From the Archives

Father Lowell Stieferman entered this life on May 8, 1937, in Perry. Coming from a faithful and devoted family, young Lowell entered the high school seminary at Saint Francis de Sales in Bethany, which at the time was on the grounds of Saint Joseph Orphanage.
 
After attending Saint John Seminary in Little Rock, Ark., he was ordained a priest on May 25, 1963, along with Blessed Stanley Rother (and others). Father Stieferman often joked that his time in the seminary was his Purgatory. The irony of the statement would become evident when he was named the vocation director for the archdiocese later in his career.
 
Laughter and humor always accompany any memory of Father Stieferman. He used it to connect with people and make them feel at ease. His homilies were laced with anecdotes that were usually self-deprecating. No dance floor was safe when he attended wedding receptions. In short, he loved to have fun and exuded joy. His empathy and compassion were boundless.
 
It also is imperative to understand that he was man of great depth and spirituality. When asked for his advice, he revealed his extensive knowledge of the human condition with its inherent foibles and pratfalls and the necessity for trusting in God.
 
Bishop Edward Weisenburger, who was in residence with Father Stieferman at Epiphany, recalls returning home from the Murrah building bomb site in downtown Oklahoma City despondent, feeling that he was totally ineffective. He recalls the response: “Ed, it’s really not about you. If you’re gonna do any real good there, let the rescue workers know you have the Blessed Sacrament with you and offer it to them generously; get yourself a great big rosary and let them see you pray it; and don’t be surprised if you actually do some good.”
 
Bishop Weisenburger then states: “It was remarkable. He was absolutely correct – and I learned one of the great lessons that oftentimes in life ministry really is all about strengthening people by quietly being present to them, offering them the Church’s Sacraments … and loving, prayerful concern. And, as I knew him, that does in fact, pretty much sum up his priesthood, ministry and life.”
 
Freely admitting administration was not his strong suit, his parishioners would argue that he was the consummate pastor. There were few priests more kind, gentle and open. His brother priests had confidence in his abilities as he served the archdiocese as the head of the permanent diaconate, the Personnel Board, the Seminary Board and a host of other committees. As a defender of the bond on the tribunal, judges treasured his observations and insights into the marriage at hand. Always wise and helpful in aiding their deliberations, these observations were like most everything he did in that humor played a role.
 
After his retirement from active ministry, he lived at the Catholic Pastoral Center, allowing many who had not known him as their pastor to enjoy his company. “Playing the ponies” was still a favorite pastime as he never passed up an invitation to Remington Park. Despite health issues, a steak at Cattleman’s was a delight he would not forego, eschewing chicken as food from the devil. As the end approached, his dignity continued to inspire the faithful with many visiting to pay their respects. At times, the stream became a bit taxing, but he greeted each person with his usual smile and good wishes. A humble, spiritual giant in our midst, he died on Sept. 19, 2016.