Sooner Catholic soonercatholic.org May 27, 2018 archokc.org Go Make Disciples Sooner Catholic Communications Appeal advances evangelization, education ach year, parishioners To reflect this change, this from around the archdi- year’s appeal includes other Eocese send in their “sub- forms of communication, in- scription” to the Sooner Catholic, cluding Oklahoma Catholic the award-winning archdiocesan Radio, more than a dozen social newspaper since 1974. media platforms, two websites Even though the Sooner Catholic and many other forms of com- is technically free for all parishio- munication that help Archbish- ners in the diocese, these yearly op Coakley, clergy, parishes, “subscriptions” help pay for deliv- schools and staff members at ery of the newspaper to those who the Catholic Pastoral Center cannot afford it, including many spread the Good News of the Gospel and go make disciples! These tools and your support, allow us to be successful in our service to programs in the archdiocese, or in our mission to on a fixed income. The “subscrip- help the most vulnerable. tions” also are vital to helping Thank you for your generosi- pay for printing the newspaper ty and for your participation in and mailing issues to more than bringing the love and mercy of 40,000 households in central and Jesus Christ to thousands of western Oklahoma. Oklahomans. As evangelization and education Yours in Christ, needs have changed over the past 10 years, the archdiocese has worked to reach parishioners and Diane M. Clay others in the community with new Editor, Sooner Catholic and changing forms of communi- Director, Office of Communi- cation. cations U.S. bishops’ chairmen applaud Oklahoma, Kansas for enacting laws that keep kids first in foster care and adoption services WASHINGTON – By enacting providers, “Kansas and Oklahoma children entering the foster care inclusion of faith-based providers. laws protecting the conscience are keeping kids first,” said Bish- system. We need more, not fewer, At the federal level, the USCCB rights of adoption and foster care op Frank J. Dewane of Venice, agencies to serve children who supports the Child Welfare Pro- chairman of the U.S. Conference need loving homes.” vider Inclusion Act of 2017 (H.R. of Catholic Bishops’ Committee At least nine states have passed 1881 / S. 811), which protects on Domestic Justice and Human similar laws, including Virginia, child welfare providers from being Development; Archbishop Joseph Michigan, North Dakota, South discriminated against by federal or E. Kurtz of Louisville, chairman of Dakota, Alabama, Mississippi, state government entities due to the USCCB Committee for Reli- Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma. the providers’ religious beliefs or gious Liberty; and Bishop James D. Conley of Lincoln, chairman of These laws do not exclude any moral convictions. the USCCB Subcommittee for the providers or prohibit anyone from The Oklahoma law becomes ef- Promotion and Defense of Mar- adopting, but merely ensure the fective Nov. 1. riage. The governors of Oklahoma and Kansas signed legislation ensur- Statement from Archbishop Coakley and Bishop David Konderla ing that faith-based adoption and of the Diocese of Tulsa on the signing of Senate Bill 1140, protecting foster care providers can provide religious liberty – these services in accordance with their deeply held religious beliefs “We are grateful for Gov. Fallin’s support of religious liberty in or moral convictions. Oklahoma. The new law will bring more adoption services to the state The three USCCB chairmen stat- and allow crucial faith-based agencies to continue their decades-long ed the following: tradition of caring for Oklahoma’s most vulnerable children. Since the “Kansas and Oklahoma are law does not change the process for placing fos- keeping kids first by allowing all ter children or ban any family from adopt- capable adoption and foster care ing, we hope and pray this action will providers to serve children in increase the number of children matched need. The opioid crisis has caused with loving families.” a large increase in the number of 2 May 27, 2018 Sooner Catholic Sooner Catholic May 27, 2018 3 Put Out Into the Deep Luke 5:4 Find more The Center of Family Love announces 5th Easy to take for granted news on the annual Gift of Love Gala website All of us are creatures of habit. The habits we form and throughout the he Center of Family Love and the Oklahoma “The Center of Family Love is truly the Catholic Church Knights of Columbus will host the 5th Annual Gift at work. The enthusiasm and faith of the staff and resi- become part of the daily rhythm of our lives. We may world. It offers features By Sooner Catholic Staff not even be aware of these habits until something about persons, places Tof Love Gala on June 16 at 6 p.m. at the National dents are inspirational,” said Father Brian O’Brien of Saint Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. This event benefits Francis Xavier. “I’ve heard about The Center of Family Love disrupts our routine. Part of my morning routine is to and events that interest Additional coverage of grab the morning paper from the driveway before my residents of The Center of Family Love who live with intel- for years, but didn’t get to see the amazing work they do and affect us. It pro- Church and archdiocesan first cup of coffee. lectual and physical disabilities. until a few months ago. It is a place of joy, compassion and vides editorial opinion, news and events, only on The day is off to a rocky start when, for one rea- Located in Okarche and founded in 1981 by the Oklaho- Christ! This organization is an outstanding witness to the cultural commentary www.soonercatholic.org. son or another, the paper is delayed. Maybe I’m old ma Knights of Columbus, The Center of Family Love has pro-life work of the Catholic Church.” and authoritative teach- school, but I like to spend time with the paper be- empowered The Gift of a fore starting my day. That’s not to say that I haven’t ing. Archbishop Paul S. Coakley To send photos, event hundreds Love Gala is grown accustomed to using various smart devices or More than simply re- information or story ideas, of adults the biggest my laptop for accessing digital media or tuning in to porting the news, the Sooner Catholic has been an e-mail [email protected]. with dis- fundraising my favorite radio stations for programming so I can important instrument for advancing the evangelizing abilities to event of the a stay connected. mission of the Catholic Church in Oklahoma. Join 2018 prayer team! live pro- year for The Most Rev. Edward J. Keeping abreast with events in our community, our Just as our secular newspapers have had to adapt Archbishop Coakley is ask- ductive and Center of Fam- Slattery nation, our world and our Church is important. We to survive, the Sooner Catholic continues to adapt to ing for parishioners to sign meaning- ily Love, rais- are social and relational creatures! changing tastes, needs and trends in communication up to pray for the future of ful lives. ing more than the diocese and for guidance The center $677,000 this One of the vital means of staying abreast with technology and in our local church. as he moves forward with provides past year. things happening in our Catholic world has been the These days there are regular Spanish pages in each Sooner Catholic, our award-winning archdiocesan pastoral planning through the most This year, issue of the Sooner Catholic. In addition to a colorful newspaper. It was Archbishop Quinn who established 2030. To join the 2018 innovative The Center of biweekly newspaper for every Catholic household in the Sooner Catholic in 1976 to serve the new Archdi- Prayer Team, text Prayer2018 education- Family Love ocese of Oklahoma City when the state was divided the archdiocese, the Office of Communications also to 84576 or go to https:// al, voca- will honor Most into two dioceses. He recognized the importance of a maintains the archdiocesan website (A new updated app.flocknote.com/archok- tional and residential programs in the nation, pioneering Rev. Edward J. Slattery, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese local Catholic newspaper to share news and informa- website is on the way!), and multiple electronic plat- c/2018Intercessory. new approaches in the field of disabilities, and recognized of Tulsa, who will receive the organization’s Carol and Bill tion to strengthen our sense of communion with one forms, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. in Oklahoma as a model community. Brown Outstanding Community Ambassador Award. Patri- another across our vast archdiocese. The Sooner Catholic is supported by the annual The Center of Family Love provides homes and careers cia Loosen, co-founder of the center, will receive the Harold The Sooner Catholic continues to report news of Sooner Catholic Communications Appeal. In addition for 130 residents with proven high-quality services for J. Wittrock Humanitarian Award. things happening in our parishes, in Oklahoma, to the newspaper, the people who live with physical and neurological disabilities, Tickets are $175 per person or $1,750 for a table of 10. Sooner Catholic Com- including cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Nellie Patricia munications Appeal also Down syndrome, development delays, spinal injuries and Sanders at [email protected]. To register, go online to Loosen intellectual disabilities. www.cflinc.org/gala or call (405) 263-4658, Ext. 1042. supports local Catholic radio stations, helps maintain our website and even helped make @archokc Planning continues for Rother shrine possible the award-win- ning documentary on Archdiocese of Early success in the One new church and parish campus for Diocese of Brownsville.