About St. John Paul II · Thornton, Colorado
St. John Paul II Catholic Parish in Thornton, Colorado, was established in March 2017 to serve a growing Catholic community in the Archdiocese of Denver. Currently, Mass is celebrated at Frassati Catholic Academy, with weekend services at 4:00pm Saturday and 8:00am and 10:00am Sunday. The parish is preparing to build a permanent church on land at 144th and Detroit, offering scenic Rocky Mountain views. Inspired by the legacy of Pope John Paul II, the parish emphasizes Christ-centered worship, faithful formation, and Marian devotion, welcoming all as part of its family.
- Established
- 2017
- Patron
- St. John Paul II
- Rector
- Very Rev. James S. Spahn
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Denver
Why belong here
Join a parish rooted in the spirit of St. John Paul II, where you’ll find Christ-centered worship, joyful service, and a welcoming community. Through ministries like faith formation, youth ministry, and sacramental preparation, you’re invited to grow in your Catholic faith and serve others with courage and love. The parish is building a new church with mountain views, and your presence helps shape its future.
Mass times at St. John Paul II
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 2:30 - 3:30pm
- Sunday upon request before & after Masses
- By appointment
Our Story
St. John Paul II Catholic Parish was established in March 2017 to support a new faith community in a fast-growing part of the Archdiocese of Denver. The Christian faithful currently gather at Frassati Catholic Academy for Mass at 4PM on Saturdays and Sundays at 8AM and 10AM. Confession is heard 45 minutes before each Mass. The parish is working toward the construction of a permanent church on land at 144th and Detroit in Thornton, Colo. The lot features spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. When St. John Paul II visited Colorado for World Youth Day as Pope in August 1993, he spent time at Camp St. Malo in the shadow of Longs Peak, which can be easily seen from the site of our future church. Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila, Archbishop of Denver, officially installed Rev. James Spahn as the first pastor of St. John Paul II parish on February 24, 2019. As a young seminarian in 1993, Fr. James found himself serving during the Papal Masses of World Youth Day, taking charge of the pontiff’s unique crosier when the pope wasn’t holding it.
Our Mission
Christ-Centered Worship, Faithful Formation, Human Dignity & Love, Sacrificial Service, Evangelical Courage, Marian Devotion.
Our Vision
The design of the crucifix on St. John Paul II’s crosier serves as the centerpiece in the emblem of the parish with the Coat of Arms from his time as pope acting as the background. Please join the new parish as it continues to grow and moves toward the construction of a new church in the near future.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. James Spahn2019–present
Installed as first pastor on February 24, 2019. Former seminarian who served during Pope John Paul II’s 1993 World Youth Day visit.