Saint Mary of the Rockies Parish was founded in 1991 under the guidance of Father Al Shimalonis, Pastor. At that time, Mass was celebrated at Deer Park United Methodist Church and Camp Santa Maria. A rectory was purchased on Homestead Road in Burland. In 1992 the parish purchased land on Crow Hill. At that time, Mass was celebrated at Rocky Mountain Bible Center and shortly after, we began our building fund drive. In 1995, Father Al retired from active ministry. He died in 1996 and will forever have a special place in our hearts! Father Ernest W. Bond was assigned as our new pastor.
In 1996, we became part of the Northern Region of the Diocese of Colorado Springs. In that same year, the following organizations were formed: Men's club, Martha and Mary Guild, Youth Group and Prayer Chain Ministry. Mass was moved to Deer Creek Elementary School.
In 1997 a new rectory was purchased on Buggy Whip Road. In 1998, a ground breaking ceremony was held for the building of our new church. Construction of the church was done by volunteer parishioners.
Saint Mary of the Rockies officially opened her doors on March 27, 1999. Our church was dedicated by Bishop Richard C. Hanifen on April 11, 1999.
Effective August 1, 2009, with permission of the Most Reverend Lucius I. Uorji, Bishop Michael J. Sheridan appointed Father Kizito Osudibia as the new pastor for Saint Mary of the Rockies.
Father Kizito was born and educated in Nigeria and was ordained on October 2, 1993. Before he left for the United States, he was seminary professor at the Nativity Spiritual Year in Nigeria. He came to the United States in 2005 and to the Diocese of Colorado Springs in 2006.
Father John Auer, who has been a priest over 38 years, came to us in 2013 with a great deal of Pastoral experience. He loved to see the parish thrive by having volunteers involved with the development of the parish. Father John left the parish July 2016 to enter into retirement.
Father David Boroff assumed pastoral responsibilities at St. Mary of the Rockies July 1, 2016. Father David was ordained a priest in 2013. He had been assigned to Ave Maria in Parker where he was blessed with the opportunity to teach at Ave Maria Catholic School.
Father Bogdan Siewiera was assigned as St. Mary of the Rockies' Pastor in July 2018. Fr. Bogdan was born
in Poland and has been in the United States for 17 years. He was first assigned to the Diocese of Syracuse
New York and then moved to Colorado becoming a part of the Diocese of Colorado Springs. Fr. Bogdan
came to St. Mary of the Rockies after serving at St. Joseph in Colorado Springs.
Our vision
We as a family of faith encourage the full and active participation of all members in Worship of our God, learning about and sharing our Catholic faith and by developing a loving community of care and concern for one another.
Diocese of Colorado Springs
Created in November of 1983, the Diocese of Colorado Springs serves a territory that spans 10 central and eastern counties of Colorado. The diocese serves more than 161,770 Catholics in 42 parishes and missions. The diocese and its parishes provide religious education and formation to more then 12,200 students. To Keep up with the needs of the diocese's growing population, its social outreach continues to expand. Last year, Catholic Charities of Colorado Springs assisted over 190,000 individuals and families.
Some Facts About the Diocese
- Counties Served: 10
- Square Miles: 15,493
- Parishes: 41
- Estimated Catholic Population: 161,770
- Total Population: 1,011,062
- Religious Community Serving the Diocese:
- 1 Bishop, 1 Bishop Emeritus
- 72 Priests (including retired and active outside the diocese)
- 55 Deacons (including retired)
- 2 Brothers
- 98 Sisters
- 12 Seminarians