'Rooted in Faith, Forward in Hope' campaign exceeds goals

October 1, 2013 - The diocesan capital campaign, Rooted in Faith, Forward in Hope has raised over $15 million, far surpassing the original goal of $12 million. Over 2,700 Catholic families in the Diocese of Tulsa have participated in the campaign, pledging an average gift of over $4,800. The hard work and committed vision of pastors, deacons, and lay leaders throughout Eastern Oklahoma have made this drive a remarkable success.

Nearly every parish in the diocese has contributed far beyond expectations, making it impossible to detail the generosity of every parish and family. St. Benedict in Broken Arrow has raised over $1.6 million and St. Bernard over $1 million. Saint Cecilia in Claremore raised 279% of their goal and Saint Francis Xavier in Sallisaw (237%), St. Joseph in Webbers Falls (374%), St. Kateri Tekakwitha in Roland (217%), St. Therese in Collinsville (382%), St. John the Evangelist in Cookson (266%), and St. Joseph in Hominy (276%) were especially noteworthy in their dedication to this cause.

In gratitude for the generosity of the people of the Diocese of Tulsa, Bishop Edward J. Slattery has issued the following statement:

A message of thanks

A million thanks for the generosity of the many, many parishioners who donated and made pledges to the recently completed diocesan campaign, Rooted in Faith, Forward in Hope. Even though many other major campaigns are being conducted throughout the diocese, this campaign has not only reached its goal of $12 million but has exceeded that goal and is now approaching $15 million.
Half of this campaign was in support of the Priesthood of Jesus Christ which continues through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, without which we could not have the Eucharist and without which we would have no Church.

First of all, you have contributed to the Priest Retirement Fund. All of the priests of the diocese now know that they will be able to retire, when the time comes, and receive a modest but sufficient pension from the diocese for their livelihood - this in gratitude for their life-long service in ministry.

Then, for the sake of the future of the Church in the Diocese of Tulsa, you have contributed to the Seminary Trust Fund so that we will be able to form and educate young men preparing for the priesthood and who will consecrate their lives to God and preaching the Gospel. In a very effective way, you have created, here in the diocese, what Pope Francis has asked for – “to build a culture of vocations.”

Then, the Rooted in Faith, Forward in Hope campaign will strengthen our efforts at evangelization in the poorer and more isolated parts of the diocese. Then, there are many, many children whose parents are not able to afford the tuition. Many of them will now be able to do so – because of your generosity. And finally, your own parish will benefit because the campaign provides for a portion to go to your local parish.