“This is an historic day in the pro-life movement. The overturning of Roe v. Wade is a defining moment in our lifetime that fixes a legal and moral mistake, which led to decades of emotional distress, tremendous guilt, physical harm and infertility for women, and the unnecessary and cruel deaths of more than 63 million unborn babies who were denied their God-given potential because of poverty, fear or convenience. Women and children deserve better. Mothers who face unexpected or crisis pregnancies need support – financial, spiritual and emotional. May they see the face of God in their children and embrace the joy, beauty and difficulties of motherhood. We must come together to pray for the grace to deepen our appreciation for the sanctity and value of all human life from conception until natural death.” Most Rev. Paul S. Coakley Archbishop of Oklahoma City
“Building a culture of life in Oklahoma that recognizes the inherent dignity of every person requires the protections afforded by pro-life legislation and a profound change of heart. I encourage Oklahomans to pray for women in crisis pregnancy situations, for their families and loved ones, for families waiting to adopt, for fathers, and for the many pregnancy resource centers serving these brave parents. Thank you to Oklahoma’s legislative leaders and to Gov. Stitt for supporting pro-life measures.”
“I am heartbroken by the latest horrendous violence that has taken the innocent lives of 14 children and their teacher in Uvalde, Texas. I call on our state and national leaders to do everything they can to address this crisis of evil that continues to strike our communities. Let us pray for the families of those killed, for the students, staff and families of Uvalde, for our leaders to quickly find common sense solutions to mass shootings, and for us to embrace peace so that violence never rules our hearts.”
OKLAHOMA CITY – El Arzobispo Paul Coakley anunció este sábado que las parroquias católicas del Sagrado Corazón y de los Santos Ángeles se convertirán en una sola y ofrecerán su ministerio desde las instalaciones del nuevo Santuario al beato Stanley Rother. Las primeras misas de la parroquia en el Santuario se celebrarán inmediatamente después de su apertura, la cual se llevará a cabo el 4 de noviembre.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Archbishop Paul Coakley announced Saturday the merging of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Holy Angels Catholic Church on the campus of the new Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine. The parish will celebrate weekend Masses at the shrine, which opens Nov. 4.
“Oklahoma has carried out the execution of Gilbert Postelle. Please pray for Amy Wright, James Alderson, Donnie Swindle and Terry Smith, their families and friends, and for all those who suffer the loss of a loved one through senseless violence. Pray for the soul of Gilbert Postelle, for his family, and please pray that our state’s leaders truly embrace being pro-life and end the death penalty in Oklahoma.”
“It is difficult to resist the urge to seek revenge for crimes such as those committed by Gilbert Postelle, but we must recognize the God-given dignity of every human person no matter their sins. Each one of us, even criminals who commit unconscionable acts of violence, deserve the opportunity for redemption through God’s mercy and forgiveness. We will continue to call on Oklahoma’s leaders to use non-lethal means to punish criminals and protect our communities without resorting to the death penalty.”
“The dignity of human life must never be undermined even in the case of someone who has done great evil. The death penalty does little to heal the wounds of grief and loss, and only perpetuates the violence we are seeking to eradicate. Oklahoma’s leaders must begin a conversation about how capital punishment aligns with our pro-life values. Please pray for the innocent victims of this crime and for the soul of the condemned.”
December 3, 2021 “To execute a man, even a guilty one, who is 79 years old is unnecessary and unreasonable. This rush to execute is bewildering. The death penalty is flawed, expensive and no longer needed to exact punishment in Oklahoma. Please pray for the Reaves and Ivens families, and for the family of Bigler Stouffer.”
November 30, 2021 “The Catholic Church recognizes the grave harm done to victims of crime and their families, and the need for healing and justice. It also understands that executions only perpetuate cycles of violence and often provide no measure of true healing. The burdens of trauma and violence weigh heavy in our country and world these days; this is our opportunity to reject a culture of death and build up a culture of life. Please pray for the leaders of our state that they recognize the flaws of execution. Pray for the families and friends of Brenda McElyea and Felecia Suzette Smith, innocent victims of a senseless crime, and for the redemption of Donald Grant and comfort for his family.”
December 1, 2021 “Please pray for an end to the death penalty. Pray for the respect of all human life from conception until natural end. Pray for wisdom and compassion for our leaders that they recognize the value of every human person – the indigent, the unborn, the refugee, the ill, the imprisoned. Pray for victims of violence and their families that God brings them comfort and peace. Pray for the convicted that they seek redemption and a life in Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
November 8, 2021 “It took tremendous courage in the face of intense pressure for Gov. Stitt to grant clemency in this case. I applaud his commitment to seeking justice while providing the condemned an opportunity for redemption. To oppose the death penalty is not to be soft on crime. Rather, it is to be strong on the dignity of life.”
Sept. 13, 2021 “We are encouraged by the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board’s recommendation today for commutation of the death sentence for Julius Jones. We have an opportunity to end capital punishment in Oklahoma and to use other means to protect society and seek justice for victims of crime and their families without violating each person’s God-given dignity. We urge Gov. Stitt to accept the board’s recommendation.”
The unnecessary rush to restart executions in Oklahoma by the governor and attorney general is concerning and disappointing. Throughout our nation’s history we have justified the killing or mistreatment of our neighbors by lessening their value as human beings – whether it is the unborn, aged, native populations, African Americans or those imprisoned. All human life is sacred. No matter how serious the crime committed, we do not forfeit the inherent dignity bestowed upon us by our Creator. There are other ways to administer just punishment without resorting to lethal measures. May God guide us as we work to end the use of the death penalty and build a society that truly chooses life in all situations. May He bring comfort to the family and friends of Gay Carter, and have mercy on the soul of John Grant.
Archbishop Coakley issued a Call To Prayer for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City on Wednesday for a renewed respect for all life, and an end to abortion and the death penalty in Oklahoma. The Call To Prayer comes during Respect Life Month, the Month of the Rosary and with the first of seven Oklahoma executions over the next five months scheduled to be carried out Oct. 28.
Construction crews lifted the 45,000-pound dome onto the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine Thursday morning in Oklahoma City. The dome marks one of the largest construction milestones for the shrine, which is expected to be completed in late summer 2022.
OKLAHOMA CITY - El Arzobispo Paul S. Coakley anunció el miércoles que se ha contratado a Lara Schuler como la nueva Directora de Educación Católica de la Arquidiócesis de Oklahoma City. Schuler se desempeñó más recientemente como superintendente asistente de escuelas para la Diócesis de Nashville.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Archbishop Paul S. Coakley announced Wednesday the hiring of Lara Schuler as the new Director of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Schuler most recently served as assistant superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Nashville.
OKLAHOMA CITY – U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice, R-Edmond, talked on Thursday about faith, family and the issues facing the U.S. Congress at the Assembly of Catholic Professionals in downtown Oklahoma City.