How a Creighton alumnus became the Pope-appointed Archbishop of Denver

James Golka’s phone rang one Monday in February. On the other line was the Apostolic Nuncio, the Pope-appointed representative in the United States who oversees government affairs and works with the Catholic Church’s bishops.

The last time Golka received an out-of-the-blue call from a nuncio?

It was four years prior. The Creighton alumnus was driving on Interstate-29. He pulled off the highway and learned that the Holy Spirit had called him away from his hometown of Grand Island, Neb. Pope Francis appointed him to serve as the Bishop of the Diocese of Colorado Springs.

So, back in February, when Golka, BA’89, answered the phone this time, he had a sense of how the conversation might go. But it happened so fast. He put the phone to his ear and could barely formulate a thought. The now-retired Cardinal Christophe Pierre, a friend, was on the other end of the line. He had a message from Pope Leo XIV.

"The Holy Father has appointed you Archbishop of Denver. What do you say?”

In 20 seconds, Golka’s life was turned completely upside down.

He didn’t apply for this role. He didn’t participate in a formal interview process. He’d heard rumblings and theories in the weeks prior, but he’d settled so nicely into his position within the Colorado Springs diocese (meeting wonderful people and building strong relationships) that he never really entertained the idea of change after a little over four years.

“I had come to love Colorado Springs, and I really was expecting to stay there,” Golka said. “I was shocked and surprised. I wasn’t ready to move on.

“But God's choices are always way better than mine.”

* * *

A path prepared at Creighton

Golka did not have a plan completely mapped out when he arrived on Creighton’s campus as an undergraduate in 1985, but he had a good idea of how things would go.

He’d get a theology degree and use that to become a Catholic school teacher and a football, basketball or track coach. With a wife and kids, someday.

“Growing up, I heavily considered a priesthood, so I knew that was a possibility,” Golka said. “But I wasn't ready for that out of high school. I needed to grow up a little bit more. Creighton was a great spot to do that.”

It’s also where he realized God had a specific plan for him.

While on campus, Golka spent two years living in Kiewit Hall and two years as a resident assistant in Gallagher Hall. He mentored freshmen. He and his buddies competed in intramurals — they had a memorably epic run to a softball championship one year. He formed a tight-knit group of friends that he’s still close with today.

Golka received guidance from several members of the Jesuit community. He was constantly inspired by the dedication of his sister, Jean, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin disease at 18 years old and still attended Creighton with him. “My friends all liked her more than me,” James said with a laugh.

He found opportunities to get involved at St. John’s Church and with Campus Ministry. For three years, Golka helped arrange plans for students to take spring break service trips. He took one of those trips himself — to an Indian Reservation in Pine Ridge, S.D. — and then returned to the same community to serve right after graduation.

“Right as I was preparing to leave Creighton and during my time in Pine Ridge, I just had some experiences that were utterly clear to me that my life does not belong to me,” Golka said. “My life belongs to God.”

There was one day on campus that still stands out. Golka was walking by St. John’s Church and decided to go inside. There, he spotted a Jesuit in the confessional. Golka’s heart stirred.

“That one confession was one of the most important and helpful in my life,” he said. “I think God probably just invited me to stop in the church for a reason. I am just so grateful again to Creighton for steering me in the right direction and for the presence of the Jesuits, just always being there waiting to help.”

Golka soon joined the St. Paul Seminary in Minnesota and was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Grand Island on June 3, 1994. He served the diocese in his hometown for 27 years … until his phone rang while he was driving on I-29 in 2021.

* * *

Blessings from a father, and THE Father

There are more than 600,000 Catholics in the Denver area, spread within 148 parishes. There are 31 Catholic schools, too.

As the Archbishop, Golka oversees them all.

It’s an incredible responsibility, with so many moments of adjustment and acclimation. The man Golka’s replacing, Archbishop Emeritus Samual Aquila, served in this role for nearly 15 years before retiring. As Aquila prepared to leave his job, Golka didn’t know it, but the nuncio had included Golka’s name in a list of candidates that was reviewed by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops (and eventually, Pope Leo made the final decision).

And yet, Golka feels right at home.

“The grace that God has granted me, I feel very comfortable here and very happy here,” Golka said. “I did not expect that after just a couple months.”

He’s had plenty of support from church colleagues and administrators. He grew up with nine brothers and sisters, and his family has expanded from there. There are dozens of Bluejays in Denver who’ve already reached out and offered helpful assistance. His five best college friends showed up for his official installation Mass in March.

Even those loved ones he’s lost continue to impact Golka. His mom died in January, and his dad passed away in March. But Golka said he can feel both interceding on his behalf now. His sister, Jean, too — she died three years ago.

“The day before my father died, he told me, ‘I can do more for you from heaven than I could from here so you can depend on that,’” Golka said. “A blessing from a father.”

Golka’s parents helped instill a foundation of faith during his childhood. They prepared him for a life of service and sacrifice. Creighton helped him find his calling.

God took over from there.

“Once I realized that my life has to be about God and God's purposes, I became more free and more alive than I was before,” Golka said. “I just know that was a gift from God, to help me become who God wanted me to be.”