Diocese of Tulsa

COME & SEE — Is God Calling You to the Priesthood? Sometimes discovering God's plan for your life begins with one simple step: Come and See! The Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma invites young men ages 16–25 to experience life at Conception Seminary College in Missouri. This special weekend offers an opportunity to step away from everyday distractions, deepen your relationship with Christ, meet seminarians, and explore whether God may be calling you to the priesthood. Through Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, communal prayer, vocation stories, and fellowship, participants will experience seminary life firsthand while learning to listen for God's voice. Upcoming Visits: November 13–15, 2026 April 9–11, 2027 There is no cost to attend. The registration deadline for the November visit is November 6. Do you know a young man who may be discerning a vocation? Share this invitation with him! Your encouragement could be the first step in helping him discover God's call. For information, contact the Vocations Office at 918-307-4936. Learn more and register (deadline November 3rd): dioceseoftulsa.org/conceptio… Let His Mission Be Yours!

A special visit with Bishop Konderla! Church of St. Benedict parishioner, Nick B. recently pulled this oak slice out of the garage and finished his Dad’s project. With guidance from "The Woodshop Project", he got it filled with epoxy, dovetailed, sanded, sanded, and sanded some more. But Nick still had questions about the oak itself and he knew just who to ask - Bishop Konderla! Accompanied by his mom and brother, Nick brought his finished piece to show Bishop, who shared some fascinating insights about trees and woodworking. Nick learned how bark slowly grows over a trimmed limb and how moisture and fungus can create the unique feathered and dark patterns in the wood. Bishop also explained oak's distinctive ray-like grain and why the wood can split as it dries. Their conversation even included different colors of epoxy, and Nick left with one more recommendation from Bishop - a finishing coat of Briwax! What a wonderful reminder that curiosity opens the door to learning, and sometimes the best conversations begin with a simple question! 🪵 Have you ever tackled a project that taught you something unexpected - or asked your pastor a question that led to a fascinating conversation? We’d love to hear your story! Share it at: [email protected]

✝️ ORDINATION BANNS — TRANSITIONAL DIACONATE Bann II The Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma joyfully announces the intention of James Southard to be ordained to the Transitional Diaconate by the Most Reverend David A. Konderla, Bishop of Tulsa, on December 18, 2026, at Holy Family Cathedral. If anyone knows of a canonical reason why this candidate should not be ordained, (cf. cc 1043 and 1015§2, please inform Fr. Duy Nguyen at 918-307-4909 or at [email protected] May the Holy Spirit strengthen James Southard with zeal and humility as he prepares for ordination.

✝️ ORDINATION BANNS — PRIESTHOOD Bann III The Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma joyfully announces that Rev. Mr. Joseph Yosten, Parishioner of Christ the King in Tulsa, is to be ordained to the Sacred Priesthood of Jesus Christ by the Most Reverend David A. Konderla, Bishop of Tulsa, on December 18, 2026, at Holy Family Cathedral. If anyone is aware of any canonical reason why this candidate should not be ordained (cf. cc 1043 and 1015§2), please inform Fr. Duy Nguyen at 918-307-4909 or at [email protected] May God bless Dcn. Joseph Yosten with peace and perseverance as he draws closer to the day of ordination. ✨

🎉 Congratulations to Bishop Konderla and Fr. Gary Kastl! Bishop David A. Konderla and Fr. Gary Kastl, Vicar General of the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma, were inducted into the Bishop Kelley High School Hall of Fame during a special ceremony on Sunday at Jarboe Hall! Bishop Konderla has served as Chairman of the Bishop Kelley Board of Directors for the past decade, while Fr. Kastl, a former president of Bishop Kelley, continues to serve as an ex-officio board member. The Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose extraordinary service and dedication have made a lasting impact on the Bishop Kelley community. Congratulations also to fellow inductee Jeff Pratt, former Vice Principal and Dean of Students, who dedicated 25 years of service to the school! 📰 Read the full story in this week's EOCextra! Bishop Kelley High School: bishopkelley.org/ Photos: Rodney RamosPro

🔔 TODAY THE CHURCH CELEBRATES Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles October 28 🕊️ WHAT WE REMEMBER Today the Church honors Sts. Simon and Jude, two of the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus. Though little is known about their lives, tradition holds that they carried the Gospel to distant lands and gave their lives for Christ. 🔥 WHY IT MATTERS Sts. Simon and Jude remind us that following Christ means trusting Him, even when the path is uncertain. Their faithfulness encourages us to share the Good News with courage and hope. 👣 HOW WE LIVE IT Reach out to someone who may be struggling or losing hope. Offer a prayer, a word of encouragement or a reminder that God has not forgotten them. ❓ CATHOLIC CURIOUS? Why is St. Jude the patron saint of hopeless causes? St. Jude is traditionally invoked in desperate situations and seemingly impossible circumstances. Catholics ask for his intercession, trusting that no situation is beyond God's loving care. Share these Saints with someone who may be curious about Catholic traditions and in need of St. Jude? Help them explore OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) at a Catholic parish near you! dioceseoftulsa.org/ocia 🙏 TODAY WE PRAY Sts. Simon and Jude, help us remain faithful to Christ, share His love courageously and trust in His mercy when hope seems distant. Pray for us. 🙏

❤️ First Infant Safely Surrendered Through Saint Francis Baby Box As October draws to a close - a month dedicated to the Holy Rosary and the observance of Respect Life Month - we are reminded that building a culture of life is more than words. It is a call to put our faith into action through love, compassion, and care for the most vulnerable among us. Last week, right here in Tulsa, that message came to life in an extraordinary way. Saint Francis Health System announced recently that it has received its first infant through the Safe Haven Baby Box. A silent alarm alerted hospital staff, who immediately responded to care for this precious little life. In March 2025, Fr. Gary Kastl, Vicar General of the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma, blessed the newly installed Safe Haven Baby Box, a place intended to offer safety, dignity, and hope to newborns and parents facing difficult circumstances. At that blessing, Sr. Marysia Weber, RSM, of Saint Francis Health System, spoke beautifully about how this initiative reflects the hospital's Catholic mission: “Working with the vulnerable, giving babies dignity, but also a mom who is in crisis, and letting her know that we'll be glad to take care of her little one.” Last week, those words became a beautiful reality. We may never know the circumstances that led to this moment - the fears, the struggles, or the difficult decisions behind it. But we do know this: A child is safe. A parent found a place to turn. And a community was ready to respond with compassion. We are grateful to Saint Francis Health System, its dedicated caregivers, and everyone who helped make this life-affirming resource possible. As we conclude this month devoted to the Holy Rosary, let us entrust this precious child, the parent who made this difficult decision, and all families facing moments of crisis to the loving intercession of our Blessed Mother. May Our Lady wrap them in her mantle of love and protection. 🙏 Please join us in praying for this precious child and family, and consider sharing this post. It may reach someone facing difficult circumstances who needs to be reminded that they are not alone and that help, hope, and compassion are within reach. This full story will be included in next week's EOCextra. For more information about the Safe Haven Baby Box at Saint Francis Hospital: saintfrancis.com/childrens/s… Photos by Chris Rush from the October 2025 Safe Haven Baby Box blessing.

Epiclesis ⛪You hear them at Mass. You see them in prayers, Scripture and Church teaching. But what do they really mean? 📖 Join us as we explore the rich language of Catholicism - one word at a time. Epiclesis (Epiklesis) The prayer petitioning God to send the Holy Spirit so that the offerings at the Eucharist may become the Body and Blood of Christ and thus the faithful, by receiving them, may themselves become a living offering to God. In every sacrament, the prayer asking for the sanctifying power of God’s Holy Spirit is an “epiclesis” ow.ly/8KfT51011ha ✝️Based on authoritative Catholic sources and Church teaching.

Join Tulsa Community College’s Cornerstone Initiative for “Long Letters and Long Prayers,” an interfaith discussion of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail. Religious and spiritual leaders from across the Tulsa area will come together to reflect on the letter’s enduring message and its connection to faith, conscience, justice, and civic responsibility. 📅 Thursday, October 29 | 6–9 p.m. 📍 Van Trease Performing Arts Center for Education Tulsa Community College, Southeast Campus 10300 E. 81st St., Building 6, Tulsa All are invited to take part in this meaningful conversation about faith, community, and our shared responsibility to one another. RSVP: ow.ly/31e05101MAH

Stay up to date with news and happenings from around the diocese in our weekly EOCextra newsletter. This digital companion of Eastern Oklahoma Catholic magazine is free and easy to sign up at: dioceseoftulsa.flocknote.com… This week's stories includes Bishop's message of hope to Oklahoma prison inmates, Crosier Society's sneak peak at 2027 Faith & Works film by Manny Marquez, and more. We’ll bring you the latest every Monday afternoon in your email inbox or, if you prefer, via text message. Sign up today!

November is Native American Heritage Month! We are sharing this important message from the American Indian Catholic Outreach Office of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, encouraging us to honor Native American heritage, respect cultural traditions and celebrate the contributions of American Indians to our communities and our Catholic faith. archokc.org/aico americanindian.si.edu/nk360

🎉🙏 Congratulations to the Church of St. Benedict in Broken Arrow on exceeding their 2026 Faith & Works Annual Appeal fundraising goal! 💒✨ 📅2020 - Completion of a new Adoration Chapel - St. Scholastica Chapel - and now the parish is working towards expanding the current 90 hours per week to perpetual, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The central message for the 2026 Faith & Works Campaign is: “Let His Mission Be Yours” ✝️🌍 and today, we joyfully celebrate with the St. Benedict parish for exceeding their goal! 🔗 To read more and make a donation, please visit: 👉 dioceseoftulsa.org/make-a-on…

COME & SEE — Is God Calling You to the Priesthood? Sometimes discovering God's plan for your life begins with one simple step: Come and See! The Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma invites young men ages 16–25 to experience life at Conception Seminary College in Missouri. This special weekend offers an opportunity to step away from everyday distractions, deepen your relationship with Christ, meet seminarians, and explore whether God may be calling you to the priesthood. Through Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, communal prayer, vocation stories, and fellowship, participants will experience seminary life firsthand while learning to listen for God's voice. Upcoming Visits: November 13–15, 2026 April 9–11, 2027 There is no cost to attend. The registration deadline for the November visit is November 6. Do you know a young man who may be discerning a vocation? Share this invitation with him! Your encouragement could be the first step in helping him discover God's call. For information, contact the Vocations Office at 918-307-4936. Learn more and register: dioceseoftulsa.org/conceptio… Let His Mission Be Yours!

⏪Tulsa Time Rewind - with Bishop Konderla - Episode 79 - "Understanding Halloween, All Saints' Day, and the Day of the Dead" youtu.be/YHfDIEmTwsI?si=vKqI… 🕣We’re turning back the clock and revisiting some of the best conversations from Tulsa Time with Bishop Konderla! Over the next several months, Tulsa Time Rewind will bring back past episodes worth hearing again - or discovering for the very first time. On Tulsa Time, Bishop David Konderla, the fourth Bishop of Tulsa, explores what it means to pursue a life of virtue through the Truth, Beauty and Goodness of the Catholic Faith. Whether you’ve been listening from the beginning or are just discovering Tulsa Time, Rewind is a great opportunity to hear Bishop Konderla’s reflections on Encountering the Eucharist ⏪Same Tulsa Time - Timeless Conversations - Another Chance to Listen Listen here: eoc.captivate.fm/listen Watch here: youtu.be/VBtKhsJB8GM?si=jgAn…

🙏All Souls' Day Mass with Bishop Konderla On All Souls’ Day, Bishop David Konderla celebrates Mass at Calvary Cemetery Chapel as we remember and pray for all the faithful departed. United in faith and hope in the Resurrection, we entrust our loved ones to God’s infinite mercy and love. 🙏 Monday, November 2, 2026 📍Calvary Cemetery Chapel 9101 S. Harvard, Tulsa

🎃 The Catholic Roots to Halloween. Before the costumes, candy and jack-o’-lanterns, there was All Hallows’ Eve! October 31 begins three special days in the Catholic tradition: 🕯️ October 31 — All Hallows’ Eve ⛪ November 1 — All Saints’ Day 🙏 November 2 — All Souls’ Day Looking for a different kind of Halloween story to share with your family? In a book review for the Sooner Catholic, Br. Benet Exton, O.S.B., of Saint Gregory's Abbey in Shawnee, introduces *All Hallows’ Eve* by Anthony DeStefano - a beautifully illustrated children's story that explores prayer, purgatory and the Communion of Saints. 📖 Discover a story that brings the Catholic meaning of Halloween to life! Read the review from our friends at the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City: archokc.org/news/book-review…

✝️ THE MAN OF THE SHROUD IS COMING TO TULSA October 26–31 | Church of Saint Mary, Tulsa Explore the history, science and mystery of the Shroud of Turin through The Man of the Shroud traveling exhibit, coming to Oklahoma this fall. The Tulsa stop will be hosted at the Church of Saint Mary and will include a special presentation by nationally recognized Shroud expert Jim Bertrand, M.Ed. 📍 EXHIBIT LOCATION East side of the Parish Hall 🕰️ EXHIBIT HOURS Monday, October 26 | 12–8 p.m. Wednesday, October 28 | 12–8 p.m. Friday, October 30 | 12–8 p.m. Saturday, October 31 | 2–5 p.m. 🎤 SPECIAL PRESENTATION Jim Bertrand, M.Ed. Saturday, October 31 | 6:30 p.m. Inside the church The exhibit will also make stops in Oklahoma City, Edmond and Lawton throughout late October and November. Learn more about the exhibit, tour dates, parish locations and more: okcr.org/shroud2026

✨Happy Monday! A new week with new opportunities to encounter Christ. ‼️“It is not how much we do that is pleasing to God, but how much love we put into the doing." ~St. Mother Teresa Every Monday we'll gather events that have been shared with us from parishes, schools, ministries, and organizations across Eastern Oklahoma into one easy-to-browse Events Reel. Whether you're looking for a retreat, Bible study, parish festival, family activity, concert, young adult event, or opportunity to pray and serve, you'll find it here. Instead of searching dozens of posts, simply save this post and come back throughout the week as new events are added. ▶ Scroll. Save. Plan. 🔗 canva.link/0k7u7r5g0pxkgox ➡️➡️View event details from the calendar here: dioceseoftulsa.org/news/even…

Next Date, Wednesday, October 28th - Natural Family Planning Introductory Sessions! Questions: Contact our Coordinator of Natural Family Planning [email protected] Marian Medical Clinic: 918-307-5440

❓⛪ CATHOLIC CURIOUS? HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED... 🕯️Why Do Catholics Light Candles?🕯️ A small flame can represent a prayer that continues even after we leave the church. Lighting a votive candle is a beautiful expression of faith. Its light reminds us of Christ, the Light of the World, and becomes a visible sign of our prayer offered to God. Whether we are praying for someone we love, remembering someone who has died, or simply placing our worries before the Lord, the candle reminds us to entrust everything to Him. The next time you enter a Catholic church, consider lighting a candle and offering a quiet prayer for someone who needs God's love and mercy. AN INVITATION TO FAITH - ❤️ ARE YOU SEARCHING FOR SOMETHING MORE? Perhaps you've admired a Catholic church, wondered about all the candles or simply felt curious about what Catholics believe. You don't have to be Catholic to be curious! Through OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), parishes throughout the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma welcome your questions and invite you to explore the Catholic faith, with no obligation to become Catholic. 👉 Discover more and find OCIA opportunities near you: files.ecatholic.com/2682/doc… ❤️ LET HIS MISSION BE YOURS! Through Baptism, we are called to share Christ's love and the blessings of our Catholic faith with others. Someone among your family and friends may be searching for hope, peace, belonging or a deeper relationship with God. ➡️SHARE this post of these beautiful glimpses of our Catholic faith and this invitation. You never know whose curiosity you may awaken or whose journey toward Christ may begin with your simple act of sharing. Sometimes all it takes is one invitation!‼️