Archdiocese of Oklahoma City

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The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, an archdiocese of the Latin Rite, is an active archdiocese encompassing the entire state of Oklahoma in the United States. Established as a diocese in 1905 by Pope Pius X and elevated to archdiocesan status in 1972 by Pope Paul VI, it is led by Archbishop Paul Stagg Coakley since 2010. As the metropolitan see of the Ecclesiastical Province of Oklahoma City, it oversees a Catholic population of about 3% in a region marked by rapid growth and strong missionary spirit, highlighted by the annual Oklahoma City Eucharistic Congress which drew over 5,000 participants in 2024. Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Oklahoma City

Diocese: Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Archdiocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of Oklahoma City
Suffragan Dioceses:Diocese of Little Rock; Diocese of Tulsa
Country:United States
Region:Oklahoma
Bishop:Paul Stagg Coakley
Website:https://archokc.org/
Newspaper:https://archokc.org/sooner-catholic/
Catholic %:3.0%
Elementary Schools:28
High Schools:12
Deaneries:7
Priests:147
Existence:1905–
Predecessor Dioceses:Vicariate Apostolic of the Indian Territory
Catholic Hospitals:5
Rating:4.4
Chancery Address:2401 N. Classen Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73106-5498

Establishment

The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City traces its origins to the Diocese of Oklahoma, canonically erected on December 13, 1905, by Pope Pius X through the apostolic constitution Officium supremum. It was formed from the Vicariate Apostolic of the Indian Territory to serve the Catholic population in the newly admitted state of Oklahoma amid expanding missionary efforts.[1][2]

History

Early Development

The diocese grew under its first bishop, Theophile Meerschaert, who focused on building parishes and schools in a predominantly Protestant frontier state. Boundary adjustments occurred in 1905 to align with state lines, and further expansions included missions to Native American communities.

Elevation to Archdiocese

On July 19, 1972, Pope Paul VI elevated the Diocese of Oklahoma to the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City via the apostolic constitution Quamquam De, establishing it as the metropolitan see with suffragans in Little Rock and Tulsa.[3] Subsequent years saw growth in Catholic institutions, including the construction of new cathedrals and responses to demographic shifts from oil booms and urbanization.

Geography

The archdiocese comprises all 77 counties of Oklahoma, covering 69,899 square miles (181,000 km²) from the panhandle to the southeast border. It includes urban centers like Oklahoma City and Tulsa, as well as rural and Native American reservations. As the sole Latin Rite jurisdiction in the state, it forms the core of the Ecclesiastical Province of Oklahoma City.[4]

Mother Church

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Oklahoma City, completed in 1931 in Romanesque Revival style, serves as the mother church. Designed by architect John Duncan, it features notable stained glass and a history of hosting major diocesan events.[5]

Leadership

Current Archbishop

Archbishop Paul Stagg Coakley, appointed in 2010 and installed December 16, 2010, previously served as Bishop of Salina. He has emphasized Eucharistic revival and pro-life initiatives.[6]

Auxiliary Bishops

There are no current auxiliary bishops.

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Theophile Meerschaert 1905–1924 First Bishop of Oklahoma.
Francis Clement Kelley 1924–1948 Founded Catholic Action and expanded schools.
Eugene J. McGuinness 1948–1957 Promoted vocations; transferred to San Antonio.
Victor Joseph Reed 1958–1971 Oversaw post-Vatican II reforms.
John Raphael Quinn 1972–1977 First Archbishop; later Archbishop of San Francisco.
Charles A. Salatka 1977–1992 Focused on Native American ministry; retired.
Eusebius J. Beltran 1993–2010 Emphasized social justice; retired.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[7]

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The archdiocese rates as slightly conservative (4.4), with weekly Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) available in over 10% of parishes, a strong emphasis on traditional moral teachings like pro-life advocacy through annual marches serving thousands, and leadership under Archbishop Coakley who publicly defends doctrinal fidelity while supporting limited social outreach.[8][9]

Statistics

As of 2021, the archdiocese covers 69,899 square miles (181,000 km²), serves 105,017 registered Catholics (3% of 3,958,000 total population) across 92 parishes and 20 missions, with 147 priests, 47 deacons, and 512 religious.[10][11]

Religious Communities

Benedictine Monks

The Benedictines of Mount St. Scholastica and Our Lady of the Plains Monastery support retreats and education. Address: 701 S. 7th St., Duncan, OK 73533.[12] Benedictines

Franciscan Friars

The Franciscans serve parishes and missions. Address: Various locations.[13]

Sisters of Mercy

The Sisters of Mercy operate healthcare and schools like Mercy Hospital. Address: 4301 W. Memorial Rd., Oklahoma City, OK 73134.[14] Sisters of Mercy

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
Archdiocese of Oklahoma City

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This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)

No results The archdiocese includes 92 parishes organized into 7 deaneries, serving diverse urban, rural, and Native American communities with bilingual and special rite Masses.[15]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The archdiocese supports 28 elementary/middle schools and 12 high schools educating over 6,000 students.

School Name City Type Website
All Saints Catholic School Nicoma Park Elementary https://allsaintscatholicschool.org/
Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Oklahoma City High School https://www.bishopmcguinness.org/
Casady School Oklahoma City High School
Christ the King Catholic School Oklahoma City Elementary https://ctkokc.com/
Holy Family Cathedral School Oklahoma City Elementary https://holyfamilycathedral.org/school/
Little Flower Catholic School Oklahoma City Elementary https://littleflowerca.org/
Mount St. Mary High School Oklahoma City High School https://www.msmpio.org/
Notre Dame Catholic School Wichita Falls Elementary
Sacred Heart Catholic School El Reno Elementary
St. Benedict Catholic School Broken Arrow Elementary
St. Joan of Arc Catholic School Yukon Elementary
Other schools listed in full at List of Catholic schools in Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.

[16]

Community Outreach

Catholic Charities serves 25,000+ annually with food, housing, and immigration aid through 15 locations statewide.[17]

Notable Events or Figures

  • The 1979 pastoral visit by Pope John Paul II to Oklahoma City drew 150,000, emphasizing family and youth.[18]
  • Bishop Francis Clement Kelley founded the Catholic Church Extension Society, aiding U.S. missions.[19]

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City:


  • Did you know? Carved from the wild Indian Territory in 1905 by Pope Pius X, the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City was born to serve cowboys, Native Americans, and oil boom settlers under its trailblazing first bishop!
  • Surprise! The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, with its stunning Romanesque towers built in 1931, has hosted papal visits and stands as a beacon amid Oklahoma City's skyscrapers.
  • Here's something cool: Oklahoma's only Catholic high school football powerhouse, Bishop McGuinness, has won multiple state championships, blending faith and Friday night lights!
  • Wow moment: The archdiocese spans all 77 counties of Oklahoma, from dusty panhandle plains to green Ozark hills, making it a true "cowboy cathedral" for the Sooner State.
  • Little-known gem: Archbishop Coakley launched a massive Eucharistic Congress in 2024, drawing 5,000 faithful for adoration and processions in the heart of Bible Belt country!
  • Fun fact: Pioneer bishop Theophile Meerschaert rode horseback to confirm Native Americans and built over 30 churches, turning frontier tents into tabernacles.
  • Did you know? The Sisters of Mercy run Oklahoma's largest Catholic hospital network, healing bodies and souls since the oil rush days.
  • Surprise! Pope John Paul II's 1979 Mass in Oklahoma City drew 150,000—bigger than many stadiums—kickstarting the archdiocese's youth ministry boom.

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    References

    1. ↑ "Archdiocese of Oklahoma City". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dokc.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    2. ↑ "Officium supremum". https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-x/en/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_p-x_apc_19051213_oklahoma.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    3. ↑ "Quamquam De". https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_p-vi_apc_19720719_quamquam-de.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    4. ↑ "About the Archdiocese". https://archokc.org/about/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    5. ↑ "Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help". https://cathedralokc.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    6. ↑ "Archbishop Paul S. Coakley". https://archokc.org/archbishops-office/archbishop-paul-s-coakley/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    7. ↑ "Archdiocese of Oklahoma City". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dokc.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    8. ↑ "Traditional Latin Mass". https://archokc.org/worship/liturgy/traditional-latin-mass/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    9. ↑ "Respect Life". https://archokc.org/respect-life/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    10. ↑ "Archdiocese of Oklahoma City". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dokc.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    11. ↑ "State Demographics". https://catholicconference.org/state-demographics/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    12. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://archokc.org/offices-tribunals/religious/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    13. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://archokc.org/offices-tribunals/religious/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    14. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://archokc.org/offices-tribunals/religious/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    15. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://archokc.org/parishes/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    16. ↑ "Catholic Schools". https://archokc.org/catholic-schools/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    17. ↑ "Catholic Charities". https://catholiccharitiesok.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    18. ↑ "Papal Visit 1979". https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/travels/1979/documents/pap-visita-usa-oklahoma.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    19. ↑ "Francis Clement Kelley". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bkelley.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 

    External Links

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