When Fr. Mark Zacker became pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Castle Rock, Colorado, the parish was emerging from one of the most difficult seasons the Church has faced in recent memory.
Like many parishes across the country, St. Francis had experienced a significant decline during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Mass attendance had dropped, morale was low, and many parishioners felt disconnected. The community was faithful, but it was clear that rebuilding would take more than simply reopening the doors.
From the beginning, Fr. Mark recognized that renewal would require a clear spiritual foundation and a practical path forward. He was determined to help parishioners return not only to Sunday Mass, but to a deeper sense of discipleship, belonging, and mission.
Rather than relying on short-term programs or quick fixes, Fr. Mark began focusing on stewardship as a framework for restoring parish vitality. He understood that inviting people into a renewed way of living their faith — through prayer, service, and generosity — would take time, consistency, and support.
As a new pastor stepping into a season of rebuilding, Fr. Mark also knew he could not do it alone. True renewal would require sustained formation, clear communication, and an intentional process that would help parishioners respond with ownership and trust.
Fr. Mark immersed himself in the life of the parish, getting to know his people personally and shepherding them with a visible pastoral presence. Through reverent liturgy, authentic hospitality, and steady leadership, he began laying the groundwork for long-term renewal.
Parishioners responded to that witness.
Attendance slowly began to rise. Ministries that had faded during the pandemic started returning. And families were answering the invitation to step more fully back into parish life.
One of the most significant shifts came as parish communications strengthened. Fr. Mark established a parish newsletter to help reconnect the community and highlight the good work already happening within the parish.
“We share stories of people’s prayer lives, and each month we highlight a ministry — showing the good work that is being done,” he explains. “People are seeing these stories and responding.”
That response became increasingly visible.
Demand for Eucharistic adoration grew significantly, with parishioners filling the chapel throughout the week. Confession opportunities expanded as well.
“Every time I walk by our adoration chapel, there are people praying,” Fr. Mark shares. “We now offer confessions daily, and there is always a line.”
As renewal continued to take root, Fr. Mark recognized the importance of ongoing guidance to help sustain and deepen what was happening — ensuring that stewardship would remain consistent, intentional, and spiritually grounded beyond the initial rebuild.
After his first year as pastor, Fr. Mark partnered with Catholic Stewardship Consultants to strengthen the formation already underway and to more clearly invite parishioners into living stewardship through their time, talent, and treasure.
With that support, Fr. Mark launched the parish’s first annual stewardship renewal in the fall of 2023. Parishioners were formally invited to make commitments rooted in discipleship, supported by consistent communication and a clear process reinforced throughout the year.
“Every year we have worked with CSC, we have seen results,” Fr. Mark says. “They are very professional, and the newsletters are beautifully done. The biggest highlight is seeing faith in action.”
The results at St. Francis of Assisi have been extraordinary.
Over the past four years, more than 550 new families have registered in the parish. Fr. Mark regularly signs welcome letters to new parishioners, grateful for the growth and the new life taking shape.
“Our current OCIA class is the biggest it has ever been,” he shares. “This Easter, we will welcome 40 people into the Church.”
Financial renewal has followed spiritual renewal as well. The $2.5 million debt the parish carried when Fr. Mark arrived has now been paid off completely, and the weekly offertory continues to grow.
So significant has the growth been that the bishop has assigned two additional priests to help serve the expanding Catholic community in Castle Rock.
“Now is the time to invest,” Fr. Mark says. “The people see that we are investing in upgrades… and they appreciate that we are using their contributions well.”
Under the guidance of Bishop Golka, Fr. Mark is discerning options for continued expansion, including the possibility of building a new parish mission to meet the needs of the growing Castle Rock community.
Through it all, St. Francis of Assisi remains focused on placing Christ at the center — forming parishioners as faithful disciples and joyful stewards.
What Is Possible When Stewardship Shapes Parish Life
Fr. Mark’s experience reflects what can happen when parish leadership is committed to stewardship and supported with a clear plan and consistent communication.
For pastors and parish leaders discerning similar next steps, Catholic Stewardship Consultants is ready to walk alongside you and share what we have learned from parishes like St. Francis of Assisi.
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