This weekend’s Installation Mass of Father Francis Therese Krautter, celebrated by Archbishop Samuel Aquila, marks a pivotal moment in the life of St. Ignatius Parish in Denver.
After nearly 100 years of service at St. Ignatius, Jesuit leadership decided to refocus their efforts to return to their mission of education, both in higher education and grade schools. With this shift, there was a need for a new pastor at the parish, and this Sunday, the Installation Mass marks the transition from Jesuit leadership to the pastoral care of Fr. Francis and the Congregation of St. John.
Sunday’s readings focus on community, responsibility and the transformative power of God’s word. Archbishop Aquila will expound on these themes, setting the spiritual tone for Fr. Francis’ tenure. While honoring the Jesuits’ commitment to social justice over the decades, this new period under Fr. Francis’ care will include an emphasis on beautiful liturgy and Thomistic theology, ensuring that the sacraments remain at the heart of community life.
St. Ignatius Parish in Denver
The distinguished assembly of concelebrants and attendees underscores the significance of this weekend’s event. Priests from the Congregation of Saint John, Fr. Francis’ religious order, will concelebrate the Mass, along with other clergy such as the Very Rev. Samuel Morehead, Rector of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and Fr. Daniel Ciucci, Pastor of Most Precious Blood Parish in Denver. The Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver will formally and liturgically welcome the procession. Additionally, members of the Mullen High School community, where Fr. Francis serves as chaplain, will also attend.
In a liturgical coincidence, the Church celebrates the feast of Jesuit St. Peter Claver this Saturday, September 9, the same weekend as this pivotal moment in St. Ignatius Parish’s history. This great saint and devoted servant of African slaves in Colombia, whose patronage the Knights and Ladies seek, will certainly be interceding for the diverse parish community, which has a long history of Black Catholic parishioners, community and service which reflects the catholicity, or universality, of the Church.
The solemn occasion of this Installation Mass, enriched by the liturgical choir Gaudium Verum, will also feature a repertoire that spans Gregorian chant, Renaissance polyphony and modern arrangements. Notably, the Mass will include “Ave, spes nostra,” a piece by the largely overlooked black Renaissance composer Vicente Lusitano, reflecting the history and universality of the Church.
Music is a big focus of Fr. Francis’. Recently, he has overseen the restoration of the choir loft and the introduction of a state-of-the-art digital/pipe hybrid organ. This initiative, expected to be completed by Easter, will build upon the community’s liturgical beauty in its renewed focus on sacred music.
The Installation Mass of Father Francis Therese Krautter is this Sunday, September 10, at 10:00 a.m., with a reception in the fellowship hall immediately after Mass.
The readings for this Sunday’s Mass are taken from the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A and can be found here.
Editor’s Note (09-08-2023, 4:40 p.m.): This article has been edited.