The following reflection is written by Don Stubbings, Director of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (SCL) Associates, who recently traveled to Colorado for the 2025 Associate Days gathering. His account captures not only the beauty of the journey but also the spirit of connection, prayer, and service that shaped the days in Denver, Leadville, and Grand Junction. Through his eyes, we glimpse the enduring legacy of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth in Colorado and the vibrant ways Associates are carrying that mission forward today. 

Take a right, then a left, and then a right again—in eight hours, you are in Denver. Between those turns, though, lie hundreds of miles of Kansas and eastern Colorado landscapes—plenty of time to reflect on our Community’s history in Denver, Grand Junction, and Leadville. Soon, only a couple of Sisters will remain in this beautiful state. Yet the legacy of service, charity, and community has been firmly set in stone and bronze within these Colorado communities and continues today by our Associates and many others.

In 1895, at the urging of a local church pastor, the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, Kansas, dispatched Sister Mary Balbina Farrell to the frontier town of Grand Junction to establish its first hospital. She collected funds door-to-door to help establish the hospital at 11th Street and Colorado Avenue. The sculpture of a nun with a child is located on the corner of Seventh and Main Street. (Photo credit @mstellavato)

Associate Days Colorado took place from September 12 to 14, 2025, at the Gardens at St. Elizabeth in Denver. Associates, Come and See candidates, Sister Carol Depner, and new friends gathered on the 14th floor overlooking the Denver skyline for three days of connection, service, and spiritual enrichment.

On Friday evening, each table was set with a white cloth napkin pinned with a cross, and a card telling the story of Saint Vincent de Paul, who urged those serving people experiencing poverty to ensure dignity in every encounter. Greeting guests as they stepped off the elevator was a display of photos—Saint Vincent, Saint Louise, and Mother Xavier Ross, a visual reminder of our incredible history and the responsibility we share to continue their vision.

After a blessing from Sister Carol, we enjoyed dinner with special guests Scott Dewey and Sara Pfister of Mile High Ministries. For 37 years, this ministry has walked with those emerging from homelessness. Their mission says it best: “We seek God’s peace for our city through the creative, compassionate, prayerful development of people and community.”

Mile High’s best-known program is Joshua Station, a restored 1960s motel that has been transformed into transitional housing for families. Each family arrives at a fully furnished, personalized apartment; even the décor reflects their dreams and favorite things, which were gathered during the intake process. Sara, once a resident herself, shared her moving story of having her very first bed and a crib for her infant son: “Everything I mentioned in my interview was there—all of it.” Scott described how Joshua Station, and now their permanent housing, Clara Brown Commons, goes beyond shelter, emphasizing the fostering of lasting relationships. Current and former residents gather for meals, enrichment, and family connection with neighbors and staff. By the evening’s end, Associates were already making plans to visit and strengthen ties between SCL Associates and Mile High Ministries. There was magic in that moment.

Joshua Station is a restored 1960s motel that has been transformed into transitional housing for families.

Saturday’s theme of dignity continued with guest speaker Marrty Dormish of Everyday Epics. Marrty’s ministry highlights the extraordinary stories found in ordinary lives. His talk on affordable housing resonated with everyone. While the crisis is often spotlighted in Denver, it stretches across the metro area and beyond. Marrty emphasized that through collaboration and hope, new paths to housing justice are possible.

He also shared powerful insights about land justice. Recently, Broomfield, Colorado, established a Sister Cities partnership with the Cheyenne and Arapaho people, formally acknowledging their ancestral land and the ongoing healing needs. Inspired, Associates began envisioning a pilgrimage to the Sand Creek Massacre site in 2026.

On Sunday, we celebrated Mass with Fr. John Costanzo, SCLA, and Ron Cox, SCLA, at Christ the King Chapel, where Fr. John presides and Ron serves and brings communion to the homebound at the Gardens. After Mass, we gathered one last time for reflection and an introduction to Visio Divina, a prayerful experience through images and art.

As Associate Days in Denver came to a close, we again looked out over the Denver skyline and reflected. We began with the theme of “dignity,” but what we carried home was “energy”—an energy rooted in prayer, service, and hope for what lies ahead.

On Monday morning, I left Denver with the sun rising behind me and the mountains opening ahead. It was 65 degrees when I started, but by the time I reached Leadville, the air had turned cold, with just 29 degrees at an elevation of 10,151 feet. Car windows were frosted, and those headed to hike the famous mountains or to work in the mines were bundled in winter jackets, while I stepped out in a t-shirt and shorts. A quick change into a sweatshirt reminded me of the importance of preparing for change, a small reminder of how our Community has always adapted to serving where and when needed, regardless of the conditions.

I had planned Monday as a day of rest before the week ahead in Grand Junction, but I couldn’t imagine passing through Leadville without visiting Shirley Hoffacker, SCLA. I sent a quick text, and Tuesday morning, we were sitting together at City on the Hill Coffee Shop, sharing the kind of conversation that reflected the spirit of our Sisters in Leadville.

From there, the journey led to Grand Junction, a moment filled with joy and gratitude—the initial commitment of Kristy Schmidt. Tish Starbuck, SCLA, and Gretchen Gore, SCLA, joined Kristy in the chapel at St. Mary’s Hospital, where Fr. Brian Mohan welcomed us with warmth. He graciously invited us to make Kristy’s commitment part of Mass itself, making the moment special to Kristy and those attending Mass on this day.

l-r: Gretchen Gore, SCLA, Don Stubbings, SCLA, Kristy Schmidt, SCLA, Father Brian Mohan, and Tish Starbuck, SCLA, pose after Mass held at St. Mary’s Hospital Chapel.

There was deep joy as we reflected on what it means to be an Associate of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, to share in a mission rooted in service, dignity, and charity for those most in need. The ceremony was simple, consisting of a prayer, the words of commitment, the pinning, and a blessing for Kristy. It was a reminder that the charism still lives in the communities the Sisters were called to serve.

As the Mass concluded, I handed Kristy a note from her sponsor, Sister Barbara Aldrich, who had guided her during her Come and See journey. The personal connection between Sisters and Associates and the communities they served is truly special.

After Kristy’s commitment and lunch, our afternoon was spent at the new PrimeHealth+ Clinic, formerly known as the Marillac Clinic. Kristy currently serves as the Executive Director for Development for PrimeHealth+. Since opening its doors in August 2025, PrimeHealth+ has set a new standard for community health, offering wrap-around services that treat the whole person. Doctors, nurses, dentists, and mental health professionals, all serving with a Vincentian heart, bring healing and dignity to those most in need. The Sisters’ legacy remains visible in rooms named in their honor. A plaque is planned for the entryway. Additionally, the PrimeHealth+ logo pays homage to the SCL Health story.

The Sisters’ legacy remains visible throughout the facility!

On my final day in Grand Junction, I met with Tish Starbuck at her namesake coffee shop along the Colorado River basin. Over coffee, we discussed the mission that continues in the community, highlighting how organizations like Grand Valley Catholic Outreach and PrimeHealth+ embody the charism of our SCL Community.

From there, Tish introduced me to Jane Schissel, Executive Director of Grand Valley Catholic Outreach, and together we joined others for the Ambassador Luncheon. More than a meal, it was an immersion into the ministry’s work of housing, healing, and hope. Our tour of both transitional and permanent housing brought us face-to-face with residents who welcomed us into their homes with gratitude, sharing how safe shelter had transformed their lives.

The highlight of the tour was the new Mother Teresa Complex, a 40-unit apartment building for adults over fifty who have experienced chronic homelessness. Beautifully designed with spaces for gathering and fostering community, it radiates both dignity and a sense of belonging. Outside on a bench, the striking sculpture of Homeless Jesus—a reminder to see Christ in the poor and to recognize that every encounter with someone has value.

As my ten days in Colorado came to a close, I carried with me the meaningful connections I had made with Associates, Come and See candidates, Sisters, new friends, and community leaders. Each conversation, each act of service, each shared prayer during the week was a reminder that the vision and pioneering spirit of our Sisters is alive in Colorado. And as I began the twelve-hour drive home (841 miles, to be exact), I knew the energy I felt was shared by many, and the call to serve is alive in all who gathered, in person or in spirit.

To Learn More:
The organizations we connected with during Associate Days Colorado continue to live out the mission of charity and service in their communities. You can learn more about their work here:

• Mile High Ministries
• Everyday Epics
• Grand Valley Catholic Outreach
• PrimeHealth+ Clinic
• Mother Teresa Place

Click here to view photos from the 2025 Associate Days-Colorado.

By Don Stubbings, Director of SCL Associates
Source: https://www.scls.org/