John XXIII - University Ministry

University Ministry Staff

Fr. Don Willette
Pastor

After nine years of seminary training and formation from 1958 through the spring of 1967, I went in search of greener grass as a Christian layman. Part of that included thirty years in the United States Air Force: 15 as a Line Officer and 15 as a chaplain. In a fifteen year period I also learned a great deal about people with habits, longings, and desires for life that goes beyond basic needs on this planet Earth.

In my last career in the world of real estate, I rediscovered my destiny for work and play in being called back to the seminary in the Fall of 1980. It took a major car wreck to get my attention, however. After ordination into the priesthood in June of 1984, I have served as pastor in six parishes. Currently, at Blessed John XXIII, God has fulfilled my deepest longings and desires in University Ministry. God is good – all time…and the people said: all the time – God is good! I look forward to seeing you on campus or at Blessed John XXIII.

Fr. Francis Nwaiwu
Associate Priest

Fr. Francis grew up in Ugiri, Nigeria and moved to Umuahia as a young adult. As a child he displayed interest in religious life, as he would imitate the celebration of the Mass during his playtime. His parents were supportive, but his father was suspicious, only out of concern for the well-being of his son.

Fr. Francis attended the regional seminary that provided priestly formation for 6 dioceses. While he was studying there, he was among 250 seminaries. Catholicism is a young religion in the Nigerian region of Africa and displays the vibrant exuberance of youth. Fr. Francis recently celebrated his 25th anniversary of priesthood and misses Nigeria, but is pleased to be in the USA.

Monica Elsinger
Campus Minister

Joachim Viens
Theologian-In-Residence

David Deane
Associate Theologian-In-Residence

General Information

John XXIII is located at 1220 University Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Phone: 970.484.3356

Student Commons is located at 1221 W. Elizabeth St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Phone: 970.221.1257

Mass Times
Weekdays: 5:15 PM
Saturdays: 5:15 PM
Sundays: 8:30 & 11:15 AM, 5:15 PM

Adoration Fridays
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM in Blessed Sacrament Chapel

Sacrament of Reconciliation
Tuesdays....................4:00-5:00 PM
Saturdays...................3:00-4:00 PM

Office Hours: 8:30 AM - NOON; 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM - Building Hours: Generally 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM*
*If you wish to visit the Blessed Sacrament, spend time in prayer and reflection, we invite you to visit the Blessed Sacrament Chapel (Small Chapel).
Daily Mass and Communion Services are also held at this location.

Directions
John XXIII Catholic University Parish is located on University Ave. west of Shields St. in Fort Collins. To reach John XXIII from I-25, take the (Ft. Collins) PROSPECT ROAD exit and go west approximately five miles. You will pass several major intersections: Timberline, Lemay, College (all one mile apart) until you come to Shields. At Prospect and Shields, turn right (heading north) and go approximately four blocks to University Ave.

Note that the streets on the east side of Shields and those on the west side do not match up, so follow the streets on the west side of Shields (left hand side as you travel north). They are Bennett Rd., Springfield Drive, Westward Drive and University. When you come to the corner of University and Shields you should see the sign on the corner for John XXIII University Parish.

If you are coming on Shields from the north, travel south until you get to Elizabeth St. (Moby Arena will be on your left). Go one more block south past Elizabeth to University. At the corner of University and Shields turn west, and you will see the large parking lot on the right, and John XXIII Parish just beyond. If you are in need of assistance, call 970.484.3356!

Our brand new Student Commons is located at 1221 W. Elizabeth St., nextdoor to J23, in between Campus West shops and Sonic. If you are following the directions heading north to John XXIII, Elizabeth is the next light after University Ave., take a left on Elizabeth. Our building will be on your left before Sonic - if you are coming on Elizabeth heading east, the Commons will be on your right after Sonic. If you need assistance, call for directions to the Commons call 970.221.1257.

To zoom in or out, or get your own driving directions using Mapquest - click here!

		John XXIII Catholic University Parish is a vibrant Catholic parish with a primary mission to serve the students, faculty, and staff of Colorado State University. Committed to gospel values, University Ministry is dedicated to empowering people to grow together in faith and action. Through prayer, sacrament and ministry experiences we encounter the living God within each other, the Catholic Church and our world community. We welcome undergraduate, graduate, doctorate and post-doctorate students, faculty and staff from Colorado State University and other local educational institutions, alumni, and individuals & families from Fort Collins and the surrounding towns along the Front Range. All are welcome. The John XXIII University Ministry vision and mission is founded upon five aspects of campus ministry as defined by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in the pastoral letter Empowered by the Spirit. To learn more about these five aspects of Community Life, Faith Formation, Liturgical Life, Peace & Social Justice and Servant Leadership, click the "Program" link above. For a quick overview of what's happening in University Ministry you might want to check out the main "Home" page where you'll discover many ministry opportunities. To learn about the present John XXIII University Ministry staff, please scroll down. If you are intersted in our larger Pastoral Staff, click here. In addition, at J23 we have four FOCUS - Fellowship of Catholic University Students- missionaries. For more info on our missionaries and FOCUS discipleship, Bible studies, conferences, and more, click on the "Groups" link. If you would like to visit our parish, it is located across the street from "Moby Arena" in the Campus West area--walking time is just a few minutes! You might consider checking out our Links to discover a new favorite place in cyberspace! Thank you for your interest in Blessed John XXIII Catholic University Parish. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information, or with any questions or concerns: call 970.221.1257. Be blessed in all your moments this day, and know that you are created as a unique, distinct and irreplaceable gift for all of God's creation. May you be blessed with abundance and grace. Amen.