Diocese Compiling Resources as Parishes Begin OCIA Classes

  BROKEN ARROW — Parishes around the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma are preparing to launch annual Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) classes at various dates and times over the next several weeks.
  A recent survey conducted by the Diocese and responded to by 24 parishes representing all six Vicariates indicates that most parishes will begin OCIA in August, with several others beginning in September. Traditionally, OCIA (formerly RCIA) classes begin in the fall and continue through the winter and spring, culminating with the Easter Vigil. However, to meet rising demand, some larger parishes like Holy Family Cathedral in Tulsa now offer a second OCIA course during the summer and fall. Some smaller parishes offer OCIA on an ongoing or year-round basis depending on demand.
  Based upon the survey responses, many parishes offer OCIA classes on Sundays around the Mass schedule, but at other parishes classes can take place on virtually any day of the week and at varying times during the day. Some parishes offer OCIA in English only, while others offer classes in both English and Spanish.
  With this wide variety of OCIA availability across the Diocese, the Chancery Communication Office is compiling an active listing of parishes showing their OCIA start and end dates and point of contact information. As additional parishes report, the information will be updated. To submit parish OCIA class information — start/stop dates, day and time, and contact information — please email communications@dioceseoftulsa.org
  Additionally, diocesan social media accounts and upcoming newsletters will promote OCIA class opportunities for those who are interested in becoming Catholic, the Catholic curious, or those returning to the faith. Finding a local parish is as easy as clicking on the Parish Finder and locator map on our website.
  For more information, click on our OCIA page at the Diocese website here; contact your local parish; or Sarah Jameson, Director of Parish Support for the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma.

Photo courtesy of Holy Family Cathedral

Stillwater Native, Father Paul Sheller, OSB, New Abbot of Conception Abbey

  CONCEPTION, MO. — A native Oklahoman is the new abbot of Conception Abbey.
  On Saturday, July 11, — the Feast of St. Benedict — the Benedictine monks of Conception Abbey, in Conception, Missouri, elected Father Paul Sheller, OSB, as their new abbot. He becomes the 11th abbot in Conception Abbey’s 153-year history, succeeding Abbot Benedict Neenan, OSB, who has retired after ten years of abbatial service.
   A native of Stillwater, Abbot Paul was at one time a seminarian for the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma prior to entering the monastic vocation. He professed vows as a Benedictine monk on August 15, 2006, and was ordained a priest on May 16, 2013. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Conception Seminary College in 2005 and a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Systematic Theology from St. Vincent Seminary in 2013. He later earned a Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University in 2020.
  Before his election as abbot, the monks of Conception Abbey gathered in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception to celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit, invoking the Holy Spirit for wisdom and guidance in the election process. The Right Rev. Justin Brown, OSB, president of the Swiss-American Congregation of the Benedictine Confederation, was the principal celebrant for the Mass and oversaw the election.
  Abbot Paul assumes his responsibilities as the spiritual and temporal leader of the community immediately; as is custom, a formal blessing will take place at a later date.
Abbot Paul, 44, was most recently assigned as Director of the Abbey Guest Center in 2024, in addition to his roles as Vocation Director and Master of Ceremonies.
  Since joining the monastery, Abbot Paul has served in various roles, including Abbey Subprior; Admissions director, Spiritual Formation director, chaplain, and instructor for Conception Seminary College; Planned Giving director; Tower Topics editor; and most recently Abbey Guest Center director, Vocation director, and Master of Ceremonies.
  Founded in 1873 from a monastery in Engelberg, Switzerland, Conception Abbey strives to continue its mission of prayer and service to the Church. The 51 monks of Conception Abbey operate Conception Seminary College, which educates future priests and permanent deacons, the Abbey Guest Center, and Altar + Home, a retail ministry for the domestic church.

Father Abbot Paul Sheller, OSB

CCEOK to Welcome 'People of Hope' Mobile Museum August 25-26

  TULSA — Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma will welcome the mobile museum "People of Hope" to Tulsa on August 25-26.
  "Step into an immersive mobile museum that showcases faith-filled stories from Catholic Charities agencies all over the country, including a story from one of CCEOK’s own staff members," states a promotional material on the CCEOK website. "People of Hope Museum: Faith-Filled Stories of Neighbors Helping Neighbors celebrates the power of Christian service and its transformative impact on both giver and receiver."
  Visitors will experience: 

• Video stories from people serving in their communities, sharing encounters with the one vulnerable client who impacted them the most;  
• An interactive poverty simulation of stepping into another person’s life, making difficult choices and experiencing the realities of living on the margins; 
• An audio library featuring curated 2- to 4-minute audio segments from seminal works on poverty, social isolation, bridgebuilding and community action, including by best-selling authors Arthur Brooks, Matthew Desmond, Robert Putnam, Oprah Winfrey, and others;  
• National and state data illustrating the scope of need and the vital role of social services organizations across the country; and 
• A recording studio that allows attendees to share their own stories of hope and service.

  Because some content addresses sensitive themes of poverty and stories of past trauma, the museum experience is intended for those 14 years of age and older, according to organizers.
  CCEOK will release a full schedule of events closer to the date and there will be multiple opportunities for the public to view the museum as well as special events for volunteers and donors. Groups will also be able to reserve a time to view the museum.  
  For more information, contact Alondra Griffith at agriffith@cceok.org or go to https://cceok.org/people-of-hope for more information.