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December 17, 2020ELK CITY – On a snowy December morning in far western Oklahoma, parishioners braved the elements to join Archbishop Coakley, priests and deacons to celebrate the rich history of Saint Matthew Catholic Church. The Mass marked the 50th anniversary of the founding of the parish in 1970.
“This season is about God’s gift to us. Do we recognize Jesus in our midst? Do we welcome him? Jesus blessed; Jesus sacrificed. It is our responsibility to put prayer in our homes, in our families. The love and hospitality in our homes will reflect the light of Christ,” Archbishop Coakley said during his homily.
“The mission of Saint Matthew parish is to reflect the light of Jesus Christ so others may recognize the savior. … May God pour out his abundant blessings on you, on your families, this parish and the archdiocese.”
Following Mass, Archbishop Coakley and Father Philip Louis, pastor, helped present the parish’s first Blessed Stanley Rother Award. The award was given posthumously to Norma Hoffman, a long-time volunteer and parish leader who was a member of the Women’s Guild and was known for her service to those less fortunate, including serving the poor through the parish food pantry.
Joining archbishop and Father Louis at the celebration was former pastor Father James Greiner and Deacon Paul Albert, a native of Elk City who now serves as deacon at Saint Joseph Old Cathedral in downtown Oklahoma City.
Saint Matthew Catholic Church was dedicated in December 1970 by Bishop Victor J. Reed as an amalgamation of three area churches – Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Elk City, Holy Family Catholic Church in Canute and Saint Francis Catholic Church in Scheidel. Some parishioners of parishes had a difficult time transitioning from their beloved parishes to a temporary location at Saint Matthew Catholic School on the outskirts of Elk City.
In November 1998, the archdiocese dedicated a permanent church building adjoining the school that included a daily Mass chapel dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene.
Since then, the parish has thrived and is now home to more than 300 families with a mission, Queen of All Saints, in Sayre.
To learn more about Saint Matthew Catholic Church or to visit, go online to stmatthew.weconnect.com or on Facebook.
Diane Clay is editor of the Sooner Catholic.
CLICK HERE to read a letter from parishioners.
Photo: (above) Archbishop Coakley celebrated Mass Dec. 13 at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Elk City for the parish’s 50th anniversary. Photos Diane Clay/Sooner Catholic.
