CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC PARISH

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1 January/February 2017 CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC PARISH 1520 South Rockford Tulsa, OK (918) Evangelize, Educate and Form Students as Disciples Catholic Schools Week 2017 at Marquette Catholic School National Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. This year s celebration is from Jan. 29 to Feb. 4, with the theme of Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service. The theme encompasses several concepts that are at the heart of a Catholic education. First, schools are communities small families in their own right, but also members of the larger community of home, church, city, and nation. Faith, knowledge and service are three measures by which any Catholic school can and should be judged. Catholic schools offer academic excellence and faith-filled education for students nationwide. National test scores, high school graduation rates, college attendance, and other data show that Catholic schools frequently outperform schools in both the public and private sectors. While some Catholic schools face the challenges of declining enrollments and school closures, the good news is that there is a strong demand and enthusiasm for Catholic schools. Thirty-two percent of Catholic schools have waiting lists for admission and new schools are opening across the country. The purpose of Marquette Catholic School is to use our commitment to faith and pursuit of academic excellence to evangelize, educate and form students as disciples who enthusiastically bring Christ to their families, fellow parishioners, and the larger community while preparing for success in their academic and future professional lives, says Mrs. Tracey Robinson, Principal at Marquette Catholic School. Catholic Schools Week affords us an opportunity to showcase and present how we go about accomplishing that goal. The exact schedule for Catholic Schools Week at Marquette is still in development and may not be finalized until early January. However, Mrs. Robinson notes, students have the opportunity to celebrate who and what we are, and at the same time have some fun, while likely following much of what has been done in the past. Some of the possibilities include having our students wear their uniforms to Masses on that first weekend so that the people of the parish can have a greater awareness of continued on page 2

2 Christ the King Catholic Schools Week 2017 at Marquette Catholic School continued from page 7 us, Mrs. Robinson says. On a few days during the week, we will invite the parents to join the students for lunch. We always have a volleyball game between the eighth-graders and the faculty, which is a chance for school spirit for sure. Our students will be writing thank you letters to their parents and to our clergy because without them, we could not exist or be successful. Prior to Catholic Schools Week, we will be having an all-school Mass with Catholic schools at the center. There will be dress-up days, such as dressing as your favorite book character or dressing in 1980s style, etcetera. The Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education at the Vatican has this to say about Catholic Schools: The Catholic school forms part of the saving mission of the Church, especially for education in the faith. Remembering that the simultaneous development of man s psychological and moral consciousness is demanded by Christ almost as a pre-condition for the reception of the befitting divine gifts of truth and grace, the Church fulfills her obligation to foster in her children a full awareness of their rebirth to a new life. It is precisely in the Gospel of Christ, taking root in the minds and lives of the faithful, that the Catholic school finds its definition as it comes to terms with the cultural conditions of the times. The purpose of Marquette Catholic School is to use our commitment to faith and pursuit of academic excellence to evangelize, educate and form students as disciples who enthusiastically bring Christ to their families, fellow parishioners, and the larger community while preparing for success in their academic and future professional lives. Catholic Schools Week affords us an opportunity to showcase and present how we go about accomplishing that goal. Mrs. Tracey Robinson, Principal If you would like more information on Catholic Schools Week, please contact Marquette Catholic School at

3 January/February 2017 A Letter From Our Pastor A New Year, New Challenges, New Opportunities Dear Parishioners, It is a new year, and it is my prayer for all of you and for me, as well that we can take new steps on our faith journeys, and seek new ways to live out discipleship and stewardship. Pope Francis once commented on his perspective of our modern approach to life. He said, Certainly, possessions, money and power can give a momentary thrill, the illusion of being happy, but they end up possessing us and making us always want more, never satisfied. I have learned that the most important thing is to put on Christ in your life, place your trust in Him, and you will never be disappointed. The pope has been called the world s parish priest. As we pray for one another in this New Year, may we all ask the Lord to help us appreciate Pope Francis approach to life, his simple way of seeing things, and his very basic way of appreciating things. I would hope that we see this year as a time for opportunity, a time to deepen our relationship to Christ, and for that matter to one another. If we really wish to change our lives and the lives of others, there are two easy ways to do it. We are blessed with many opportunities in this parish to pray, but as much as it is important for us to take advantage of those, we also need to develop a strong personal prayer life. Recall the young Samuel, who was not quite sure what to do with his life, or what direction to go. When he finally settled on that one important prayer, Speak, Lord, for I am listening, Samuel gave us the hint as to what we need to do. Prayer is a two-way street, and part of that is taking the time to listen to God. The second important way is to exude joy. Christ certainly called us to do that. Pope Francis has had much to say about joy, as well. The Holy Father says, Joy cannot be held at heel; it must be let go. Joy is a pilgrim virtue. It is a gift that walks walks on the path of life, that walks with Jesus proclaiming joy, lengthens and widens that path. We must seek that joy and then we need to share it. That is truly our call. Joy translates quite easily into love your neighbor. Yes, there may be challenges ahead in 2017, but we must focus on the opportunities, and then exert the effort to benefit from those opportunities. Happy New Year! Sincerely Yours in Christ, Rev. Msgr. Daniel H. Mueggenborg Pastor 3

4 Christ the King Showing the Way Stand in the Gap Impacts Those in Need Michael O Neil (right) is a Christ the King parishioner who serves with Stand in the Gap Ministries, as part of a spiritual family providing support to those in need. Over 3,000 women are currently incarcerated in the state of Oklahoma. The statistics are staggering in Oklahoma, more women are in prison than in any other state, reaching numbers that nearly double the national average. While there are likely many factors that contribute to this situation, once it s begun, it becomes a difficult cycle to break. Without supportive families, friends and communities, as well as a lack of skills, knowledge and hope, many women become trapped in patterns of abuse, addiction and poverty. But in Tulsa, there s a group that is taking seriously Scripture s command to proclaim liberty to the captives, release to the prisoners (Isaiah 61:1). Stand in the Gap Ministries, which began locally in 1997, has expanded within the state, with the mission of serving Oklahoma s orphans, widows, and prisoners, by connecting people in need, with people who care. Although Stand in the Gap began as a ministry to women being released from prison, it wasn t long before it extended to young people aging out of the foster care system (ages 16-22), as well as widows who are struggling following the death of their spouse. Stand in the Gap gives their neighbors in need a chance to connect with a spiritual family, people who gather to offer support, guidance and prayer, during a time of transition. [Being released from prison] is a prime opportunity if you re looking to help people find Jesus, says Michael O Neil, a parishioner at Christ the King, who began serving with Stand in the Gap five years ago. It s also the time to help people who have found a little bit of Jesus, don t know where to go from here. When they come out, if they go back to their old friends, that probably wasn t a great spiritual support system. Sometimes their families don t want them back, and they may or may not be a good source of spiritual support. Spiritual families are made up of a neighbor in need, as well as three to five other individuals, who commit to meeting together for one year. The groups meet twice monthly, continued on page 5 4

5 January/February 2017 Stand in the Gap Impacts Those in Need continued from page 4 and are guided by a format that encourages them to build relationships with each other, as well as deepen their faith and relationship with the Lord. From sharing their God sightings how they experienced God working in their lives, to requesting prayers, to getting help and advice on practical situations the spiritual family becomes a powerful support for the neighbor in need. If you take time to recognize small miracles happening around you and to you, one of the easiest reactions is to be grateful, Michael says. If you start to look for the miracles that are happening in your life, you find them. And when you find them, you re more grateful and you have more faith. If you re living a solid spiritual life, praying every day and believing in your relationship with Jesus, it s probably going to have the unexpected benefit of helping you be able to live and lead a successful life on earth, he adds. Not only do the neighbors in need leave with a stronger relationship with God, a solid support system, and practical knowledge and skills, but they often also leave with a desire to share the impact that Stand in the Gap had on them. The first woman I ever worked with, after a year, she said, I want to go join another family, but not as a neighbor in need, Michael says. I think what you hope for is that you ve given them enough tools, confidence and faith, so as they get to new troubles in life, they re still going to rely on prayer, their relationship with Jesus, to seek out a holy answer to their questions. Michael shares that, through his involvement over the years, he has been impacted along with those he has served to support. My prayer life has expanded because I ve seen the results of my prayer life, he says. The neighbors in need are the ones with the most faith. They re showing us the way, in terms of trust. Michael encourages others to get involved in serving with Stand in the Gap, and shares that the ministry does a good job of helping its volunteers feel empowered and able to help others. It s very clear the goals are very straightforward and they re small enough that you can imagine accomplishing them, he says. Stand in the Gap training is super practical, and you understand what you re supposed to do. While we might not all be in a position to impact the larger problem of increased incarceration in our state, we do have the opportunity to help ensure that at least one less person returns to prison. The calling is clear. Will you help share the message of freedom? If you take time to recognize small miracles happening around you and to you, one of the easiest reactions is to be grateful, Michael says. If you start to look for the miracles that are happening in your life, you find them. And when you find them, you re more grateful and you have more faith. Michael O Neil If you would like more information on Stand in the Gap Ministries, or if you know someone who might be a neighbor in need, please visit If you would like more information on how to volunteer as part of a spiritual family, please contact Michael O Neil at m7.o.neil@gmail.com. 5

6 Christ the King 6 A Saint for Life: St. Gianna Beretta Molla As disciples of Christ, the Lord of Life, we are called to respect and defend the life of every human being, from conception until natural death. In today s world, a pro-life mindset is not only largely unpopular, but sometimes even dangerous. However, the facts remain the same the gift of life determines our humanity, and as Catholic Christians, we are responsible for its protection. With the strong examples of people such as St. Gianna Beretta Molla, we are able to witness the value of being a people of faith, a people living to build up a culture resting on Christ s values a culture of life. From early childhood, Gianna lived an exemplary Christian life. She attended daily Mass with her mother and her brothers, and was a faithful member of Catholic Action, a lay apostolate dedicated to worldwide evangelization. Gianna often wrote beautiful prayers to the Lord, promising to follow His will no matter the consequences. As a teenager, Gianna understood the importance of obeying God s will and made a series of resolutions to always follow His guidance. I wish to die rather than commit a mortal sin, young Gianna once wrote. Yet, at the time, Gianna was not aware of what God had in store for her life. Throughout her life, Gianna constantly prayed, O Jesus, I promise You to submit myself to all that You permit to happen to me, make me only know Your will. As her life progressed, Gianna would live such prayers in a radical way. In 1961, as the mother of three and pregnant with her fourth child, Gianna was diagnosed with uterine cancer. To preserve her health and life, doctors suggested Gianna undergo a radical hysterectomy a surgery that would undoubtedly save her life, but consequently terminate her pregnancy. Gianna decided to wait for God s direction. Doctors removed portions of the tumor, but knew that complete eradication would require a full hysterectomy. However, Gianna was determined to keep her uterus intact, and determined to give birth to her unborn baby. Knowing the serious dangers ahead, Gianna instructed her husband a few days prior to delivery, If you must decide between me and the baby, have no hesitation: choose and I demand it the baby, save him. As it turned out, Gianna s tumor had progressed so far that a few days after she delivered her fourth child, she passed away a martyr for her child! Caring for the life of her unborn child meant the loss of her own life, but such knowledge never weakened her respect for life in the least. Gianna knew that her child s life was just as valuable as her own, and she needed to care for both of them. Gianna ultimately lost her life because she wasn t willing to sacrifice her child for her own sake. What a strong woman! Though this seems radical, we are all called to respect the lives of the unborn just as Gianna did, and Gianna s fate only secures for us the reward we will receive if we work to build a culture of life, just as she did. In April 1994, Gianna Beretta Molla was beatified by Pope St. John Paul II, and in May 2004, she was declared a saint. Because St. Gianna lived as a defender of life, she now enjoys eternal life with the Almighty God! Let us heed her example and build a culture of life! Caring for the life of her unborn child meant the loss of her own life, but such knowledge never weakened her respect for life in the least. Gianna knew that her child s life was just as valuable as her own, and she needed to care for both of them.

7 January/February 2017 Greeters Ministry Shows Our Hospitality in Action When it comes to the service carried out by the Greeters Ministry, Cindy Webster expresses great enthusiasm. I love this ministry! Cindy says of the greeters. Everyone should experience it! Cindy is the coordinator for the Greeters Ministry, which she says is the largest ministry at Christ the King. And more greeters are needed to fulfill Msgr. Mueggenborg s intent to have each door of our church served. It helps get you involved in the parish, she says. This is the easiest ministry you show up early for Mass and greet. This is the best ministry to get involved in the parish. You can do it as a family. That s what makes this so awesome. We get every age group in the parish. This is the one ministry that gets your foot in the door, and how you get involved in more things. To say that Cindy is enthusiastic about the Greeters Ministry is an understatement. But as she explains, she found during a transitional time in her life that the simple act of being greeted at a church door, and being made welcome can mean so much to a person. When this ministry started here about 10 years ago, I said, I want to be in on it, she says. It s a person s first view of the church. That is really important. I ve seen this grow, and it works both ways. For me, as a greeter, we welcome you. And in return, we get welcomed back. This didn t happen at first, but as the ministry has grown, we get positive feedback both ways. Cindy says she recently served with a woman who has learned all the names of those she greets. This isn t a requirement of the greeters, but this particular woman has made a point to do so. Do you know how welcome you d feel if someone knows your name? Cindy says. There is some training involved with being a greeter, but Cindy takes care of that, too. You smile and be welcoming, and let them know the love the Christ by the love you have in your welcome and your smile, Cindy says. You re a representative of the Lord and show His love and acceptance of everyone. When I train, I tell them they won t know if [those arriving] are new to the parish, but we welcome them, and it means so much. Conversations naturally happen as greeters welcome parishioners to Mass. Monsignor also makes it a point to be at the main entrance to greet parishioners by name. This is awesome, Cindy says. He s always out front and in the open. And when the priest knows you by name, you feel I m one of the sheep of the Shepherd. One of the best parts of the Greeters Ministry is that the entire family can take part no one has to do it alone. For years, we had a toddler with yellow boots who came with her parents, Cindy says. Everyone knows her and they miss her when she s not there. It s a person s first view of the church. That is really important. I ve seen this grow, and it works both ways. For me, as a greeter, we welcome you. And in return, we get welcomed back. This didn t happen at first, but as the ministry has grown, we get positive feedback both ways. Cindy Webster If anyone is interested in being a Greeter and missed the Stewardship Renewal opportunity last fall, please call the parish office at , and your name will be forwarded to Cindy Webster. 7

8 CHRIST THE KING CHURCH MARQUETTE SCHOOL 1520 South Rockford Tulsa, OK (918) Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID PERMIT #876 TULSA, OK Return Service Requested Weekend Mass: Saturday, 5:00 p.m. Vigil Sunday, 8:00, 9:15, 11:15 a.m., 5:00 p.m. Daily Mass: Tuesday - Friday, 8:15 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Holy Days: 8:15 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Reconciliation: Saturday, 3:30-4:30 p.m. (or by appointment) Eucharistic Adoration: Mary Queen of Peace Chapel, Wednesday, 6:00-9:00 p.m., Thursday, Noon - 5:00 p.m. and 6:00-9:00 p.m. Friday, Noon - 5:00 p.m. Upcoming Events Jan. 21 Spirituality Series with Fr. Elkin 8:30 a.m., Fletcher Hall Jan Bishop Konderla Will Celebrate All Masses except the 11:15 a.m. Jan. 22 Sunday Morning Scripture Study with Msgr. Mueggenborg 10:15 a.m., Marquette Library (This study is presented each Sunday unless otherwise noted.) Jan. 26 Jan. 29 Women s ACTS Retreat Jan. 29 Feb. 3 Catholic Schools Week Feb. 2 Men s Club Noon, Fletcher Hall Feb. 4 Fr. Stanley Rother Pilgrimage to Okarche, Okla. Feb. 11 Boots N BBQ 6 p.m., Rucker s Warehouse Feb. 11 3D Night for Couples 6 p.m., Mary, Queen of Peace Chapel Feb Men s ACTS Retreat Feb. 23 Women s Lenten Dinner Guest Speaker, Bishop Konderla 6 p.m., Fletcher Hall Feb. 25 Parish Eucharistic Retreat with Bishop Konderla 8 a.m. Mass, 8:30 a.m. Noon Retreat Marquette Vision Gym Feb. 2 Town Hall Meeting 7 p.m., Fletcher Hall