Diocese of Tulsa

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The Diocese of Tulsa, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, was a historic diocese in the eastern portion of Oklahoma in the United States. Established on 13 December 1971 by Pope Paul VI, it covered 24 counties until its renaming on 13 January 2020 as the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma. Part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Oklahoma City, the diocese played a key role in serving Catholic communities in a region with strong Native American heritage, highlighted by the leadership of Bishop Edward J. Slattery, known for his advocacy of the Traditional Latin Mass. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Tulsa

Diocese: Diocese of Tulsa
Status:Historic
Rite:Latin
Type:Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of Oklahoma City
Metropolitan Archdiocese:Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
Country:United States
Region:Oklahoma
Existence:1971–2020
Predecessor Dioceses:Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
Successor Dioceses:Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma
Chancery Address:2300 West Edison Street Tulsa, OK 74127

Establishment

The Diocese of Tulsa was canonically erected on 13 December 1971 through the apostolic constitution Catholicae fidei of Pope Paul VI, taking territory from the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.[1][2] It was established to address the pastoral needs of Catholics in eastern Oklahoma, a region with growing urban centers like Tulsa and significant rural and Native American populations.

History

The diocese developed amid post-Vatican II changes, focusing on evangelization in a predominantly Protestant area. Boundary adjustments occurred over time to accommodate population shifts.

In 2020, Pope Francis renamed it the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma via the decree Ad satius providendum, expanding its scope slightly while retaining continuity in leadership.[3][4]

Geography

The Diocese of Tulsa encompassed 24 counties in northeastern and eastern Oklahoma:

  • Adair
  • Cherokee
  • Choctaw
  • Craig
  • Creek
  • Delaware
  • Haskell
  • Kay
  • Latimer
  • Mayes
  • McIntosh
  • Muskogee
  • Nowata
  • Okfuskee
  • Okmulgee
  • Osage
  • Ottawa
  • Pawnee
  • Pushmataha
  • Rogers
  • Sequoyah
  • Tulsa
  • Wagoner
  • Washington

It formed a suffragan see within the Ecclesiastical Province of Oklahoma City.[5]

Mother church

Holy Family Cathedral in Tulsa served as the mother church. Completed in 1914 in Romanesque Revival style, it was elevated to cathedral status in 1971 and continues in use by the successor diocese.[6]

Leadership

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Bernard J. Ganter 1972–1977 First bishop; died in office.
Eusebius J. Beltran 1978–1993 Appointed Archbishop of Oklahoma City in 1993.
Edward J. Slattery 1993–2016 Retired; known for promoting the Traditional Latin Mass.
David Konderla 2016–2020 Continued as bishop after renaming to Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma.

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

Religious communities

Religious orders active during the diocese's existence included the Dominican Sisters of St. Mary of the Springs (education) and Franciscan Friars (parish ministry), though specific historical details are limited post-renaming.[8]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in Diocese of Tulsa

The diocese had approximately 50 parishes and missions across its territory, organized by deaneries including Tulsa, Muskogee, and Bartlesville. Notable parishes served diverse communities, including Native American missions.[9]

Notable events or figures

  • Bishop Edward J. Slattery, ordained in 1968, served as rector of the Pontifical North American College before his episcopal appointment.[10]
  • The diocese hosted regional Eucharistic Congresses in the 1980s, fostering devotion amid growth.[11]

Titular Status

The Diocese of Tulsa is not currently assigned as a titular see, having been renamed rather than suppressed.[12]

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Tulsa:


  • Did you know? The Diocese of Tulsa sprang to life on December 13, 1971, carved from the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City by Pope Paul VI, to nurture faith in booming Tulsa and surrounding counties rich in Native American history!
  • Surprise! Holy Family Cathedral in Tulsa, with its stunning Romanesque Revival architecture from 1914, became the diocese's proud mother church right from its establishment.
  • Here's something cool: Bishop Edward J. Slattery, who led from 1993 to 2016, was a big champion of the Traditional Latin Mass and once served as rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome!
  • Wow moment: The diocese covered 24 counties in eastern Oklahoma, home to vibrant Cherokee and Creek Nations, where Catholic missions have deep roots blending faith and indigenous culture.
  • Little-known gem: First Bishop Bernard Ganter, installed in 1972, quickly built up parishes in a frontier-like spirit, dying in service after just five years of dedicated leadership.
  • Fun fact: In 2020, Pope Francis renamed it the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma, expanding its mission without missing a beat under Bishop David Konderla.
  • Did you know? Tulsa's Catholic community grew amid oil boom energy, with the diocese fostering vocations and schools in a region known as the "Oil Capital of the World"!
  • Surprise! The diocese's territory included scenic spots like the Illinois River and Lake Tenkiller, where outdoor Masses and retreats drew faithful closer to God's creation.

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    References

    1. ↑ "Diocese of Tulsa". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dtulsa.html. 
    2. ↑ "Diocese of Tulsa". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocese_of_Tulsa. 
    3. ↑ "Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dtulsok.html. 
    4. ↑ "Rescript for the change of name". https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccathep/documents/rc_con_ccathep_doc_20200113_tulsa-oklahoma_en.html. 
    5. ↑ "Diocese of Tulsa". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dtulsa.html. 
    6. ↑ "Holy Family Cathedral". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Family_Cathedral_(Tulsa,_Oklahoma). 
    7. ↑ "Diocese of Tulsa". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dtulsa.html. 
    8. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://www.dioceseoftulsa.org/religious-orders. 
    9. ↑ "Diocese of Tulsa". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dtulsa.html. 
    10. ↑ "Edward James Slattery". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bslattery.html. 
    11. ↑ "Diocese of Tulsa". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocese_of_Tulsa. 
    12. ↑ "Diocese of Tulsa". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dtulsa.html. 

    External links

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