About St. Francis of Assisi · Castle Rock, Colorado
St. Francis of Assisi Parish is a Roman Catholic parish in Castle Rock, Colorado, belonging to the Diocese of Colorado Springs. Founded in 1888, it serves more than 2,800 registered families in Castle Rock, Sedalia, Larkspur, Franktown and surrounding communities, offering Mass in both English and Spanish, daily Eucharistic Adoration, a full faith-formation program from kindergarten through high school, and a broad slate of ministries. The current pastor is Rev. Mark Zacker, assisted by two parochial vicars and a team of permanent deacons.
- Established
- 1888
- Patron
- St. Francis of Assisi
- Rector
- Rev. Mark Zacker
- Diocese
- Diocese of Colorado Springs
Why belong here
St. Francis of Assisi offers Catholics in the Castle Rock area the rare combination of a 137-year-old community and an active, full-service parish life: six Sunday Masses including a Spanish-language Mass, daily Mass Monday through Saturday, confessions seven days a week, weekday Eucharistic Adoration from morning to evening, a robust K–12 faith formation program serving around 500 youth, and ministries for young adults, Hispanic parishioners, the homebound, and those in need. Hospitality Ministers greet visitors at the door, and the pastor regularly writes about making saints with Jesus in his Catholic Church — a mission the parish has carried since 1888.
Mass times at St. Francis of Assisi
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Monday – Saturday: 7:30 AM – 7:50 AM
- Saturday: 4:00 PM – 5:15 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM (Spanish only)
- By appointment — call the parish office at (303) 688-3025
Adoration times
- Monday – Friday: after the 8:00 AM Mass until 6:00 PM (Chapel / Choir Room)
- Online sign-up: https://stfrancis.weadorehim.com (Access Code: JESUS)
- Contact: Mary Carmen Lopez Mota, [email protected]
History of St. Francis of Assisi Parish
St. Francis of Assisi traces its origins to the Gold Rush era, when Bavarian Catholic settlers in the Lake Gulch area and the Irishman William Dillon formed the first Catholic community around Castle Rock. After years of Mass celebrated in homes, the Lake Gulch schoolhouse, and on circuit-riding priest visits, parishioners raised about $400 in pledges and built the original church of native rhyolite stone. The church was dedicated on December 16, 1888, financed largely through the generosity of Adeloide Hart of Ireland, who asked that the church be named for her son, a Franciscan priest. The parish later moved to its present hilltop site overlooking Pikes Peak, and the current wood-and-stone church was dedicated in 1966. In January 1985 the parish became part of the new Diocese of Colorado Springs.
- 1887 — pledges collected; decision to build 'south of the courthouse square,' estimated cost $1,000
- December 16, 1888 — original rhyolite-stone church blessed and dedicated
- 1930s–early 1950s — Fr. Walter Steidle serves six churches, traveling 75 miles every Sunday
- 1966 — new wood-and-stone church with altar wall of windows dedicated on present site
- January 1985 — parish joins the newly created Diocese of Colorado Springs
- 2002 — Bishop Michael Sheridan becomes second bishop of Colorado Springs
- Today — more than 2,800 registered families served
Faith Formation & Religious Education
St. Francis of Assisi runs one of the largest parish faith-formation programs in the Diocese of Colorado Springs, enrolling roughly 500 youth each year. Programs are organized by age and sacrament, and the parish uses the Augustine Institute's 'Word of Life' curriculum for elementary students and 'Faith and Life' for middle schoolers. Sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation is woven into the program.
- Elementary (K–5): 'Word of Life' — Sundays 8:00–9:15 AM, Wednesdays 4:45–6:00 PM
- Middle School (6–8): Sundays 3:45–5:00 PM, Wednesdays 4:45–6:00 PM (with 5:00 PM Mass participation)
- High School: SENT High School Missionaries
- OCIA for Adults and OCIA / Sacramental Formation for Baptized Children (SFB): Sundays 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
- Director of Elementary Faith Formation: Maribel Talafuse (720-215-4524)
- Director of Middle School & OCIA for Children: Vicki Arndt (720-215-4523)
- Director of High School & Young Adult Faith Formation: Alicia Rios (720-215-4526)
- Volunteer catechists, aides, and hall monitors always needed; volunteers receive up to 50% off registration
Hispanic Ministry and Spanish-Language Life
The parish maintains an active Hispanic Ministry under the direction of Vicki Arndt and Mary Carmen Lopez Mota, providing Mass, faith formation, and sacramental preparation in Spanish. A Sunday Mass is celebrated in Spanish at 1:30 PM, with confessions in Spanish from 1:00–1:30 PM on Sundays. The Apostolate of the Rosary and the Mantle of Our Lady of Guadalupe gathers on Mondays at 7:15 AM, and a Spanish-language weekday Mass is offered on Thursdays during Faith Formation. The parish also runs an ESL program for adults.
- Spanish Sunday Mass: 1:30 PM
- Spanish Confessions: Sundays 1:00–1:30 PM
- Spanish Weekday Mass: Thursdays 6:00 PM (during Faith Formation)
- Apostolate of the Rosary / Mantle of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Mondays 7:15 AM
- Emergency Response Phone Chain for Hispanic community: Mary Carmen Lopez Mota, (303) 688-3025
- ESL Program: contact parish office
Young Adults, Music, and Other Ministries
Beyond the formation programs, the parish supports a Young Adults Ministry led by Fr. Michael Goodyear, a Music and Liturgy Ministry under Director Don Billings, and several prayer and devotional groups. Hospitality Ministers greet visitors at the main entrance; the parish publishes its communications through a weekly bulletin, Flocknote, the My Parish App, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
- Young Adults Ministry: [email protected]
- Music Ministry / Director of Liturgy & Music: Don Billings, ext. 109
- Divine Mercy Cenacle (contact Katie)
- Devotion to the Holy Face Ministry: [email protected]
- Stations of the Cross Ministry (Fridays during Lent)
- Pastoral Council President: Lana Falke (2022–2023)
- Altar Society (dating back to Fr. Steidle's tenure)
Parish Staff and Clergy
The parish is served by a pastor, two parochial vicars, and five permanent deacons, supported by a full office staff and a team of directors for faith formation, music, Hispanic ministry, and sacramental coordination.
- Pastor: Rev. Mark Zacker
- Parochial Vicar: Rev. Carlos Gallardo (720-215-4530)
- Parochial Vicar: Rev. Michael Goodyear
- Deacons: Ed Demattee, Chris Kennedy, Matthew Brend, David Talafuse, John Kauffmann
- Baptism and Funeral Coordinator / Parish Secretary: Christie Miller, ext. 101
- Director of Liturgy & Music: Don Billings, ext. 109
- Accountant: Thomas Fenton (720-215-4520)
- Facilities: Steven Goodnight
- Faith Formation Admin / Website & Social Media: Nicholas Auger, ext. 112
- Bilingual Receptionist / Admin Assistant: Mary Carmen Lopez Mota
Plan Your Visit
Newcomers and returning Catholics are welcomed at the main entrance by Hospitality Ministers wearing green nametags or a vest. The parish notes that the 9:30 AM Sunday Mass is the most attended, so parking on Fifth Street and the lot can be tight; holidays are especially busy, with Douglas County Police helping manage traffic. Materials about the Mass and the Catholic faith are available at the doors and on the USCCB website, and a free hymnal is available for in-pew use.
- Arrive early for the 9:30 AM Sunday Mass and holidays
- Hospitality Ministers greet at the main entrance
- Bilingual materials and bulletins available
- Free My Parish App and Flocknote for staying connected
- Register as a new parishioner through the parish office
Sacraments
St. Francis of Assisi prepares parishioners for the full range of Catholic sacraments. Infant Baptism requires preparation; First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are normally received in 2nd grade after a year of formation; Confirmation is celebrated in 8th grade. Weddings and convalidations are arranged through the parish office, and funerals are coordinated by Christie Miller. The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and Reconciliation are available by appointment.
- Baptism — Christie Miller, 303-688-3025 ext. 101
- First Reconciliation & First Communion — 2nd grade, Maribel Talafuse, 720-215-4524
- Confirmation — 8th grade, Vicki Arndt, 720-215-4523
- Marriage / Convalidation — 303-688-3025
- Funerals — Christie Miller, ext. 101
- Anointing of the Sick — by appointment
Communications and Media
The parish maintains a strong digital presence. In addition to its website, St. Francis of Assisi uses Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, the My Parish App, Flocknote, Formed, and an online weekly bulletin to keep parishioners informed. Fr. Mark Zacker also maintains a parish blog with reflections on priestly life and parish events.
- Website: https://www.stfranciscr.org
- Weekly bulletin via email subscription (Parishes Online)
- Flocknote app and website
- My Parish App (mobile)
- Formed (Catholic streaming and study)
- Facebook, Instagram, and 'St Francis Events' on YouTube
- Father Mark's Blog
Location and Contact
The parish is located in Castle Rock, the county seat of Douglas County, Colorado, about 30 miles south of Denver along the Front Range. The church sits 1.5 miles east of Wilcox Street on Fifth Street, overlooking the valley and Pikes Peak to the south. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM and 12:30 PM–5:00 PM.
- Address: 2746 Fifth St, Castle Rock, CO 80104
- Phone: (303) 688-3025
- Office Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–12:00 PM and 12:30 PM–5:00 PM
- Diocese: Diocese of Colorado Springs
- Bishop (as of GCatholic listing): Bishop James Robert Golka
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Walter Steidle1930–early 1950s
Traveled 75 miles every Sunday to six churches; mason who added back room and front vestibule; invited Sisters for summer religious instruction; helped found the Altar Society.
- Fr. Thomas McMahon
Resident pastor after Fr. Steidle.
- Fr. Clement Gallagher
Resident pastor.
- Fr. Emmanuel Gabel
Resident pastor.
- Fr. William Vollmer
Resident pastor.
- Fr. Dennis Dwyer
Resident pastor.
- Fr. Herb Hayek, O.P.
Assisted by Fr. George Reynolds, O.P.
- Fr. Brad Noonan2008–
Installed as pastor on July 1, 2008.
- Fr. Homero Cardozo
Listed among recent resident pastors.
- Fr. Mark Zackercurrent
Current pastor.