Pastoral Council

Established 2004

The initial meeting of the Our Lady of Fatima Pastoral Council, was called to order on March 4, 2004.

Members were:  Claude Barkmeier, Janice Bennett, John Boyle, Marilyn Brewer, Joanie Freeman, Kevin O'Kane, Bob Zarlengo, Patty Opp, John Purvis, Monsignor Walker Nickless (ex officio), Deacon John Nusse (ex officio), Lee Miller (ex officio), Father Gary Selin (ex officio) and Deacon Joe Hawley (ex officio).

Monsignor shared with all, his vision for the Pastoral Council. In particular, he discussed his desire for the parish to become a more vital place in parishioners' lives, and his hope to do great things with the Council.

One of the first suggestions was to make Our Lady of Fatima a "Stewardship Parish". One of the great benefits of a successful Stewardship Parish is free tuition for families belonging to the Parish.

At the meeting November 4, 2004, a mention was made for a "Capital Campaign". The money collected will be used to make needed improvements to the Sanctuary, move the choir to the back of the church, add additional Parish offices, and to construct an Adoration chapel, to be located behind the main altar. The campaign was successful; and we now enjoy a beautiful Sanctuary, a wonderful Adoration Chapel and additional offices for Parish staff. In March 2006, it was suggested the Adoration Chapel be named in honor of Monsignor (now Bishop) Nickless. In May 2006, Bishop Nickless agreed to having the Chapel named in his honor.

In 2006, there were discussions about having a 50th Anniversary celebration for the Parish in August 2008. In April 2008, it was decided that the 50th Anniversary celebration would include Mass celebrated by Archbishop Charles Chaput at 11:30 on August 10, a luncheon for Pioneers of the Parish on August 12th and a Parish BBQ/Pot Luck to be held after the 5:00 Mass on Saturday August 16th. The Anniversary celebration was deemed a success by all.

In July 2010, Father Henri Tshibambe was assigned Administrator to Our Lady of Fatima Parish. Father Henri spoke about his vision for the Parish and School and the need for us to become "family", a place where people of the Parish have a true sense of belonging. He was incardinated into the Archdiocese of Denver on October 30, 2015. His ministry continues today as Pastor to Our Lady of Fatima Parish and Dean of the West Denver Deanery.

In June 2013, it was mentioned that the Centennial of the apparition of our Blessed Mother in Fatima, Portugal will be in October 2017. Father Henri indicated he would like a festival to include a Procession of Light to honor the Blessed Mother. The idea blossomed into a two year celebration of the Fatima Centennial, and graces abound during this Fatima Pilgrimage Year.