Transition of pastoral care at Little Flower Catholic Church

Saturday, July 29, 2023 
Memorial of Martha, Mary and Lazarus 


Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, 

After more than a century of dedicated service, the Semi-Province of Saint Thérèse of the Discalced Carmelite Friars will begin to conclude their pastoral care of Little Flower Catholic Church on July 31. 

During a year of transition, friars will continue providing pastoral care to the families of Little Flower before the parish is taken under the care of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City – sometime in 2024. 

While we knew this day might come eventually, as fewer friars were available for ministry, it will be difficult to see them go. They have been a tremendous asset in the archdiocese, and I am grateful for their service and spiritual care of the people of Oklahoma all these years.   

While this transition marks a change, I assure you that I, along with the dedicated staff at Little Flower, the archdiocese, as well as the Carmelites, will work to ensure a smooth transition of the pastoral care of Little Flower in a way that does not interrupt the celebration of the sacraments. 

I invite you to pray fervently for your priests and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, especially from our families at Little Flower. Without priests there can be no Eucharist, which is the source and summit of our lives and provides the grace we need to “go make disciples.” 

Updates regarding this transition will be shared as more information becomes available. 

Thank you for your patience and prayers, and may God continue to bless the Discalced Carmelite Friars.  

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us! 

With the assurance of my prayers, I am 

Sincerely yours in Christ, 



Most Reverend Paul S. Coakley 
Archbishop of Oklahoma City