WASHINGTON (CNS) — The 20th anniversary of the U.S. bishops’ passage of the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” is “not a time of celebration, but a time of continued vigilance and determination,” said the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

SAN ANTONIO (CNS) — Those finding themselves between hurt and hope in difficult times need help.

“I commend Bishop Konderla, the priests of the Diocese of Tulsa and the Sisters of Mercy for their swift response to attend to the pastoral needs of those involved in this latest act of mass gun violence. I ask Catholics and all people of faith to pray for the men and women killed today and for their families who now must grieve tremendous loss. We need to speak louder in defense of all human life from conception until natural end, and find ways to stop the mass killing of innocent human beings.”

Dear readers of the Sooner Catholic, This is my last issue as editor of the Sooner Catholic. Starting this fall, I will be taking on a new full-time job as grandma to our new grandson! 

The Oklahoma legislature has passed a Texas-style law limiting abortion, ahead of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that could allow many more restrictions on abortion.

Safe Environment protocols were put into place after the creation in 2002 of the USCCB’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, which reached its 20-year anniversary this month.

When the fire of 1901 destroyed Sacred Heart Abbey and Saint Mary’s Academy in Konawa, the Sisters of Mercy saw the benefit of transferring their efforts to Oklahoma City to found Mount Saint Mary’s Academy on the highest spot in the city. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City will host the 13th annual Reds, Whites & Brews on Friday, July 22, at Dunlap Codding in Oklahoma City’s Film Row. Proceeds will benefit the Sanctuary Women’s Development Center in Oklahoma City. 

Most, if not all, children experience fear.

Walking with Moms in Need is a nationwide initiative to increase support for pregnant and parenting mothers facing difficulties. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Catholic Health Association of the United States announced Andrew Ochs, regional director for mission integration at SSM Health Oklahoma, has been named to its 2022 Class of Tomorrow’s Leaders.

WICHITA – Five high school senior students have been awarded a 2022 Saint Newman Scholarship from Newman University in one of the largest and most competitive scholarship competitions in school history.