
- Director of Development: Luke Hecker
- Director of Liturgy and Music: Henrique Borges Gomes
- Parish Accountant / Director of Business: Laura Torres
- FOCUS Team Director: Brandon Holy
Getting Involved
Because Saint John XXIII is a personal parish without traditional boundaries, registering is the most important step in becoming part of the parish family. The parish then invites parishioners to serve in one of many ways — mentoring a student personally or professionally, serving at Mass, joining the Decorating Committee, helping with RamCatholic events, or volunteering at the front desk. The best way to stay informed is the parish's weekly Flocknote email.
- Register as a parishioner (essential for a personal parish)
- Mentor a Student — personal or professional
- Serve in the Mass, decorate the church, or volunteer at the front desk
- Sign up for the weekly Flocknote email
Visit, Contact & Location
The parish sits directly across University Avenue from the CSU campus. Parish Office Hours are Monday–Thursday 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, with the office located on the south side of the Narthex past the restrooms. General inquiries go to [email protected]; scheduling to [email protected]; and sacraments to [email protected]. The mailing address is 1220 University Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521, and the main phone line is (970) 484-3356.
- Address: 1220 University Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521
- Phone: (970) 484-3356
- Office Hours: Mon–Thu 8 AM–4 PM
- Across the street from CSU campus
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Leonard Urban1967–1975
First pastor; oversaw planning and construction of the multi-use John XXIII Center completed fall 1969.
- Fr. Tom McCormick1975–1979
Fondly remembered the uniqueness of being the pastor of a university center.
- Fr. Ron Weissbeck1979–1984
Remembered for his dedication to prayer groups and the lay community Jesus Caritas.
- Fr. Dick Ling1984–1988
Short tenure; brought the office up to date with word processing and printing equipment.
- Fr. Leonard Urban1988–1990
Returned for a second stint as pastor.
- Fr. Bob Amundsen1990–2002
Built up the community and campus ministry during his twelve years as pastor.
- Fr. Don Willette2002–2011
Continued building up parish and campus ministry; in retirement worked to establish the Father Don Willette Chair of Catholic Studies at CSU (approved 2018); passed away May 25, 2023.
- Fr. Rocco Porter2011–2022
Coined the name 'RamCatholic' for the campus ministry program; during his tenure the parish was re-named Saint John XXIII in 2014 upon the canonization of Pope John XXIII.
- Fr. Joseph Lajoie2022–present
Former CSU student turned pastor; focused on refocusing St. John XXIII on its mission as a campus ministry parish.