More than a year before the Archdiocese of Denver knew who the next leader of 600,000 Catholics in northern Colorado would be, preparations began for his arrival, which is finally here.

A team has been working on the transition at a miraculous speed since the Holy See’s Feb. 7 appointment of the Rev. James R. Golka of the Diocese of Colorado Springs as successor to Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, who’s retiring.

“It’s truly been all hands-on deck,” said Kelly Clark, director of communications for the Archdiocese of Denver. “From planning the installation to honoring Archbishop Aquila’s legacy and preparing to welcome archbishop-designate Golka, there’s been a joyful energy. Our team is working with great care to ensure this is a prayerful and meaningful transition for the entire archdiocese.”

Golka, who has headed the Diocese of Colorado Springs as its bishop since June 2021, is as ready as he can be for his next assignment as the sixth archbishop in Denver.

The entire process, which culminates this week with three days of spiritual ceremonies, has been led by the Holy Spirit, Golka said at a press conference in Colorado Springs on Feb. 24.

“I’m excited to see what God wants to do with us, what God wants to happen,” he said.

In his role of uniting and guiding followers, the pope selects bishops and archbishops as leaders of geographic areas based on recommendations from advisors.

Golka said he was “very surprised” when he received a call in early February from the United States representative to Pope Leo XIV, informing him of the decision. As bishop of the Diocese of Colorado Springs for less than five years, Golka expected to be in that position for longer.

However, priests do not apply to move up the professional ladder but rather are appointed, like other pastoral assignments in the church.

“I told him I’m very sad to leave Colorado Springs, but I have to say yes,” Golka said.

He’s moving to shepherd a flock that’s three times larger: Colorado Springs serves about 200,000 Catholics over 10 counties, while Catholics in the Archdiocese of Denver’s 25 counties in northern Colorado top 600,000. And the numbers are increasing.

The Catholic church is growing globally and locally; the Colorado Springs diocese’s 39 parishes will baptize 300 adults during Easter celebrations, according to Golka.

“People are searching for something better. People are fed up with some of the things the world offers and are looking for something more.”

With wars raging and ongoing political angst, Golka said he has concerns about where the world is headed.

“Wherever there’s divisiveness or increased anger, that’s not of the Holy Spirit; we believe it’s the evil one. We believe Catholics, Christians, believers should bring about more unity, more joy.”

While individual bishops are in charge of each diocese, Golka will have oversight over four: Cheyenne, Wyo., Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo. The archbishop steps in to assist with matters as needed, he said.

“Our God loves us incredibly, and through Jesus Christ we feel that tangibly. Christ has something for every single person in this world. I want people to let Christ love them and let him be their lord.”

This week’s activities start at 7 p.m. Tuesday with installation vespers, a type of prayer service, at the CoBank Arena at the National Western Complex, 4655 N. Humboldt St., in Denver. At Golka’s request, Aquila will preside over the event.

Amid particular prayers, hymns and Bible readings, Golka will make a formal profession of faith and take an oath of fidelity, promising faith-filled obedience to the pope and his successors, according to the Archdiocese of Denver.

The installation will be held on Wednesday at a Mass, the church’s central act of worship, recognizing Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, also at the CoBank Arena at the National Western Complex in Denver.

An opening procession will begin at 2 p.m., followed by biblical readings, prayers, hymns, a sermon and customary rituals including consecration of bread and wine, and communion.

To attend either vespers or the installation, go to https://archden.org/installation-mass/. A livestream of the events also will be available from that website.

In the final tradition, Golka will take possession of the seat at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 1530 Logan St., in Denver, during a Mass that begins at 12:10 p.m. on Thursday.

The cathedral will be Golka’s home church for his new position.

The service will include a reading of the letter assigning Golka as the archbishop-designate. As Golka accepts the parchment and shows it to those gathered, he’ll formally take possession of the archdiocese and become the archbishop of Denver.

He’ll be led to the special chair that symbolizes the archbishop’s authority. After sitting in the chair of honor for the first time, Golka will receive a shepherd’s staff, symbolizing his mission as shepherd.

The archdiocese expects thousands of attendees at the events at the National Western Complex, Clark said. The cathedral seats 800, with all pews planned to be filled on the final day of festivities.

Golka said he estimates about 150 of the guests will be his family, which is large.

Golka was born in 1966 in Grand Island, Neb., as the fourth of 10 children. He has described himself as an introvert as a child, whose spirituality developed from learning the faith from his parents. Both died earlier this year, his mother, Pat, on Jan. 5 and his father, Bob, on March 5.

Golka earned a degree in philosophy from Creighton University and a Master of Divinity from Saint Paul Seminary in Minnesota. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1994, in his home diocese in Grand Island.

Aquila, who has served as archbishop of Denver since 2012, turned 75 last year, at which time clergy submit an intent to retire.

Clark describes Aquila as “a faithful and steady shepherd, leading with deep prayer, clarity of mission and a true father’s heart.”

Aquila is known for guiding the local church to “remain a ‘city on a hill’, rooted in Christ, strengthened by the sacraments and boldly focused on evangelization in a changing world,” she said. “His legacy is one of unwavering faith, pastoral care and a profound love for the people entrusted to him.”

Aquila hopes to go to Rome and work with seminarians there, Golka said.

Golka said he’s glad he’s not going too far away, and he trusts that whoever is selected to replace him in Colorado Springs will be the right person.

The process to choose his successor is underway, but there has been no word yet from the Holy See in naming the new bishop for Colorado Springs.

“The head of every diocese is not the bishop, it’s Jesus. The head of every church is not the priest, it’s Jesus,” Golka said. “If there’s an emptiness in your life that’s not being filled, I invite you to let Christ come into that space.”