e-newsletter companion of Eastern Oklahoma Catholic magazine
Bishop's Dinner for Seminarian Education Draws Large Crowd, Support
TULSA — More than 300 guests packed Southern Hills Country Club in south Tulsa for the annual Bishop’s Dinner for Seminarian Education last Wednesday night.
After Bishop David Konderla opened the evening with prayer, the audience heard from speakers including recently ordained priest of the diocese Fr. Robert Williams, Seminarians Noah Drew and Joey Griggs, and Fr. Duy Nguyen, Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma.
"All the men here, the Seminarians, are only able to take time and space to pray and let Jesus teach them how to become a great man to give their life away because of people like you," said Fr. Williams. "And not just in your generosity financially, but also in your generous acts of faith in praying that God would raise up great men for the Church."
The annual dinner raises much-needed funds to fully support seminarians financially — including tuition and living expenses — during their lengthy education and formation process.
"I don't have to ask the question, 'how am I going to pay for this?' because of the diocese's generosity to cover our expenses fully," said Seminarian Joey Griggs. "I'm just so blessed to be a recipient of that generosity. It is a true gift for me."
All 17 current Seminarians within the diocese, including five new men entering the seminary this Fall, were introduced. Their families, as well as current members of the clergy, deacons, and religious in attendance were also recognized.
"Thank you for your encouragement and your support for us seminarians. Your generosity really has an impact," said Seminarian Noah Drew. "You've supported me financially, which means I don't have to worry about the practical side of things. I get to focus completely on growing in my relationship with the Lord and becoming the man he's planned for me to be."
In his closing remarks, Bishop Konderla acknowledged on the Feast Day of the Transfiguration, the transformative role of families and faith and offered blessings for a safe return and continual grace to all in attendance before concluding with singing of the Salve Regina.
For more information about Vocations in the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma, click here.
EOC Photos by Daniel McCay
Mass of Christian Burial Today for Father Charles Swett
TULSA — Father Charles Joseph Swett, a Roman Catholic Priest of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma, passed away Monday, August 4, 2025, at the age of 95.
Born July 26, 1930, in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, to Morris and Mary Swett, he was ordained a priest on May 25, 1957.
Fr. Swett has served at numerous parishes throughout Oklahoma, including Cathedral of Our Lady in Oklahoma City, St. Thomas More Chapel in Norman, St. John University Parish in Stillwater, St. Eugene in Weatherford, Immaculate Conception in Tulsa, Church of St. Mary in Tulsa, and St. Brigid in Tahlequah.
Described as well-read and well-spoken by those who knew him, Fr. Swett loved reading and keeping up on current topics, both in the Church and secular media. A copy of The New York Times was always close at hand. His appreciation for seminarians and their ability to think critically, often lead to lengthy conversations and edifying banter.
Born July 26, 1930, in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, to Morris and Mary Swett, he was ordained a priest on May 25, 1957.
Fr. Swett has served at numerous parishes throughout Oklahoma, including Cathedral of Our Lady in Oklahoma City, St. Thomas More Chapel in Norman, St. John University Parish in Stillwater, St. Eugene in Weatherford, Immaculate Conception in Tulsa, Church of St. Mary in Tulsa, and St. Brigid in Tahlequah.
Described as well-read and well-spoken by those who knew him, Fr. Swett loved reading and keeping up on current topics, both in the Church and secular media. A copy of The New York Times was always close at hand. His appreciation for seminarians and their ability to think critically, often lead to lengthy conversations and edifying banter.
A Rosary was prayed Sunday evening. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. today, August 11, at Holy Family Cathedral. A Graveside Service will take place afterward at Calvary Cemetery.
Bishop Blesses Tulsa’s First ACS-Verified Level I Trauma Center at Ascension St. John
TULSA — Ascension St. John Medical Center celebrated the official opening of the city's first and only Level I Trauma Center with a ribbon cutting and a blessing by Bishop David Konderla on Wednesday.
The center has been verified as Level I by the American College of Surgeons. The recent verification certifies that Ascension St. John possesses the highest national standard of resources and skills needed to provide comprehensive, critical care for patients with severe injuries.
Verified as a Level II Trauma Center since 2009, Ascension St. John has spent more than a decade providing ACS-verified exceptional trauma care. With the Level I Trauma verification, Ascension St. John now offers comprehensive trauma care for the most complex injuries, supported by specialists in neurosurgery, orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, vascular surgery, hand surgery, plastics, obstetrics/gynecology and other subspecialities needed-available 24/7.
"This Level I Trauma Center verification is a testament to Ascension St. John's commitment to delivering advanced, compassionate care for patients in Northeastern Oklahoma," said Dr. Michael Charles, Ascension St. John trauma program director. "It would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of every member of our team."
Hospital leaders say the verification is a major investment by Ascension St. John in the health and well-being of Northeastern Oklahoma residents and will significantly expand access to the highest level of emergency care, bringing faster response times, advanced medical capabilities, and life-saving treatment closer to home. Underserved and rural communities, in particular, will benefit from improved access to critical services.
"Ascension St. John's Level I Trauma Center is a game-changer for Tulsa and the entire Northeastern Oklahoma region," said Mayor Monroe Nichols. "This milestone reflects the strength and dedication of our local healthcare community, and the progress we're making together to expand access to lifesaving care for everyone."
This accomplishment comes as Ascension St. John prepares for its centennial anniversary. The health system has been blessed with a remarkable level of growth, technology, talent and prosperity over the last 100 years.
"St. John has been a fixture in the Tulsa community for 100 years," said Bo Beaudry, Ascension St. John CEO. "As Tulsa grows, St. John grows beside it. This important verification as a Level I Trauma Center will set the tone for excellence that will take us into the next 100 years of top-notch healthcare in Northeast Oklahoma."
The hospital has grown from a single facility into a comprehensive health system with seven hospitals, more than 80 clinics, and over 6,000 associates serving Northeast Oklahoma and Southeastern Kansas.
Series of Weekend Marriage Retreats Scheduled Around the Diocese This Fall
TULSA — Married couples from around the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma will have an opportunity to attend one of several weekend marriage retreats starting in September and going through November.
The Adventures in Marriage retreat is a highly interactive program that teaches couples the practical “hands-on” skills essential to build a healthy, thriving marriage that can go the distance. AIM helps couples discover better ways to meet one another’s needs, communicate, resolve conflicts, express anger, avoid dirty fighting, and understand how personality styles impact relationships for better or worse.
Put on by Florida-based Live the Life, the Adventures in Marriage retreat is appropriate for couples at any age or stage. AIM is designed to reach couples across the spectrum – it helps couples with good marriages discover how to have a great marriage, and it helps distressed marriages reboot and learn a much better way.
Two retreats will be held simultaneously on the weekend of Sept. 5-7; at St. Anne in Broken Arrow and at Christ the King in Tulsa. In October, retreats in both English and Spanish will be held at St. Pius X in Tulsa and St. Brigid in Tahlequah. In November, retreats will be held at St. Mary in Tulsa and St. Clement in Bixby.
For more information, or to register online for any of the six retreat weekends, click here or scan the QR code below.
Schedule Set for 'Godsplaing: Day of Recollection' Event at Holy Family Cathedral
TULSA — All are invited to join Dominican friars Fr. Gregory Pine, Fr. Patrick Briscoe, and Fr. Joseph-Anthony Kress for a grace-filled, two-day spiritual event centered on the Most Holy Rosary, Aug. 30-31, hosted by Holdy Family Cathedral and St. Michael Catholic Radio.
"The event will focus on Our Lady’s Lasso, exploring how each of the Mysteries — Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous — invites us deeper into the life of Christ," say organizers. "Through guided meditation, relevant talks, and communal recitation, we’ll seek to rediscover the Rosary as a powerful source of spiritual renewal."
There is no charge for this event and Saturday lunch is provided, but registration is required. For more information, or to register, click here.
The Godsplaining podcast is a production of the Dominican Friars of the Province of St. Joseph.
Save the Date: Mass for Business, Book Launch Set for Nov. 21 at CTK
TULSA — A Mass for business and a book launch in honor of St. Omobono of Cremona is planned at Christ the King Parish on Nov. 21. Bishop Konderla will celebrate Mass at 6 p.m., followed immediately by a book launch and reception.
In the book, Merchant Saint: The Church, the Market and the First Lay Canonization, authors Donald Prudlo of Tulsa, and Paul Voss trace Western attitudes to money, merchants, and the market through 3,000 years of history. The authors focus on St. Omobono of Cremona (1117–1197), as an axial figure in Christian Europe.
From the Editor...
Can you believe it's that time already? Public schools and Catholic schools within the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma are welcoming students back to campus to begin the 2025-26 academic year.
This morning, Bishop Kelley High School warmly welcomed its freshman class to campus with a 20-year tradition. “Kiss Your Mom Goodbye” is a unique, annual ritual coordinated by the senior class on the first day of school. When freshmen arrived on campus this morning, they were welcomed by seniors, many waving signs, encouraging the new students to kiss their parents or guardians goodbye before heading into their first day of high school. Look for pics on our social media accounts later today or tomorrow.
Many schools will officially begin class later in the week and have changes in store for the new school year. Take, for instance, the creation of a large green space at Holy Family Classical School in downtown Tulsa. Thanks to a recent adjacent property acquisition, a former parking lot is being transformed into a grassy lawn to run and play, or relax under the shade of mature trees — something that school has not had in a very long time. The school has also renovated some of its existing classroom spaces.
Meanwhile, other schools have embarked on major fundraising campaigns to grow and expand academc offerings. Marquette Catholic School in midtown Tulsa is in the midst of a major capital campaign, as is Cascia Hall Preparatory School. Bishop Kelley just recently completed its own major campaign.
Many other schools have made personnel and administrative changes. Monte Casino School's governance has transitioned from the Benedictine Sisters of St. Joseph Monastery to the school's Board of Directors. St. Joseph in Muskogee, and St. Mary and St. Pius X in Tulsa, each have new principals this year. And almost every school has multiple new teachers and staff members.
Another big change that has been previously noted here and in our social media is the
recent announcement that GO for Catholic Schools is now the official tax-credit scholarship fund for the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma. With this change, all tax-credit support is united under one trusted fund, making it easier than ever to support Catholic education. For information on how to support GO, click here.
For all those preparing to start the new academic year — whether administrators, teachers, staff members, or students — at both public and private schools, we wish you all the best of success. I'd like to share the following excerpts from an inspirational message that Father Leonardo Medina, pastor of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Hartshorne, recently posted on social media.
"Dear students, today marks a new stage filled with learning, challenges, and opportunities. May each day be an occasion to grow, discover, and give your very best," wrote Fr. Medina. "Remember: effort and perseverance are seeds that always bear fruit. Trust in God, dream big, and work hard for your goals!"
To read Fr. Medina's complete message on Facebook, click here. To learn more about Catholic schools within the diocese, click here.
Until next week, thanks for reading!
Chris Rush
Chief 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
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