e-newsletter companion of Eastern Oklahoma Catholic magazine
Ascension St. John Foundation Awards $16M in Health Equity Grants to Area Nonprofits
TULSA — Ascension St. John Foundation awarded more than $16 million in community-focused health equity grants at its 2nd annual Legacy of Love Luncheon on Friday at Tulsa Country Club.
A significant grant was again awarded to Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma and its Saint Teresa of Calcutta Dental Clinic.
Following the welcome by Lauren Landwerlin, President of Ascension St. John Foundation, Bishop David Konderla blessed the meal. Speakers included introductions by Kojo Asamoa-Cesar, Director of Community Health at ASJ; Stephen Pyle of The Common Good; and address by Jabraan Pasha, MD, FACP, Senior Advisor of Community Health for the City of Tulsa.
Ascension St. John Ministry Market CEO Bo Beaudry closed by thanking all those in attendance including community leaders, health equity partners, representatives from each of this year’s grant-funded organizations and teh ASJ eam for their work on fostering relationships with community partners.
According to organizers, the intent of the St. John Health Equity Initiative grants are to address some of our area’s most pressing needs: housing stability, food insecurity, access to healthcare and mental health support. Since 2022, the St. John Health Equity Initiative has provided approximately $74 million in direct operational and programmatic support for local organizations.
“This year marks 100 years of St. John and its unwavering presence in our community. As we celebrate our centennial, we reflect on our Christ-centered mission of service to our patients," said Landwerlin. "Through the dedication of a committed local donor to the St. John Foundation, these health equity grants allow us to extend our mission outside our hospital walls and into the community. The goal: to improve the health of our neighbors in need, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for Tulsa.”
To learn more, click here.
2026 St. John Health Equity Initiative Grantees:
$1,000,000+ Green Country Habitat for Humanity* Good Samaritan Health Services Hunger Free Oklahoma* Tulsa Housing Authority* Tulsa Community Foundation/Tulsa Parks*
$500,000 - $999,999 Neighbors Along the Line* The Common Good* The University of Oklahoma Foundation ● Tulsa Healthcare Coverage Program ● Bedlam Clinics
$250,000 - $499,999 Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma Tulsa CARES The Parent Child Center of Tulsa Tulsa Day Center Education for Scholars* RG Foods*
$100,000 - $249,000 Counseling Skillz on Wheelz Crossover Health Services Cura for the World Family & Children’s Services H.O.P.E. Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa Modus Oklahoma Project Woman Smiles of Faith The UMA Center Tulsa Health Department
$50,000 - $99,000 Ascension Dispensary of Hope Global Gardens* Mental Health Association Oklahoma Neighbors Along the Line *Denotes multi-year grants
ABOVE: Lauren Landwerlin, President of Ascension St. John Foundation (second from right) presents a grant award to Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma's Saint Teresa of Calcutta Dental Clinic. Representing CCEOK from left to right are Brennen Gray, Dr. Jennifer Cook, DDS, CEO Deacon Kevin Sartorius, Bishop David Konderla, and Laurie Gero. BELOW: From left, Deacon Kevin Sartorius, CEO of Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma; Bo Beaudry, Ministry Market Chief Executive Officer of Ascension St. John; and Most Rev. David Konderla, Bishop of the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma.
Photos by Tom Gilbert
for Ascension St. John
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen to be Beatified
By FAITH Catholic
PEORIA, ILL — On Monday, Feb. 9, Bishop Louis Tylka of the Diocese of Peoria announced that he had been informed by the Holy See that the cause for the Venerable Servant of God Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen can proceed to beatification.
The Diocese has not yet announced when Sheen’s beatification Mass would be scheduled but is expected to be held in the coming year.
This is the next major step in the process toward sainthood. After the Beatification Mass, Archbishop Sheen would be given the title “Blessed” and public devotion can be promoted on the local level.
Archbishop Sheen is remembered for his deep faith and devotion, as well as his work as an evangelist on radio and television. He also led the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and was a great supporter of the Church’s missionary work across the globe.
Additional information is available at the Diocese of Peoria website here.
Diocese Now Accepting Applications for Totus Tuus Summer Missionary Program
BROKEN ARROW — The Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma is looking for young men and women who are in love with the Lord ready to learn how to share the faith with all they encounter through Totus Tuus of Oklahoma this summer.
Missionaries must be a graduate of high school over the age of 18, having received all sacraments of initiation, actively practicing the faith.
"Consider dedicating your summer to God, influencing young people by teaching them about His Truths, while growing deeper in love with Him yourself," says Sarah Jameson, Director of the Parish Support Team for the Diocese. "This summer job is probably one of the most difficult, but definitely the most rewarding one you could ever imagine. Come join us in changing lives this summer!"
Any college-aged student or young adult practicing the Catholic faith who desires to give themselves totally to Jesus Christ through His Mother Mary this summer may apply to be a Totus Tuus missionary. This is a paid position qualifying as an internship for those who need to secure one for college.
"We want our team members to want to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and be willing to grow throughout the summer," says Jameson.
For more information or to apply, click here or scan the QR cod below.
The deadline to apply to serve as a Totus Tuus missionary for next summer is March 2026. Questions or concerns can be forwarded to Jameson via email sarah.jameson@dioceseoftulsa.org or by calling 918-207-4939.
Saint Francis Health System Expands in Bristow
BRISTOW — Just after the stroke of midnight on Feb.15, Saint Francis Health System assumed operations of the hospital facility at 700 W. 7th Ave, in Bristow.
According to St. Francis leaders, the facility will operate as a 24/7 urgent care while the emergency room licensure process is completed. That is expected to happen in the coming weeks, after which it will transition back to a full emergency room. Other services at the facility will continue, including the primary care clinic, which will become a second Warren Clinic Bristow location. Additional services include laboratory, imaging, and physical therapy.
According to St. Francis leaders, the facility will operate as a 24/7 urgent care while the emergency room licensure process is completed. That is expected to happen in the coming weeks, after which it will transition back to a full emergency room. Other services at the facility will continue, including the primary care clinic, which will become a second Warren Clinic Bristow location. Additional services include laboratory, imaging, and physical therapy.
"Our priority is continuing care and investing in the long-term health of Bristow," said Dr. Cliff Robertson, president and CEO of Saint Francis Health System. "Rural hospitals are vital to the health and well-being of our communities. We are proud to partner with Bristow to ensure its hospital remains a cornerstone of care for years to come."
On Nov. 25, of last year, the Bristow City Council approved a lease between Saint Francis and the Bristow Hospital Authority, ensuring the continued operation of Bristow’s hospital and preserving essential healthcare access for the community.
Saint Francis first began serving Bristow in 2023 with the opening of Warren Clinic Bristow. This new partnership builds upon that foundation, preserving critical healthcare services for the community, including emergency care, imaging, physical therapy, and laboratory services.
Ascend, The Great Books Podcast Invites Faithful to Read Dante's Purgatorio During Lent
BROKEN ARROW — Ascend, The Great Books Podcast is inviting people to read Dante's The Divine Comedy: Purgatorio this Lent. Ascend has partnered wit The Center of Beauty and Culture at Benedictine College and Dr. Jason Baxter to read his new translation of Dante Alighieri's literary masterpiece.
"On The Ascent, we published an article last week on Why Your Soul Needs Purgatorio," says Deacon Harrison Garlick. "Last time we had about 2,000 people read the Inferno with us."
"On The Ascent, we published an article last week on Why Your Soul Needs Purgatorio," says Deacon Harrison Garlick. "Last time we had about 2,000 people read the Inferno with us."
Deacon Garlick is the host of Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, a deacon, husband, father, attorney, and Chancellor for the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma.
"If people have not read the Inferno, we read that last Lent (2025) and all those podcasts and videos are posted on Apple and Spotify as well as YouTube playlist," says Deacon Garlick.
Last week, Ascend hosted an introduction to Purgatorio with Dr. Baxter. The remaining schedule includes:
2.17.26: Cantos 1-5 (Ante-Purgatory) with Dr. Donald Prudlo, University of Tulsa
2.24.26: Cantos 6-12 (Ante-Purgatory, Gate, First Terrace) with Luke Heintschel, Headmaster, Coeur du Christ Academy
3.3.26: Cantos 13-17 (Envy and Wrath) with Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson, Pepperdine University
3.10.26: Cantos 18-22 (Avarice and Prodigality) with Dr. Sarah Berry, University of Dallas
3.17.26: Cantos 23-27 (Gluttony and Lust) with Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP
3.24.26: Cantos 28-31 (Earthly Paradise) with Dr. Michael West, University of Dallas.
3.31.26: Cantos 32-33 (Beatrice) with Joshua Charles and Dr. Frank Grabowski, Holy Family Classical School
Bishop to Celebrate Ascension St. John Centennial Mass Tuesday Evening at Cathedral
TULSA — The public is invited to a special Centennial Mass commemorating the 100-year anniversary of Ascension St. John Hospital in Tulsa.
Bishop David Konderla will celebrate the Mass at 4:30 p.m. this Tuesday, at Holy Family Cathedral. A reception will take place immediately following. For those who cannot attend in person, The Mass will be live streamed at www.facebook.com/holyfamilycathedral.
The original St. John Hospital, located at 21st and Utica Avenue, was completed in 1926. Ascension St. John pins it birthday 100 years ago, on Feb. 14, to the first baby born at the hospital, a girl named Lillian, a full week before the hospital officially opened on Feb. 22, with seven patients already admitted.
"Ascension St. John is grateful to be a part of the many communities we serve, especially in service to the poor and vulnerable, and each day living our mission of continuing the healing ministry of Jesus."
"Ascension St. John is grateful to be a part of the many communities we serve, especially in service to the poor and vulnerable, and each day living our mission of continuing the healing ministry of Jesus."
Learn more about the centennial and history of Ascension St. John by clicking here.
From the Editor...
In just two days, on Ash Wednesday, we Catholics enter the most spiritually relevant and sacred period of the Church calendar, 40 days of Lent followed by the Easter season.
Scanning the parish websites and social media pages from around our Diocese, there is no shortage of opportunities for worship, adoration, devotion, prayer, bible studies, book studies, retreats, fellowships, and more. Given that our Diocese is small by comparison to most others in the U.S., we are clearly blessed with an abundance of Catholic culture and very robust parish life.
This Lenten season provides a perfect opportunity to get plugged in and spiritually revitalize. It's also a great time to invite that Catholic curious friend to come and see, or that family member who hasn't been to Mass in a while to re-engage their faith.
One helpful resource is the Diocesan partnership with the Hallow prayer app. Designed to encourage daily Catholic prayer life, either individually or in community with fellow parishioners or small groups, Hallow offers Lenten prayers, Rosaries, Novenas, daily readings, Gospels, reflections, Bible in a Year, and Sunday Homilies from our own Bishop David Konderla. Many of these features are offered free of charge.
For Ash Wednesday Mass times, check with your parish website or bulletin. To find a parish near you, click on the parish finder feature on our Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma website.
Until next week, thanks for reading!
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
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