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February 19, 2026Early February brought a series of meaningful experiences for students at Cristo Rey OKC Catholic High School, blending a formation of faith, service, history and community engagement.
Through events including the Oklahoma City National Memorial’s Journey of Hope program, Rose Day at the state capitol, our Black History Month assembly and our ninth-grade pilgrimage honoring Blessed Stanley Rother, students were invited to reflect on faith, compassion and leadership in action.
Learning through dialogue
Students participated in the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum’s Journey of Hope initiative, featuring the Better Conversations program at Saint Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Del City.
Through facilitated small group discussions, students practiced virtues such as hospitality, humility, patience and generous listening with tools designed to help them engage in meaningful dialogue across one another's differences.
Panelists directly impacted by the Oklahoma City bombing shared personal stories of loss, survival and resilience. Survivors, volunteers and community members spoke about empathy and the strength of the Oklahoma City community, giving students an opportunity to learn history through lived experiences.
After the conversations, students entered a period of adoration, reflecting prayerfully on what they had heard and discussed. The day connected classroom learning with spiritual growth and reinforced Cristo Rey OKC’s mission to form thoughtful, compassionate leaders.
A witness for life at Rose Day
Students traveled to the Oklahoma State Capitol on Feb. 4 to participate in Rose Day, an annual pro-life event attended by hundreds of supporters across Oklahoma. The day began with Mass at Corpus Christi Catholic Church before students joined the march, distributed red roses to elected officials, and listened to speeches on the House floor.
The roses served as symbols of respect for life and encouragement for leaders to protect the unborn. Students also greeted Archbishop Coakley and received benediction before returning to campus. For parents and alumni, events like Rose Day highlight how students put Catholic social teaching into practice beyond the classroom, witnessing to their faith in the public square with compassion and courage.
Honoring legacy during Black History Month
Cristo Rey OKC students also gathered for a Black History Month assembly, celebrating perseverance, faith and cultural legacy. Guests from Young Achievers Christian Academy delivered an engaging performance alongside an inspiring message from their founder Charitta Smith focused on purpose and resilience.
The program encouraged students to reflect on the strength of those who came before them while recognizing their own potential to create positive change. Through music, storytelling and reflection, the assembly offered a meaningful way to celebrate diversity and honor the contributions of Black leaders and communities.
Freshmen walk in the footsteps of Blessed Stanley Rother
Ninth-grade students traveled to Okarche for a field trip centered on the life of Blessed Stanley Rother, the school’s patron saint. The day included a student-performed play at Holy Trinity Catholic School, visits to Rother’s childhood home and home parish and a stop at the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine.
Students concluded their pilgrimage by watching a documentary and spending time in prayer at the chapel. The experience allowed the freshmen to deepen their understanding of faith, service and missionary discipleship through the story of a local priest who gave his life in service to others.
A month of growth and community
Together, these events reflected Cristo Rey OKC’s commitment to forming students academically, spiritually and socially. By connecting lessons of faith with real world experiences, from civil dialogue and historical reflection to advocacy and cultural celebration, students gained opportunities to grow as compassionate leaders rooted in Catholic values.