Dominick Denney recalled the first time he felt called to the priesthood. He was 6 and serving the Holy Mass when the thought, “I could do that!” came to his mind.
Throughout Denney’s childhood, priests had a particular impact on him, asking if he had considered a call to the priesthood. This unlocked his first memory of when he heard the call.
Now in his eighth year as a seminarian, Denney said the journey has not been easy, yet it would not have been possible without the generous support he has received.
“As the Lord says through the prophet Jeremiah: ‘For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope’ (Jer. 29:11). The Lord knows what his people need without us even asking for it!” Denney said. “Seeing how many seminarians we have this year, it is clear the Lord is answering our prayers. Please consider supporting the Seminarian Education Appeal so that we can live our vocations of love and service to you and our almighty God.”
Your gift to the Annual Catholic Appeal continues to support vocation efforts in the archdiocese, and this appeal reaches far beyond vocations. It equips teachers and catechists to share the faith in parishes and Catholic schools. It helps nurture families, allowing them to grow together in discipleship. The tribunal is available for families, free of charge, in times of challenge to restore God’s hope and love. Each ministry is supported through the appeal and is a visible expression of Archbishop Coakley’s mission to Go Make Disciples.
And through the Communications Appeal, the message of hope spreads even farther. From sharing stories in the Sooner Catholic that can reach far beyond parish boundaries to livestreamed liturgies that reach the homebound, your gift ensures that the Gospel can be heard and hearts can be touched, no matter where people are on their faith journey.
This Advent season, a season of preparation, reflection and anticipation, we are reminded that Christmas is the ultimate gift – God’s gift of his Son to the world. In the spirit of giving, we invite you to share your own gift of love with our Church. Your year-end gift will help form future priests, strengthen vital ministries or share the Good News across the archdiocese.
Together we are one Church, one Body in Christ sharing our Faith in Action.
Jennifer Yardley is the director of annual giving for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.
Gifts may be mailed to:
Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
Dept # 960658
Oklahoma City, OK 73196
Make checks payable to: Archdiocese of Oklahoma City