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April 20, 2023
Priest Appreciation Week is May 1 – 6
In 2021, Archbishop Coakley instituted the first Priest Appreciation Week in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. During this week, which will start on Good Shepherd Sunday each year, parishioners and families are encouraged to do something to thank their priests from writing a thank you note to spending time in adoration.
Father Bill Pruett
“Father Pruett has been very instrumental to our family and myself in building a greater spiritual connection with God. Firstly, he guided me in the right direction to begin my RCIA classes in order to convert to Catholicism. My husband and I were married by Father Pruett at Saint James in January 2021. In 2021, during one of his many beautiful Easter vigil Masses he celebrated, I received the sacrament of Confirmation. Father Pruett has also baptized all three of our children at Saint James. His homilies at Sunday 8:30 a.m. Masses not only nourish and fulfill our trust in the Lord, but keep my family and myself wanting to continue our growth of faith in God.”
Hillary Hernandez
Saint James the Greater Catholic Church, Oklahoma City
Father Oby Zunmas
“Today, I want to pay tribute to this dear priest. Thank you for every detail. Thank you for being with us in the community of Madill. For all your effort and dedication in our community we always remember you. Thank you for opening the doors to lead the group of altar boys. Today it has been five years since that day and I know that you are not here in our community, but always present in our hearts. My best wishes Father Oby. You are a great example; you are a great priest.”
The Quintana Family
Holy Cross Catholic Church, Madill
Father Brian Buettner
“We’re so thankful for Father Brian!”
The Duke Family
Saint Thomas More Catholic Church, Norman
Father Stephen Bird
Father Zak Boazman
“We are blessed to have two amazing priests, Father Stephen Bird and Father Zak Boazman. Through the years we've been blessed with many other amazing associate pastors, including Father Prabhakar Kalivela, Father Kevin Ratterman and Father Ben Lwin. Each of these priests has challenged us to be better Catholics in all aspects of our lives. They inspire and encourage us to learn more about our church's history, explore the mysteries of the faith more deeply, and spend more time in prayer and adoration. In short, they've changed our lives and our family for the better. We are better spouses to each other and better parents to our children. While we've only lived in Oklahoma for about six years, the extensive changes we've experienced spiritually far exceed that short time period. I look forward to every homily and presentation by our priests. I seek out conversations with them, and look forward to confession with them, because I know each encounter is a blessing and full of God's grace. With priests like these, I am excited about the present and the future of our archdiocese!”
Melanie Turner Corbett
Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church, Oklahoma City
Father Stephen Bird
“Since moving to Oklahoma City in 2017 I have attended the Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church. I have been so impressed with Father Bird and the few associate pastors that have passed through. Father Bird was phenomenal in achieving the sacrament of marriage. Wonderful priest.”
Elizabeth Boneta
Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church, Oklahoma City
Father Rick Stansberry
“We appreciate how Father Stansberry is a skillful ‘master of ceremonies,’ guiding all of the people involved in all the liturgical and practical ‘moving parts’ of the Mass. It makes him a great choice for helping the bishop as cathedral rector.”
Sarah and Peter Epps
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Oklahoma City
Father William Novak
Father Linh Bui
“I have two priests who are as different as night and day. Between them they give me balance. One is a very humble gentle soul, and the other is an outgoing get it done soul. The love they have for the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is an inspiration for me to live my life for God and do his will.”
Jackie Konarik
Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Oklahoma City
Father Ray Ackerman
Father Alex Kroll
"Love our priests!! Have felt closer to our priests here, especially Father Ray Ackerman and Father Alex Kroll, than I have with most any other priests I've known. May God continue to bless you all in your devotion to his children."
Lori Newland
Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, Oklahoma City
Father Don Wolf
Father Rusty Hewes
Father Brannon Lepak
“We appreciate everything the priests do for the parishioners, visitors to the shrine and all the students at Sacred Heart Catholic School. Thank you!”
The Attocknie family
Sacred Heart Catholic Church at the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine
Father Bala Raju Pudota
"We love Father Bala."
Terre Butler
Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Perry
Father Bala Raju Pudota
“Father Bala is always doing so much for his parish to continue to improve it and make it better, as well as attending many events that his parishioners participate in outside of church. His charismatic, bright, fun personality makes him easily likable, and we are so lucky to have him in Perry!”
Lerin Lynch
Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Perry
All priests
“Thank you, Lord, for our priests.”
Issa Salvador Zea Perez
Quotes compiled by Courtney Rhone, freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic, and from a Sooner Catholic Facebook post.
