More than 1,000 youth enjoy Totus Tuus

Father John Paul Lewis proposes an ambitious goal for Totus Tuus, the Catholic summer youth program dedicated to sharing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic faith.

“I would love for us to get to the point where every child in Oklahoma could attend a week of Totus Tuus during the summer,” said Father Lewis, pastor at Saint Francis of Assisi in Oklahoma City with a long dedication to the program. “To do so, we need parishioners willing to help organize it, pastors willing to allow Totus Tuus into their parishes, and most especially, young people willing to give their summer to the Lord as missionaries, sharing their faith with young people throughout our state.”

While not there – yet – in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, Totus Tuus was featured in 11 parishes involving more than 1,000 youth this summer. The term “Totus Tuus” was a motto of the late Saint John Paul II, in Latin meaning “Totally Yours.”

The program’s foundation and what makes it popular with the youth, parents and parishes, is the following:

The Five Marks of Totus Tuus:
1. Proclamation of the Gospel: to arouse faith.
2. Explanation: examination of the reasons for beliefs.
3. Christian witness: an experience of Christian living.
4. Celebration of the Sacraments: especially Holy Eucharist and confession.
5. Active witness: participating in the missionary nature of the Catholic Church.

The Five Pillars of Totus Tuus:
1. The Eucharist.
2. Marian Devotion.
3. Catechetical Instruction.
4. Vocational Discernment.
5. Fun.

“We had a great experience with Totus Tuus this year,” said Sharon Stutts, director of religious education at Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Enid. “This is our 11th year to host Totus Tuus and once again the kids thoroughly enjoyed it.

“I believe this is one of our best years yet for Totus Tuus. The team was exceptional and really captured the imagination of our younger students and the high school kids really connected with the team. I’m always amazed at how the team comes up with such creative ways to help kids not only remember what they’ve learned but also have a blast doing it.”

At Saint Gregory the Great, they stress elements like the Mass, the Rosary, the virtues, the Beatitudes and more, in a fun interactive way. Throughout the week, the youth attend daily Mass, spend time in Adoration, and those old enough can receive the Sacrament of Confession.

Sophie, a high school senior at Saint Gregory the Great, has participated in Totus Tuus for many years, beginning the morning program as a student, serving later as a volunteer for the morning program and finally as a teen participant. 

“I have attended Totus Tuus since the second grade,” she said. “As a child, I loved everything about Totus Tuus. I always had so much fun with everything we did, including the songs, dances, skits, recess and especially Friday, when we had a water day.

“I recall learning about my faith, asking questions, and praying a lot. Every year, my favorite part of Totus Tuus was Eucharistic Adoration. It was a time that I felt God’s tangible presence and overwhelming peace.”

Father Lewis has firsthand knowledge of how important Totus Tuus is to the youth of the archdiocese. He’s hosted the program at every parish he’s been since his ordination, and was a Totus Tuus Missionary in 2008 and 2010. 

“I have seen the impact of faith that it has on young people in my parish, and it is incredible the grace that God pours out on his children through this program,” he said. “To see kids excited about the faith, eager to attend Mass, and convinced that it’s possible to be holy is everything that I can want as a pastor.

“My life, and the life of many of my parishioners, have been transformed by the formation received in Totus Tuus. My desire for my young people is that they grow not just in their understanding of the faith, but in a deep love for the Lord, a desire to enter the life of the Church, and a conviction that holiness is possible for them, in the circumstances of their daily life. It will be fun and joyful, and it will be prayerful and transformative.”

For more information about a parishes hosting Totus Tuus in 2026, people can contact their pastor or religious education coordinator. Additional information regarding the program, what it’s like to be a missionary, etc. can be found online at dioceseoftulsa.org/totus-tuus. Applications for Missionaries in 2026 are being accepted.  
 
Charles Albert is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.

Photo: Parishioners from St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Enid enjoyed Totus Tuus this summer. Photo provided.