Legacy society Mass, luncheon

The Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma held its first Meerschaert Legacy Society Mass and luncheon on Oct. 20 at the Catholic Pastoral Center in Oklahoma City.

The event served to recognize and thank those who are remembering the Church in their estate plans.

The legacy society is named for Theophile Meerschaert, the first Catholic bishop in Oklahoma. Meerschaert was named Vicar Apostolic of Indian Territory in 1891. During the next 32 years, he established parishes, appointed pastors and recruited religious sisters to staff schools and hospitals.

Archbishop Coakley noted during the luncheon that Meerschaert’s work put the Church in Oklahoma on solid ground, and that estate gifts from those in attendance will help the Church in the future.

“The Catholic Church here is healthy and growing, and that’s not the case as much in some parts of the country,” said Archbishop Coakley. “Your gifts will help parishes, schools and other ministries for years to come.”

If anyone has provided a gift in their will to support their parish or other Church ministry, let the Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma know.

Supporters will be enrolled in the Bishop Meerschaert Legacy Society and will be invited to future society activities. Visit cfook.org/legacysociety or call (405) 721-4115.



Photo: Archbishop Coakley spoke during the first Meerschaert Legacy Society luncheon on Oct. 20 at the Catholic Pastoral Center in Oklahoma City. Photos Rosalinda Rivera.