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December 17, 2020A letter to the Church in Oklahoma,
More than 130 years ago, pioneer Catholic families ventured to the western part of Oklahoma to fashion a better life for their descendants. Their strength of character helped them to endure the harshness of the frontier. Together with that strength of character, and their persistence in their faith through many adverse conditions, they planted the Catholic faith firmly in western Oklahoma.
From those early pioneer families and the zealous missionaries and religious who dared venture into that new world, there sprang three early parishes: Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, a country church established in 1900; Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Elk City, dedicated in 1906; and Holy Family Catholic Church in Canute, started in 1926.
Although the three parishes flourished for decades, financial concerns and a shortage of pastors finally forced their closings. So, on Dec. 5 and 6, 1970, Mass was celebrated for the last time in those three pioneer western Oklahoma churches. Bishop Victor Reed amalgamated the parishes of Saint Francis, Saint Joseph and Holy Family into a single new parish – Saint Matthew Catholic Church, located on the outskirts of Elk City.
The chosen site also was the home of Saint Matthew Catholic School, built in 1967. Bishop Reed's words 50 years ago were prophetic as he stated, "May Saint Matthew grow into a parish community marked by fraternal love and regard for one another."
With the consolidation, the church of Saint Matthew became the parish center and members of the three parishes began to attend Mass in a renovated part of the school. Bishop Reed announced that Father Frederick Krueger would continue to serve as the area pastor.
In 1997, after years of fundraising, pledging by parishioners and use of church savings, construction began on a $1.9 million dollar facility. The sanctuary in the new church would include seating for 550 people and contain more than 10,000 square feet, including a daily Mass chapel known as The Chapel of The Madeleine in honor of Saint Mary Magdalene.
The new building was adjoined to the foyer on the west end of the Saint Matthew school building and contained items from the three pioneer churches, including a crucifix from Saint Joseph, Stations of the Cross from Holy Family and stained-glass windows from Saint Francis.
The church also featured an outside mosaic of Saint Matthew; a granite baptismal font with a waterfall; a prayer garden; a reconciliation room; a sacristy and an audio-visual control room. A bell tower with three bells symbolized the joining of the three parishes.
December 2020 marked the 50th anniversary of Saint Matthew parish. Today, the church enjoys the membership of more than 330 families and provides numerous services to its faith family. Life goes on amid the hustle and bustle of church activities and everyday living and working.
Saint Matthew parishioners are offered opportunities with numerous organizations and activities. Whether it be the Knights of Columbus; the Women's Guild; the Children's Ministry Program; Adult Ministry; Senior Citizens; the Parish Council; RCIA, or other committees, organizations, or projects, the church has something for everyone. Highlights of the year include the annual church bazaar and the formal Mardi Gras Ball.
Father Philip Louis, aided by a staff of five, carries out the duties of pastor of Saint Matthew and its mission parish, Queen of All Saints in Sayre. Father Philip arrived at Saint Matthew on July 1, 2018, after serving as associate pastor at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church and Saint Gregory Catholic Church in Enid. Father Philip also served as associate pastor at Saint Michael Catholic Church in Goltry.
One of Saint Matthew's proudest achievements is its food bank. The food bank is available twice a month and in a typical month will serve more than 1,000 people, fulfilling and affirming Saint Matthew 5:42: "Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you."
For 50 years, Saint Matthew Catholic Church has embodied the Catholic faith in western Oklahoma. But, the church, the building, strong and beautiful as it is, is but the house of the church. The "We" are the church. Saint Matthew is its people, and the people are one in the spirit and one in the Lord, a community of believers who have indeed lived out their belief in the inherent equality and dignity of all human beings.
As we celebrated the beautiful day on Dec. 13, we recalled in our hearts the hard labor, generous contributions and services of the people, priests, religious and great donations of their assets and treasures that make us what we are now. May the departed souls rest in peace. Glory to God for all those who are still living their faith.
As Saint Matthew parish celebrates 50 years of worship and ministry in western Oklahoma, we give thanks to its fellowship of believers who have sustained the proclamation of God's "Good News" throughout many years. We pray for the future endeavors in ministry and mission, and we look ahead with hope for mutual opportunities to share God's gospel of love.
The Parishioners of Saint Matthew
Many Discipleship for One Lord and One Church
December 2020
