Thank you!

Two years ago, after completing an encouraging feasibility study, we decided to move forward with the first-ever archdiocesan capital campaign that would engage all 107 parishes and missions of the archdiocese. We began quietly with a major gift phase followed by four waves of parish campaigns, which have now concluded. 

The case for the campaign has included both local and shared ministry objectives. A portion of every dollar raised (either 20 percent or 50 percent) remains in each parish for local projects. Other elements include a renovation of The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, which began this week. We are establishing or adding to various endowments to support ministries that benefit all parishes such as a youth, young adult and campus ministry fund, a Catholic school fund, funds to support evangelization and discipleship, vocations and priests’ retirement, and a fund for future growth.

The signature element of the “One Church, Many Disciples” campaign is a shrine to honor Blessed Stanley Rother, an Oklahoma original and the first U.S.-born priest and martyr ever beatified. It will be a place of pilgrimage where the faithful will come from near and far to honor Blessed Stanley at his final resting place and to seek his intercession for their many needs. 

It will be a place well suited to host many large diocesan events as it will be the largest Catholic Church in Oklahoma. It will be a place of welcome, serving all people, but in a particular way accommodating the growing Hispanic population in our metro area whose parish churches are significantly over-crowded. The plans for the Spanish colonial style church and campus are being developed right now. The campus will include an education building, a hall/event center as well as designated shrines/devotional areas and gathering spaces for outdoor events and processions. Some of these will develop over time, though all of these are included in the original case for the campaign.

All that remains is an ongoing effort to build a pilgrim center and museum that will be the point of entry for those visiting the campus. We are funding this element from special gifts solicited from outside of the archdiocese and our own parishes. We have a way to go before reaching the financial goal for this element.

So, how have we done? By any measure the “One Church, Many Disciples” campaign has been an extraordinary success. I am profoundly grateful for this response. I am grateful not only for the financial gifts, large and small, but also the personal engagement and interest of so many. 

In addition to our fine archdiocesan staff and CCS professional consultants, the campaign has been driven by our local pastors and some 1,020 campaign volunteers around the archdiocese. To date, some 10,332 archdiocesan families have made financial commitments along with nearly 1,000 households from outside of the archdiocese.

After exceeding our original goal of $55 million, we eventually established a challenge goal of $80 million. As of today, we have received more than $89 million in pledges! There has been very strong grassroots interest in the campaign as is evident from the fact that 77 parishes already have exceeded their goals, one by as much as 306 percent! 

To have experienced such extraordinary success in a climate that admittedly is very challenging due to a global abuse crisis and local economic challenges, speaks volumes of the faith, generosity and good stewardship of the people of this archdiocese. To each and every person and family who has made a gift, volunteered or prayed for the success of our “One Church, Many Disciples” campaign, I express my profound appreciation. You have inspired me! Thank you.