e-newsletter companion of Eastern Oklahoma Catholic magazine
Tulsa Teacher Nominated for Lumen Christi Award
TULSA — A lifelong Tulsa educator has been nominated for the 2025-26 Lumen Christi Award presented each year by the Catholic Extension Society.
Christine Tyler is a model for setting a positive tone and loving your neighbor as yourself. As a history and social studies teacher at Bishop Kelley High School in Tulsa — coincidentally, named after Catholic Extension Society's founder and the Diocese of Tulsa's second bishop, Francis Clement Kelley — she sees each student through the eyes of God. She is highly regarded by her students for her unwavering mentorship well beyond the classroom.
But her passion doesn't stop there-it shines in her work toward North Tulsa Learning Center's mission to empower students and bridge the achievement gap among K-8 youth from north Tulsa's underrepresented areas. Tutors and volunteers at NTLC are moved by Mark 12:31 in their work for young learners: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
But her passion doesn't stop there-it shines in her work toward North Tulsa Learning Center's mission to empower students and bridge the achievement gap among K-8 youth from north Tulsa's underrepresented areas. Tutors and volunteers at NTLC are moved by Mark 12:31 in their work for young learners: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
"She exhibits a passion for student success, a heart for learning and a mind for strategies, all which work towards extraordinary success for students."
— Bishop David Konderla
The center launched collaboratively in 2021 between leaders from two northside parishes — St. Monica and St. Augustine — and Bishop Kelley High School to provide free tutoring in reading and math.
Tyler has been instrumental in creating a more accessible program in the last few years. Since its inception, NTC hosts monthly STEM, athletics and fine arts activities with nearly 100 Bishop Kelley students contributing more than 500 hours of service annually — a testament to Tyler's role in building bridges between the school and Tulsa neighborhood communities.
Her impact is also felt outside academics. She actively supports the faith by incorporating Catholic values into her teaching and playing piano at school Masses.
Bishop of Tulsa David A. Konderla commended Tyler's tireless work.
About Catholic Extension Society:
Founded in 1905, Catholic Extension Society works in solidarity with people to build up vibrant and transformative Catholic faith communities among the poor in the poorest regions of America.
For more information visit www.catholicextension.org; follow us on Facebook at:
facebook.com/catholicextension
or on X at @CathExtension.
About the Lumen Christi Award:
Since its inception in 1978, the Lumen Christi Award, Catholic Extension Society’s highest honor, has been given annually to people who radiate and reveal the light of Christ present in the communities where they serve.
This year’s 41 nominees are individuals and institutions who lead others closer to God and transform communities. They have been nominated for this award by their bishop because their stories showcase the mission of the Church in action.
Each nominee will receive $1,500 to benefit their ministry. From this group of finalists, the Lumen Christi Award honoree will be named in the fall, along with a $100,000 prize. ($50,000 to their nominating diocese and $50,000 to advance the honoree’s ministry).
Sr. Julia Marie Roy, OSB, Installed as New Prioress of St. Joseph Monastery
TULSA — On Tuesday, July 1, the Benedictine Sisters of St. Joseph Monastery in Tulsa celebrated the installation of their new prioress, Sister Julia Marie Roy, OSB, in a joyful ceremony in the monastery’s Marian Chapel.
Sister Julia Marie was elected through a process of prayerful discernment and succeeds Sister Marie Therese Long, OSB, who served as prioress for the past six years.
“It has been my honor to serve are prioress to my Sisters in community,” said Sr. Marie Therese Long. “I am confident that Sister Julia Marie will lead with wisdom, compassion, and deep faith as the community continues its mission of prayer, hospitality, and service.”
A member of the Benedictine community since 1979, Sister Julia Marie has devoted much of her ministry to education and spiritual formation. She is a graduate of the University of Tulsa and St. John’s University in Minnesota. Her service includes teaching at Monte Cassino School, directing mission integration, and leading formation programs within the monastery.
“I am honored to serve as prioress during such a significant moment in the life of our community,” said Sr. Julia Marie. “With God’s grace and the support of my Sisters, I step into this role with deep gratitude. As we prepare for our relocation and celebrating the 100th anniversary of St. Joseph Monastery, I am filled with hope and inspired by the journey of prayer, unity, and faith that lies ahead.”
The Benedictine Sisters recently transitioned out of their longstanding governance of Monte Casino School and are in the process of seeking out a new home.
"I want to tell you that we are a community firm in our commitment to the Benedictine monastic life and ongoing discernment," said Sr. Julia Marie at the conclusion of her installation Mass. "God's worship in each of us and in the ministry of Sisters of Retreat has brought us to a threshold of a new beginning for our community. We are really excited about it and about the ways that God is calling us to live our monastic community in a different way. As we look to our future with that hope, we are very confident that God is calling men and women of all Christian traditions to live by the principles in the Holy Rule as oblate."
She also thanked Bishop David Konderla, Abbott Lawrence from St. Gregroy's Abbey, the monks of Clear Creek Abbey, the Augustinians of Cascia Hall, the priests and deacons of the diocese, and the Benedictine Sisters from Fort Smith, Ark. for their presence.
A reception followed the Mass which was attended by approximately 200.
EOC Photos by Daniel McCay
St. Anne Catholic Church in Broken Arrow Hosts 7th Pilgrimage Mass of 2025
BY JEAN YAEGER
BROKEN ARROW — Jubilee of Hope pilgrims came to St. Anne Catholic Church Saturday morning to pray for greater charity to the poor and neglected.
Father Gary Kastl, vicar general for the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma, celebrated the Mass with six other priests as concelebrants. Food, shelter and other provisions aren’t always distributed in ways that seem equitable and just, Father Kastl said in his homily. How should Christians respond? Be mindful of how our consumption and other choices might negatively impact those on the margins of society. And support efforts — such as the Catholic Charities Ministry of Compassion at St. Anne’s —that respect the dignity of people who feel forgotten.
“It's a heroic action for a Christian who sees the face of Christ in our suffering brothers and sisters to help lift their burden by our own acts of charity,” Father Kastle said.
The Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma's yearlong Jubilee of Hope pilgrimage continues on Saturday, Aug. 2, at Saint Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church in West Tulsa. The theme will be prayers for catechists and educators.
The Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma's yearlong Jubilee of Hope pilgrimage continues on Saturday, Aug. 2, at Saint Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church in West Tulsa. The theme will be prayers for catechists and educators.
Photos by Lori Scholl
Former Tulsan to Make Profession of Vows with Dominican Order of Preachers
IRVING, TEXAS — Brother Joseph Diogo Palhano Gonçalves, formerly of Tulsa, will make his Profession of Vows with the Dominican Friars Order of Preachers at Mass at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, at the University of Dallas Church of the Incarnation.
Br. Joseph Diogo was born and raised in Brazil, where he first became acquainted with the Order of Preachers. In 2015, he moved to the United States after completing his studies in political science and public administration at the Free University of Berlin. While living in Tulsa, Br. Joseph Diogo discerned a Dominican vocation. The Order's charism and history particularly inspire him.
"No other religious order has had as many canonized saints as the Order of Preachers," says Br. Joseph Diogo, currently a Novice with the Dominican Friars of Irving, St. Albert the Great Priory & Novitiate. "I’m a religious vocation from the Diocese (of Tulsa)," he adds. "I keep the diocese in my prayers."
The Dominican Friars, priests and brothers, of the Province of St. Martin de Porres have served the Southern United States since 1979. The Order of Friars Preachers, a Roman Catholic religious Order made up of priests and brothers, was officially approved by Pope Honorius III in 1216. Dominican friars were formally established in the United States in 1805 by Fr. Edward Dominic Fenwick, O.P.
More than two hundred years later, over 850 Dominican friars are preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the United States. With more than 5,500 friars in 70 countries throughout the world, Dominican friars continue the legacy of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ wherever needed
For more information about the Mass of Profession, click here.
Br. Joseph Diogo
St. Gregory's Abbey Prepares to Celebrate Sesquicentennial
SHAWNEE — Nearly 150 years ago, on Oct. 12, 1875, Benedictine Monks first arrived in Indian Territory with a strong faith and a desire to serve. The two courageous founders soon were joined by numerous other monks from France to permanently establish the Catholic Church in what would become Oklahoma.
Today, the historic site of the first monastery and schools at Sacred Heart Abbey provides a beautiful and inspiring setting for pilgrims and tourists alike, and comprise a very important treasure for the monks, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and other Native American tribes, and indeed for the State of Oklahoma.
Today, the historic site of the first monastery and schools at Sacred Heart Abbey provides a beautiful and inspiring setting for pilgrims and tourists alike, and comprise a very important treasure for the monks, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and other Native American tribes, and indeed for the State of Oklahoma.
The monks of St. Gregory's Abbey seek to restore the historic site for future generations, "beginning with its lovely stone bakery and original log cabin. Along with preservation, we want to make the site more accessible to visitors by adding an area for parking and eventually a pavilion that can be used for picnics and other types of gatherings."
According to a press release issued St. Gregory's, the goal is to raise $150,000 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the monastic foundation. Contributors to a special “fund-a-need” appeal at the 2025 Abbot’s Table event gave some $68,100 toward this effort.
Supporters can help launch the funding for the preservation and sharing of this important site in honor of its sesquicentennial. Donations will go toward the preservation of a unique site that is part of the story of Catholicism in Oklahoma.
Supporters can help launch the funding for the preservation and sharing of this important site in honor of its sesquicentennial. Donations will go toward the preservation of a unique site that is part of the story of Catholicism in Oklahoma.
The official sesquicentennial kickoff will be held on Sunday, Oct. 12, at the Abbey and on Monday, Oct.13, at the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine in Oklahoma City. The Sesquicentennial will continue for 18 months, as additional anniversaries are celebrated.
For more information, or to donate to the Sacred Heart Restoration Appeal, click here.
Holy Family Cathedral, St. Michael Catholic Radio to Host Dominican Friars
TULSA — Saint Michael Catholic Radio and Holy Family Cathedral have teamed up to host Godsplaining: Day of Recollection on Aug. 30-31.
The program, "The Most Holy Rosary – Our Lady’s Lasso," will be presented by Dominican Friars Fr. Gregory Pine, Fr. Patrick Briscoe, and Fr. Joseph-Anthony Kress during a grace-filled, two-day spiritual event centered on the Most Holy Rosary. The event will focus on the Rosary, exploring each of the Mysteries — Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous — and invite attendees into a deeper life of Christ. Through guided meditation, relevant talks, and communal recitation, the event seeks to rediscover the Rosary as a powerful source of spiritual renewal.
The Godsplaining podcast is a production of the Dominican Friars of the Province of St. Joseph. The Friars delve into meaningful, faith-based discussions, share personal stories, and explore the richness of Catholic faith and tradition in their regular podcasts.
The Tulsa event is open to the public. The tentative schedule is as follows:
Saturday, Aug. 30
8 a.m. — Mass
8:45 a.m. — Breakfast
9:30 a.m. — First Conference
10:30 a.m. — First Podcast
11:15 a.m. — Holy Hour w/ Confessions
12:30 p.m. — Lunch
1:30 p.m. — Second Conference
2:30 p.m. — Second Podcast
3:15 p.m. — End
Sunday, Aug. 31
10 a.m. — Mass with the Friars
Reception to Follow
For more event and registration information, click here.
From the Editor...
Our Independence Day celebrations may have been tempered this past weekend as we learned the terrible news coming out of the Texas Hill Country. If you were keeping up with your news feed or watching on television, the unfolding scenes of unimaginable flash flooding unleashing devastation and death in Kerr County were difficult to watch, especially upon learning that so many of the victims were children attending summer camp.
Shortly afterward, Bishop David Konderla, himself a son of the Lone Star State, issued the following statement: "...the faithful of the Diocese of Tulsa join our prayers with those suffering in the aftermath of the floods in Texas. May those who are in a time of suffering find comfort and peace."
Amid so much human suffering and misery, there are also many emerging stories that tell of incredible individual sacrifice, uncommon courage and true compassion. Such terrible tragedies often have a way of revealing the best of human nature even as we deal with devastating loss. Oklahomans know this all too well.
The shocking natural disaster also prompted Pope Leo XIV to issue the following statement: "I would like to express sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters, who were at the summer camp, in the disaster caused by flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas in the United States. We pray for them."
In the coming days, weeks, and months, we will not only offer our prayers, but also render human aid and comfort. One of those ways is through the network of Catholic Charities operating in dioceses throughout the nation. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonio is offering support and services to those in need through emergency supplies such as bottled water, blankets, clothing, and hygiene kits. For information on how to help those impacted by the crisis, click here.
Our hearts and prayers are with all families affected by this tragedy in Texas. Let us find comfort in Psalm 46:1: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
Our hearts and prayers are with all families affected by this tragedy in Texas. Let us find comfort in Psalm 46:1: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
Chris Rush
Editor
"Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" — Philippians 4:8
