Two Catholic priests say Mass for every 14-year-old in Colorado

DENVER — Two Colorado priests held masses across the state’s mountains.

It took Father Sean Conroy and Father John Nepil 13 years to walk all 58 Class 14 athletes in Colorado. Father Nepil celebrated Mass at each peak, with Father Conroy assisting.

Richard Butler

For Catholic priests, celebrating Mass is part of their daily life. Father John and Father Sean told Denver7 that Mass can be celebrated anywhere.

The two began this effort to hold mass at every 14-year-old peak in Colorado in May 2011.

Archdiocese of Denver

As young men, they loved nature, and this is evident in the way they preach the gospel today.

“Right after I was ordained, a couple of days later I celebrated my first Mass. And it was amazing. Being a priest, you are a kind of spiritual father or shepherd. So there is a way that we do this in the spiritual life. I do it personally, but also just physically,” said Father John.

Archdiocese of Denver

“One of the things we’ve always enjoyed is ministry and going out with people, taking people out into remote areas. And this allows human barriers to break down and actually open up. You are away from technology, away from any of the comforts of life. The higher we go, the more we hear the voice of Christ,” Father Sean said.

Two Catholic priests celebrate after successfully marching on the Colorado 14er to celebrate mass.

A Mass held at Mount Holy Cross in Eagle County in October 2024 completed their journey to all 58 mountain peaks.

Although the hiking season has come to an end, Father Sean and Father John said they plan to continue climbing and hope to find unique ways to spread the Gospel.

Archdiocese of Denver

“We just love nature. We love mountaineering. We love climbing and we are going to continue to do it,” said Father Sean.