Denver Catholic Charities Helps 4 Priests Move for Free

Moving is stressful for anyone, but imagine coordinating an entire relocation while preparing to shepherd a brand new community of faith.

That's the reality for dozens of priests each summer in the Denver Archdiocese. This year, Catholic Charities decided to lighten the load with a simple but powerful idea: show up with a truck and willing hands.

The organization launched Clergy on the Move, providing free moving trucks, volunteers, and muscle to priests transitioning between parishes. The concept started with a single question from Catholic Charities President Darren Walsh: How can we better serve the men who spend their lives serving the Church?

Out of 37 priests who received new assignments this year, 24 needed to relocate. Four participated in the inaugural program, including Father Joseph McLagan, who moved to St. Thomas More Parish in Centennial.

"It was incredibly generous to provide a truck and volunteers to move everything," Father McLagan said. "It made a big difference during a very busy time."

Catholic Charities used existing resources to make it happen. Catholic Charities Housing donated one of its trucks, while employees from multiple teams volunteered their Saturday mornings to load furniture and transport boxes.

Deacon A.J. Misiti, director of parish engagement, saw firsthand how priests juggled moving logistics alongside their ministerial duties. "They're responsible for coordinating every aspect of their move," he said. "We wanted to give them an extra set of hands."

The Ripple Effect

By caring for priests during transition times, Catholic Charities strengthens ministry throughout Northern Colorado. When priests spend less time worrying about logistics, they can focus more energy on the communities they serve.

The program received enthusiastic support from both the priests and the Archdiocese. "The priests were extremely grateful," Deacon Misiti said. "It's a wonderful gift to these men who give so much of themselves in service to others."

The initiative runs deeper than just moving boxes. It sends a message that even those who dedicate their lives to serving others deserve support during life's transitions.

Catholic Charities plans to continue Clergy on the Move for years to come, ensuring future generations of priests begin their new assignments with one less burden to carry.