Father Charles Murphy, a beloved priest who served the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City with dedication and compassion, left a remarkable legacy that will continue to impact the Catholic community for generations.
Upon his passing, Father Murphy made an estate gift to the Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma, which was designated to various endowments supporting parishes, ministries and scholarships across the archdiocese.
Father Murphy’s gift was distributed as follows:
•UCO Catholic Campus Ministry Endowment Provides financial support for the use and benefit of the general charitable, religious and educational purposes of the Catholic campus ministry serving the students, faculty and staff of the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.
•Catholic Charities Adoption and Foster Endowment Provides a permanent source of financial support for adoption and foster services provided by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.
•Saint Philip Neri Parish Midwest City Endowment Provides financial support for the use and benefit of the general charitable, religious and educational purposes of Saint Philip Neri Catholic Church in Midwest City.
•Saint Teresa of Avila Parish Endowment Provides financial support for the use and benefit of the general charitable, religious and educational purposes of Saint Teresa of Avila Catholic Church in Harrah.
•Saint Mary Parish Guthrie Endowment Provides financial support for the use and benefit of the general charitable, religious and educational purposes of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Guthrie.
•Archbishop’s Charity Endowment Provides financial support for charitable needs identified by the Archbishop of Oklahoma City.
•Saint John Vianney Seminarian Education Endowment Supports the education and formation of priests to serve in parishes of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.
•Reverend Schettler Rosary School Endowment Provides a permanent source of financial support for the use and benefit of the general charitable, religious and educational purposes of Rosary Catholic School in Oklahoma City.
•Reverend Charles R. Murphy Scholarship Endowment Provides a permanent source of financial support for scholarships for students attending Mount Saint Mary Catholic High School.
The generous estate gift reflects Father Murphy’s lifelong commitment to serving others and supporting the growth of the Catholic faith in Oklahoma. By investing in these endowments, Father Murphy ensured that his dedication to the Church and his passion for fostering faith and education would continue to make a lasting impact.
Among the nine endowments supported by Father Murphy’s estate, seven are newly established, providing new opportunities for parishes and ministries to receive support in perpetuity.
“Father Murphy’s generosity and foresight in planning this estate gift will transform countless lives,” said Steve Winkler, president of the Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma Board of Directors. “His legacy is a testament to the power of giving and the profound impact one individual can make on the future of our faith community.”
The Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma plays a vital role in supporting the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City through its various endowments. Father Murphy’s estate gift exemplifies the mission of the Foundation and serves as an inspiration for others to consider how they too can leave a lasting legacy.
For more information on how to make a difference through planned giving or to learn about the various endowments supported by the Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma, visit cfook.org or contact Mary Smith, associate director of planned giving, at (405) 709-2706.
About Fr. Charles Murphy Father Murphy was born on Oct. 17, 1942, in Ada. His father died two months later, and Charles and his older sister were placed in the care of Catholic Charities and Saint Joseph’s Orphanage in Bethany until he was in eighth grade.
He attended Benedictine High School in Guthrie, and after graduating, entered the U.S. Army. After his three-year enlistment, he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Central State University in Edmond.
He then became a school teacher in Edmond and Harrah for 19 years before entering Saint Meinrad Seminary in Indiana in 1986. He was ordained a priest on June 1, 1991. He served 32 years as pastor at many churches in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.
Father Murphy served the archdiocese as regional vicar and as a member of the Personnel Board. He also served as chaplain of the Archdiocese Scouting Committee.
Father Murphy died Dec. 18, 2023, at his residence in Oklahoma City.