Archbishop Coakley celebrates Cristo Rey OKC’s first Mass

After years of planning, Cristo Rey opened August 10

Friday, July 27, was a special day for Cristo Rey Oklahoma City Catholic High School and its first class of freshmen students as well as the crowd of parents, faculty and corporate partners.

During an early morning tie and blazer ceremony, students received their complete school uniforms, an acknowledgement of their admission into the school and completion of summer Success Training. The two-and-a-half-week summer program, completed by all incoming Cristo Rey OKC students, introduced students to technical skills such as using office software and common office equipment, and practicing “soft skills” required by employers, including a proper handshake, interpersonal communication, responsible use of social media and workplace etiquette. Students received a standing ovation from attendees as they accepted and donned their new blazers and ties, officially becoming part of the Cristo Rey Class of 2022.

Later that day, Archbishop Coakley blessed the chapel and celebrated the first Mass. He directed his homily to the 126 students, discussing the importance of education by retelling the parable of the sower. As Jesus preached about the need to plant seeds in good soil, he said, Cristo Rey OKC will be a productive and nourishing environment for each student’s education to take root and for their spiritual and academic lives to grow and flourish.  

"You are being given an opportunity, with teachers, instructors and role models, who will help you to find that good soil and help you to flourish in that good soil to become all that your parents desire you to become, to become all that God wants you to become," he said.

Finally, Archbishop Coakley joined a large crowd of students, faculty and supporters – including John P. Foley, S.J., the founder of the national Cristo Rey network of schools – for a blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony formally marking the school’s opening.

Renee Porter, president and chief executive of Cristo Rey OKC, said it was an emotional moment for everyone involved.

“This school has been years in the making. To the great credit of a number of community leaders – notably Archbishop Coakley, Judy Love and Gene Rainbolt – they realized the impact Cristo Rey’s transformative educational model could have on Oklahoma City-area students and sought to establish a school here,” Porter said. “And, the school could not function without support from the business community, which has embraced the work-study program. Already, we are seeing the impact: students excited and ready to work; proud parents and some of the best teachers in the region. It will be an exciting and wonderful school year.”

For more information about Cristo Rey OKC, go online to cristoreyokc.org.