About St. John the Baptist Chapel -San Juan Spiritual Center · Del Norte, Colorado
The San Juan Catholic Spiritual Center is a 10-acre historical and spiritual site in Del Norte, Colorado, preserving the Catholic heritage of Hispano settlers who arrived in the late 19th century. It features St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, a monument to the former convent, a Rosary Walk, and a cemetery, all maintained by the Archuleta Family Foundation under the Diocese of Pueblo. The site offers Mass, prayer, reflection, and cultural events centered on the legacy of early settlers and their faith.
- Established
- 1879
- Patron
- St. John the Baptist
- Rector
- Fr. Joseph Vigil
- Diocese
- Diocese of Pueblo
Why belong here
Join a community that honors the Catholic and Hispano heritage of La Garita through Mass, prayer, Rosary walks, and cultural events. The center welcomes all visitors to experience its spiritual beauty and historical significance while preserving the legacy of early settlers and their faith.
History
The original church was built in 1879, burned in 1924, and rebuilt in 1926 by parishioners. The site was revitalized starting in 2009 with support from Fr. Joseph Vigil and the Diocese of Pueblo. The Archuleta Family Foundation, descendants of early Hispano settlers, now stewards the property to preserve its Catholic and cultural legacy.
Ministries
The center offers faith formation, cemetery maintenance, Rosary walks, historical preservation, and community events. It also hosts Mass on the Feast of Saint John the Baptist and other religious services.
- Faith Formation
- Cemetery Maintenance
- Rosary Walk
- Historical Preservation
- Community Events
Sacraments
The center provides all seven sacraments, including Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, and Holy Orders.
- Baptism
- Confirmation
- Eucharist
- Reconciliation
- Anointing of the Sick
- Matrimony
- Holy Orders
Location & Features
The 10-acre site includes St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, a monument to the former convent, a Rosary Walk, and a cemetery. It is located in the northern San Luis Valley, protected by the San Juan Mountains and overlooking the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
- St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
- San Juan Bautista Monument
- St. John Paul II Rosary Walk
- Carnero Creek Cemetery