Archbishop's Column

At the beginning of a new year, it’s impossible to predict the dominant headlines and impactful stories that will shape our lives in 2022.

“O Come All Ye Faithful” is one of our most beloved Christmas carols. We repeat its joyful refrain throughout the hymn, “O come, let us adore him.”

Those who travel I-35 on the south side of Oklahoma City these days likely will catch a glimpse of the large church under construction as they pass 89th street. It is the site of the future Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine, which is rapidly taking shape. 

During November as we see the natural world around us preparing for its long winter rest, the Church’s liturgy and many popular customs invite us to reflect on what we call the four last things: death, judgment, heaven and hell. 

This past Friday evening, Nov. 5, the Lord blessed the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City with 27 new deacons.

Since the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, the bishops of the world have gathered in “synod” periodically to reflect on how the Holy Spirit is prompting and guiding the Church on its pilgrim journey. 

Young people are valued members of the Body of Christ. They have much to offer the Church and the Church has much to offer them.

WASHINGTON – Seven U.S. bishop chairmen of committees within the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have issued a statement in the wake of the death of Mr. George Floyd and the protests which have broken out in Minneapolis and in other cities in the United States.

The drama and the tension that we have been living with since COVID-19 began to disrupt life as we know it in the United States (and beyond) means that for some of us this day is long overdue while for others it still seems premature.

Dear Catholic Faithful of Oklahoma,

For more than six weeks we have been adjusting to a rapidly shifting landscape brought about by the spread of COVID-19.

“Something strange is happening – there is a great silence on earth today, a great silence and stillness. The whole earth keeps silence because the King is asleep.”

“Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle!” These words could have been written specifically with us in mind.

A little more than two months ago not many of us had heard of the coronavirus or COVID19. Today, everyone is on alert.

The season of our Lenten renewal is upon us. On Ash Wednesday, we were marked with ashes and exhorted to repent and believe the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Each year, the Church offers us the season of Lent as an invitation to set out on a journey of repentance and renewal. We begin our journey on Ash Wednesday.

One of the special blessings and responsibilities of being a diocesan bishop is making the pilgrimage – ad limina apostolorum.

Among the highlights of my annual calendar are the opportunities for me to visit each of our Catholic schools. I am about halfway through my pastoral visits to our 18 elementary schools, three high schools and one special needs school.