e-newsletter companion of Eastern Oklahoma Catholic magazine
St. Catherine of Alexandria Church
Celebrates Centennial
Historic West Tulsa Parish Marks Anniversary with Mass, Traditional Zomi Meal and Entertainment
TULSA — Bishop David Konderla celebrated a special Mass on Saturday morning in front of an overflow crowd of parishioners and guests marking the centennial of an historic west Tulsa parish.
St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church and its Pastor, Father Robert Cin Lam Kim, welcomed Bishop Konderla for an 11 a.m. Mass, followed by a Harvest Festival including a traditional Zomi (Burmese) meal, Zomi song and dance performances, games and prizes, and a parish and school history display. Several priests, deacons, and member of the Knights of Columbus ceremonial guard were present for the historic occasion.
"We have celebrated a lot of anniversaries this year in the diocese," Bishop Konderla told those gathered. "When we celebrate anniversaries, we look backwards because we are looking at the last hundred years and all of the people who have contributed
under the work of the Holy Spirit, to create the parish where is it today. We want to see the parish continue to grow and develop as it has for these past 100 years. So today we can see the future of the parish in the children of the parish."
Indeed, a large percentage of those in attendance were children and adolescents from the robust Zomi community. A children's choir, many dressed in traditional Zomi attire, sang a song of praise during the Mass then played games outdoors during the celebratory picnic that followed.
"These children who are with us today are the first generation of the next 100 years." said Bishop Konderla. "The adults of the parish — the mothers and the fathers of the parish — will teach them how to be disciples of Jesus Christ and how to raise their families as disciples of Jesus Christ."
Following the Mass, Father Kim invited all those in attendance — many in overflow seating set up in the church's foyer — to stay for a Harvest Festival in the parking lot.
"Come and join us and be a part of the history. We have been chosen to be part of this centennial journey and faith," said Fr. Kim. "I would like to thank all of you who are here today — our choir members and all the volunteers. Thank you so much and God bless you all."
Initially started a century ago as a mission of Holy Family parish to serve the blue-collar community on Tulsa's west side, the parish has since grown to serve approximately 240 families and includes a pre-K through 8th grade school educating more than160 students.
In 2024, Bishop David Konderla approved decrees culminating with the merger of the Zomi-Burmese speaking congregation of the former Tonu Maria Siangtho Lungtang (Immaculate Heart of Mary) parish with the English-speaking congregation of St. Catherine. Tonu Maria had been established in 2012 to serve the pastoral needs of Tulsa's Zomi-Burmese immigrant community. The two parish communities had shared the same facilities for several years prior to the merger. The combined parish celebrates Mass in either English or the Zomi language throughout the week.
EOC Photos by Chris Rush
Local Catholic Educators Honored
Bishop Celebrates Mass at Annual St. Francis of Assisi Trust Event
TULSA — Thirteen educators selected from each of the Catholic schools within the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma were recognized as 2026 Teachers of the Year at the annual St. Francis of Assisi Tuition Trust Mass at St. Pius X Catholic Church Friday evening.
Speaking of St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast day was observed on Sunday, Bishop David Konderla told the schoolteachers and administrators gathered that the saint was in constant gratitude to God over everyday things, the natural world, and creation."The more that we can become like children and simply rest in that gaze of God the Father, the easier will be our life, the more peace and joy that we will have," said Bishop Konderla during his homily. "And in our work as educators, the easier it will be to pass that on also to the children."
The Saint Francis of Assisi Tuition Assistance Trust was established in 1999 to give local Catholic families the opportunity to afford a Catholic education. In October every year, on or near the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Trust hosts an annual fundraiser to grow the corpus of the trust so that more families may be assisted with tuition.
"Our schools are enriched by teachers who embrace the work as more than a profession," said Catholic Schools Superintendent David Dean following the Mass.
"They understand it as a vocation, a call, to help shape the minds and hearts of the students they serve. Each day, they offer their gifts of knowledge, faith, compassion, bearing witness to Christ's love, and helping young people become the Christian disciples that God created them to be."
Before recognizing the evening's honorees, Dean expressed his sincere gratitude to the many donors and supporters of the St. Francis of Assisi Tuition Trust.
"Since the year 2000, the trust has awarded over $9 million in financial aid to approximately 9,600 students throughout the diocese," said Dean. "As you probably know, we're blessed to have 13 Catholic schools, 4,700 students, and more than 520 educators throughout the diocese."
School principals selected an individual teacher from their school who embodies the true nature of being an excellent Catholic educator.
"These are teachers who are kind, faithful, compassionate, and charitable," said Dean. "And they're passionate about helping the students learn."
Just prior to recognizing each of this year's honorees (see adjacent list), Dean posthumously recognized former St. Jospeh Catholic School in Muskogee teacher Marian O'Rourke who spent more than 35 years in both public and private schools. She was represented by her colleague, Patty Allison, who was last year's St. Joseph's Teacher of the Year winner. Her daughter Nicole Bowling was also present. A scholarship in her memory has been established for students at St. Joseph's Catholic School Pre-K Center in her honor.
For more information or to donate to the St. Francis of Assisi Tuition Assistance Trust, click here.
Teachers of the Year:
• All Saints Catholic School:
Lindsey Gardenhire
3rd grade
• Bishop Kelley High School:
Elisha Thach
Spanish & World Language Department chair
• Cascia Hall Preparatory School:
Dr. Candy Coonfield
9-12th, general chorus and performance ensemble
• Holy Family Classical School:
Amber Pequito
2nd grade
• Monte Cassino School:
Whitney Chillingworth
Mathematics
• Marquette Catholic School:
Megan Fischer
PreK
• San Miguel Middle School:
Roonie Leittem-Murrell
6-8th Grade Theology
• St Catherine of Alexandria Catholic School:
Catherine Hart
Middle School Science
• St John Catholic School:
Kara Malcom
1st Grade
• St Joseph Catholic School:
Marian O’Rourke
PreK
• Saints Peter & Paul Catholic School:
Leslie Galvan
3rd Grade
• St Pius X School:
Therese Iten
Librarian
• School of Saint Mary:
Ann Bloomfield
2nd Grade
Marian O'Rourke
EOC Photo by Chris Rush
The 2026 Catholic Teachers of the Year in the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma are pictured with Bishop David Konderla and Catholic Schools Superintendent David Dean at the annual St. Francis of Assisi Tuition Trust Mass and Awards at St. Pius X Church.
Schools Superintendent David Dean Announces Retirement Plans
BROKEN ARROW — David Dean, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma, has announced his retirement at the conclusion of the current academic year.
"After much prayer and consideration, I have decided to retire at the conclusion of the 2026-27 academic year," said Dean in an internal statement previously issued to Chancery employees, priests and deacons of the Diocese. "The allurement of spending more time with family, especially grandchildren and friends, has been a motivating factor in my decision."
Mr. Dean joined the Diocese in 2019. He attended the University of Kansas and was a student in the Integrated Humanities Program from which he earned his bachelor's degree in English, Education, and a minor in Classics. He converted to Catholicism during his senior year as an undergraduate and then obtained a Master's degree in Classics under the direction of legendary KU professor Dr. John Senior.
"I have enjoyed my seven plus years serving as Superintendent of Catholics Schools in the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma while working with many talented and devoted Catholic educators throughout our diocese and many others who make our schools places where students can encounter the true, the good and the beautiful as a reflection of and participation in God’s magnificence and munificence."
Prior to joining the Diocese, Dean taught English, Latin, World History and Philosophy of Education at middle school, high school and collegiate levels. He has been a principal/headmaster/president at different schools for more than 30 years prior to working for the Catholic Schools Office."We will be opening up a search for my replacement in early October," added Dean.
David Dean
About the Catholic Schools Superintendent
The Superintendent of Catholic Schools is appointed by the Bishop of the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma, and is the chief administrative officer of the diocesan schools within the diocese and of programs that come under the jurisdiction of the Catholic Schools Office. The Superintendent provides leadership, anticipates future needs and possibilities, and works collaboratively with diocesan councils, offices, and organizations, as well as with the broader educational and civic community within and outside of the Church.
For More Job Openings at Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Tulsa & Eastern Oklahoma,
U.S. Catholic Church Observes Respect Life Month in October
Local Faithful Hold Public, Prayerful and Peaceful Witness at St. Thomas More Parish
WASHINGTON — Each October since 1973, the Catholic Church in the United States observes Respect Life Month and focuses on reflecting more deeply on the dignity and gift of human life. This year, the theme chosen is Mary, Mother of Life.
“Our Blessed Mother is our model for upholding the sanctity of all human life in every stage and circumstance. We entrust all our efforts to protect mothers and babies to her motherly care, which we greatly need at this time,” said Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities. Read Bishop Thomas’ full statement in English or Spanish.
Locally, dozens of Catholics from around the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma took part in a Pray to End Abortion event sponsored by Life Chain on Sunday afternoon. Tulsa Life Chain hosted a pro-life ministry expo inside St. Thomas More Catholic Church in east Tulsa — the largest Catholic parish in Oklahoma — followed by a public awareness event on the sidewalk in front of the church. Local Life Chain organizers, who had been planning the event for months, sought a public, prayerful, and peaceful witness for life. Families were encouraged to attend and signs in English and Spanish were provided to raise awareness of passersby on busy 129th East Avenue.
Founded in 1987, Life Chain chapters around the nation have gathered in public witness on the first Sunday of October in prayerful repentance over the sin of abortion.
For more information about the local chapter of Life Chain, contact Teresa Prall at: teresamprall@gmail.com.
EOC Photos by Renata Copsey
Bishop Celebrates White Mass for Health Care Workers
TULSA — Bishop David Konderla celebrated the annual White Mass for all area health care workers Saturday night Holy Family Cathedral. Sponsored by Saint Francis Health System and Ascension St. John, the Mass was attended by doctors, nurses, clinical technicians and many other employees in healthcare-related fields, some wearing their medical scrubs and lab coats.
Bishop Konderla joked that with so many healthcare professionals in attendance, anyone suffering a medical episode during the Mass would surely be in good hands. During his homily, Bishop Konderla stressed the importance of treating the entire person.
"Each human person is made out of body and soul," said Bishop Konderla. "This is the profound thing that we need of the field of medicine and medical care. Because what medical professionals are working on is not merely our body, not only the soul, but is the person who is a union."
Bishop Konderla said that medical practitioners must always bear that in mind when treating the person in front of them.
"And so we must include compassion and prayer and discern spirituality in the working of medicine," said Bishop Konderla. "That's what makes Catholic health care so unique — is this union within medicine itself, a reflection of the union of the body, the soul, the person."
At the conclusion of the Mass, all active medical professionals were invited to join a group photograph with Bishop Konderla (see below) followed by a reception.
EOC Photos by Chris Rush
Rosary Rally Draws Faithful for Physical and Spiritual Exercise
BY JEAN YAEGER for the EOC
TULSA — Prayer and physical exercise came together Saturday morning at the 10th Annual Rosary Run & Rally benefitting St. Michael Catholic Radio. The event started with outdoor confessions, followed by 8 a.m. Mass celebrated by Bishop David Konderla who took inspiration from St. Francis of Assisi’s example of praising God for the beauty of creation.
“As we enjoy this amazing weather, and the opportunity to fill our lungs with good clean air and have a good run — and cramps and sore muscles — we can be doing it as a way of praising God,” he said, pointing to sunlight sparkling on the Arkansas River.
In a departure from previous years, this year’s Rally was held at West Bank Park in Tulsa. The theme was Jubilee of Sant Francis of Assisi. Participants of all ages prayed the Rosary as they ran or walked either one mile or five kilometers along the scenic trail. The festive atmosphere included cheers at the finish line, live music and a kid-friendly relay race.
Rally organizer Dave Schlittler said the annual event provides a Catholic witness to people passing by.
“How cool it is when we, as a community, bring our faith forward,” he said. “We take our prayers, our worship and our joy out of the confines of the church walls and live them so poignantly out in the world.”
For additional photos of Saturday's 2026 Rosary Run & Rally, see the St. Michael Catholic Radio Facebook page.
Photos Courtesy of
St. Michael Catholic Radio
From the Editor...
As if providentially in time for Respect Life Month, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt took important steps last week to bring clarity to questions concerning state-funding for abortion and abortion-related activities versus legitimate educational activities related to pro-life and abortion alternatives.
The governor's Amended Executive Order 2025-16 draws clear funding distinctions between abortion providers and pro-life entities who may be "receiving funds for providing education information concerning abortion," ...."for the purpose of promoting childbirth, protecting unborn life, discouraging abortion, or informing women of the potential physical, psychological, or other consequences resulting from abortion procedures."
Brett Farley serves as the Executive Director for the Catholic Conference of Oklahoma and also serves as Vice Chairman of the Board for the Oklahoma Life Foundation. He says the most significant revision is an express protection for publicly funded pro-life education and marketing, while retaining the original executive order’s broad restrictions on funding abortion-affiliated providers.
"Among other things, Gov. Stitt's Amended Executive Order provides protection for pro-life education and advertising," says Farley.
The governor's amended executive order was filed with the Secretary of State on Sept. 29 and has many positive implications for the pro-life movement here in Oklahoma. We will provide additional reporting on this development in a future issue.
Among several major events happening over the past weekend, Ascension St. John hosted the Bedrock Initiative — an ongoing effort to expand access to care and connect Tulsans with preventive screenings, health education and local resources. The free walk-in event took place Saturday morning at Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma. Providers from CCEOK and Ascension St. John worked side by side to offer high-quality, compassionate care. Clients were also able to receive groceries from The Market at Catholic Charities. To see photos from the event, check out the CCEOK Facebook page.
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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