St Catherine of Siena Chapel on the Rock

On the road between our campground, (USFS Camp Dick), and Estes Park is a beautiful church. We have passed it several times and today we stopped. We spent a few minutes inside, sitting in contemplation. I asked the volunteer if there is an active congregation worshipping here. He said yes, but not a typical one...it is part of a youth camp. So every week the congregation is different!

Chapel on the Rock

When you see this church, the first thing that come to mind is Matthew 16:18, "upon this rock I will build my church...". In fact, according to church history, that was the inspiration for the church when it was founded in 1916.

The church sits on a massive rock reminiscent of any of the rocks in RMNP, and the structure is built out of the same rocks.

The church is small, simple and classic.

In 1993 Pope John Paul II visited the church.  He said "upon arriving in Denver I lifted up my eyes toward tge splendor of the Rocky Mountains, whose majesty and power recall that all our help comes from the Lord, who has made heaven and earth (ps 121:1).  He alone is the rock of our salvation (Ps 89:26)."Read more