Archbishop's Column

Since my installation as archbishop 15 years ago, I have not ceased praying for a new Pentecost leading to a New Evangelization in Oklahoma, a renewal that would stir in hearts a deeper encounter with the Word made flesh and a conscious decision to follow Jesus Christ.

As a young person growing up in the Catholic faith, confession was something I usually dreaded. Through high school and into college I would put it off for months at a time. As a young adult, and certainly through my priestly ministry, I have come to recognize confession as a great gift.

We have begun our Lenten journey toward Easter. Since it’s a spiritual journey – a journey of faith – the destination is not a physical one. We won’t notice a change in geography or location when we arrive, but the journey is no less real. If we persevere in the journey, we will move from an old way of relating to God to a renewed one.

During Catholic Schools Week from Jan. 25 to 31, we have an opportunity to reflect on and express our gratitude for the blessings of our Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we may find ourselves somewhat conflicted at this time of year. We are in the final days of Advent and stand at the threshold of the Christmas season, which begins with the Solemnity of the Lord’s Nativity.

Pope Francis has invited the entire Church to celebrate a Year of Jubilee. For all of 2025 we have been promised a unique outpouring of God’s goodness and grace, a wealth of blessings.

The theme of Jubilee Year 2025 – “Pilgrims of Hope” – summons each of us and the whole Church to renew our commitment to Jesus Christ and to one another. We are pilgrims together.

People choose Catholic education for many reasons. Some families choose it for excellence in academic instruction. Some choose it for the tight-knit community. Some choose it so their children will be taught according to a moral compass with an emphasis on virtue.

One of the central mysteries of our faith is the Incarnation, which the Church celebrates most solemnly at Christmas.

In a few short weeks, 2024 will come to an end. Our well-planned Christmas celebrations will bleed into our anticipation of a new year, which offers a new beginning. But, 2025 won’t be just any new year. This new year is a Jubilee year!

As Thanksgiving Day draws near, many of us may recall the story of that first Thanksgiving in America.

When I travel around the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, I have the joy of celebrating Mass with many of our young disciples. I love meeting these students, perhaps during a school visit or a Confirmation.

Every four years we are presented with the prospect of the “most important election of our lifetime.” Perhaps this admonition is accurate.

In every Catholic diocese, the cathedral stands not merely as a building of brick and mortar, but a profound symbol of faith and communion.

Even though the global COVID-19 pandemic is a few years behind us, recalling those strange and challenging times can still stir up strong emotional responses.

When the U.S. bishops initiated the Eucharistic Revival more than two years ago, we wanted to spark a new awareness and appreciation of the great gift of the Eucharist throughout our nation.

When we celebrate the Eucharist, every element is important. The Church’s liturgy is the result of centuries of development, enabling us to worship the Father in Spirit and in truth by drawing us into Jesus’ own perfect sacrifice on the cross.

The National Eucharistic Congress

The history of salvation began the moment our first parents rebelled against God’s commandment in Eden.

In Oklahoma, summertime means heat. But, for many people summertime also is when we look forward to a much-anticipated vacation.