About St. Therese · Aurora, Colorado
St. Therese Catholic Church is a bilingual Roman Catholic parish in Aurora, Colorado, serving the community since 1926 as the city's first Catholic parish. Located at 1243 Kingston Street in north Aurora, the parish is part of the Archdiocese of Denver and ministers to both English- and Spanish-speaking families, with most Sunday Masses celebrated in Spanish. The parish mission centers on fostering spiritual growth, unity, prayer, liturgy, education, and service, and it is home to St. Therese Catholic Classical School (founded 1956), an adoration chapel next to the school, and the historic Little Flower Center.
- Established
- 1926
- Patron
- St. Therese of Lisieux (the 'Little Flower')
- Rector
- Rev. Jaime Valdez
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Denver
Why belong here
St. Therese offers a vibrant bilingual Catholic community in north Aurora with daily Mass, perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Monday through Friday, and a strong Catholic classical school for families. The parish runs sacramental preparation (RCIA/OCIA, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation), Spanish and English Masses every Sunday, weekly confession in both languages, and service opportunities through the Little Flower Center, making it a place where Hispanic and English-speaking families can worship, learn, and serve side by side.
Mass times at St. Therese
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Thursday 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Saturday 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
- Saturday 2:45 PM – 4:00 PM (Bilingual)
- Sunday 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM (Bilingual)
Adoration times
- Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Adoration Chapel, next to the school; code required, call parish office)
- Friday: Holy Hour after the 8:00 AM Mass in the main church
- First Friday of the month: All-day Adoration after Daily Mass until 6:00 PM
Parish Identity & Mission
St. Therese Catholic Church is Aurora's first Catholic parish (founded 1926) and today operates as a bilingual community under the Archdiocese of Denver. Its stated mission is to foster spiritual growth, unity, and attend to the needs of all through prayer, liturgy, education, and service. The parish extends an explicit welcome to newcomers: 'We invite you to join this vibrant community. You are welcome!'
- Founded 1926 in Aurora, Colorado
- Part of the Archdiocese of Denver
- Bilingual English/Spanish ministry
Becoming Catholic (RCIA / OCIA)
The parish runs the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (now also called OCIA — Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) for those discerning entry into the Catholic Church. Those seeking First Reconciliation, Baptism, or further information are invited to contact the parish office.
- RCIA / OCIA inquiry via parish office
- First Reconciliation contact: 303-344-0132
Sacraments
Beyond Reconciliation, the parish supports preparation for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation, often in coordination with St. Therese Catholic Classical School (where First Reconciliation is received in 2nd grade and First Eucharist & Confirmation in 3rd grade). Families seeking Baptism or Marriage should contact the parish office directly.
- Reconciliation
- First Eucharist & Confirmation
- Baptism & Marriage (contact office)
St. Therese Catholic Classical School
St. Therese Catholic School has educated tens of thousands of children since welcoming its first students in September 1956. Built in response to Aurora's post-WWII growth, it is now a Catholic classical school focused on forming students in Truth, goodness, and beauty. As one of the most diverse Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Denver, it serves families from across the community and integrates faith with a classical curriculum including Latin instruction in grades 2–8 and weekly art, music, and P.E. Most students attend Mass once or twice a week and take part in Adoration and Confession throughout the year.
- Opened September 1956
- Catholic classical curriculum with Latin (grades 2–8)
- First Reconciliation (2nd grade); First Eucharist & Confirmation (3rd grade)
- Students attend weekly Mass and participate in Adoration and Confession
- Rosary Walks and prayer/witness at a local Planned Parenthood twice yearly during Advent and Lent
- Service partnerships: Little Flower Center, Bessie's Hope, Christ in the City
- Located at 1200 Kenton Street, Aurora, CO 80010 — (303) 739-7000
Clergy & Parish Staff
The parish is currently led by Pastor Rev. Jaime Valdez, with Rev. Jose Saenz serving as Parochial Vicar. Lay staff oversee business operations, administration, religious education, and facilities, reflecting the bilingual character of the community.
- Rev. Jaime Valdez — Pastor
- Rev. Jose Saenz — Parochial Vicar
- Sandy Beatty — Business Manager
- Araceli Gomez — Administrative Assistant
- Angelica Rodriguez — Religious Education Director
- Hector Corona — Maintenance Manager
Office Hours & Contact
The parish office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The main parish number is (303) 344-0132; Adoration inquiries use (303) 337-1032.
- Address: 1243 Kingston Street, Aurora, CO 80010
- Phone: (303) 344-0132
- Email: [email protected]
- Office Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
History of St. Therese Parish
St. Therese was established in 1926 as Aurora's first Roman Catholic parish. The mid-20th century brought rapid expansion: in 1949 the parish purchased 48 lots on Kingston Street, and in 1953 construction began on a new school and convent to serve the booming post-WWII population. The school opened its doors to its first students in September 1956 and has continued educating children in the Aurora community ever since. Today the parish operates as a bilingual community with an adjoining school and the Little Flower Center for outreach.
- 1926: Parish established as Aurora's first Catholic parish
- 1949: 48 lots on Kingston Street purchased
- 1953: Construction begins on school and convent
- September 1956: First students welcomed to St. Therese School
Outreach & Service
Beyond its sacramental and school life, St. Therese maintains service partnerships through the on-campus Little Flower Center and connections with organizations such as Bessie's Hope and Christ in the City. School families participate in Catholic service as a core part of formation.
- Little Flower Center (parish outreach)
- Christ in the City
- Bessie's Hope