A letter from Archbishop Coakley

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I hope this Advent season finds you well and fills you and your loved ones with joyful anticipation of the celebration of Christ’s birth at Christmas.

Each year at this time, I reflect on how the humble birth of Jesus, born of Mary in a lowly stable in Bethlehem, brought hope, healing and salvation to a suffering world. The mystery of the Incarnation and the work of redemption have saved the world and unleashed the greatest force for good in human history. The Catholic Church has been at the heart of this mission.

Animated by faith and moved by the Holy Spirit, Catholics have built countless hospitals, universities and schools to spread the Gospel and serve people of all socioeconomic levels, particularly those most in need. The roster of saints, from Saint Teresa of Calcutta to Blessed Stanley Rother, is filled with men and women who dedicated their lives to helping others. They are wonderful examples of the sacrificial love to which each of us is called as disciples.

In the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, the Church is growing, thanks be to God. This is not so in many areas of the United States. The growth and vibrancy here are due in no small measure to the faith-filled men and women across central and western Oklahoma who give so generously of their time and talent but also their treasure.

Christmas will be here soon, a time of giving to family and friends. My request in this letter is that you prayerfully consider making a year-end gift to one of the following important areas of ministry:

•    The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City has several appeals that support the spiritual, educational and pastoral needs throughout central and western Oklahoma.
•    The Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma provides endowments and charitable funds that strengthen parishes, schools and ministries across the archdiocese. 
•    The Catholic Schools Opportunity Fund provides tuition assistance to low-income students, ensuring access to quality Catholic education in the 18 Catholic schools in the archdiocese. 
•    The Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine honors the life and legacy of Blessed Stanley Rother by supporting this sacred site of pilgrimage and promoting his cause of canonization. 
•    Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City funds critical programs that serve individuals and families in need across our community. 

Gifts to any of these worthwhile causes may be made online at archokc.org/end-of-year-giving or by scanning the nearby QR code.

Please know of my profound thanks for your support and my continued prayers for all the people of the archdiocese. May God bless you and keep you always in his loving care.

Sincerely yours in Christ,


Most Reverend Paul S. Coakley
Archbishop of Oklahoma City



Annual Catholic Appeal
Supports essential programs and ministries across the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, including pastoral care, faith formation and assistance for retired priests. 

Seminarian Appeal
Provides critical funding to help men discerning and preparing for the priesthood by covering the costs of seminary education and formation. 

Sooner Catholic Communications Appeal
Funds the evangelization efforts of the archdiocese through the Sooner Catholic newspaper and digital platforms, connecting and informing the faithful. 

Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine Appeal
Gifts to the shrine support the mission of providing a place where pilgrims can encounter the love and mercy of God through the intercession of Blessed Stanley Rother. 

Catholic Charities Appeal
Supports the life-changing work of Catholic Charities, which provides services such as housing assistance, counseling, disaster relief and aid for vulnerable families. 

Sister BJ’s Pantry
Provides food, clothing and basic necessities to those experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma City, offering compassion and dignity to those in need. 

Oklahoma Catholic Radio 
Supports Catholic radio programming that brings the message of Christ into homes, workplaces and vehicles across the archdiocese. 

Center of Family Love
Funds the Center’s mission to serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing a safe and caring community. 

Endowments at the Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma
Provides long-term support to Catholic ministries, parishes and schools through endowments and charitable funds, ensuring a legacy of faith for future generations. 

Turn taxes into the gift of Catholic education 
The Catholic Schools Opportunity Fund provides donors a state income tax credit for helping provide tuition assistance to students in the 18 Catholic schools in the archdiocese. 

To make a gift in support of any of the funds above, scan the QR code or visit archokc.org/end-of-year-giving.