Ministries & Parish Service

Praying for one another is a deeply meaningful way to serve. Our Prayer Ministry invites parishioners to bring the needs of others before God with care, attention, and a faithful commitment to prayer.

The prayer list in our bulletin is an important part of our parish’s shared prayer. This ministry offers an additional, personal way to participate: remembering particular people and circumstances regularly.

You can pray at home, during Eucharistic adoration, or wherever you spend quiet time with God. No group meeting is required. You might include these intentions in your daily prayers, offer a Rosary, or simply pause to pray thoughtfully for someone facing a difficult day.

We invite you to become a prayer partner, receiving particular intentions and updates that help you pray with greater understanding and personal attention. These may include an upcoming surgery, a change in someone’s health, a family facing a difficult time, or prayers for Father Jeff, our parish, and the wider Church. Some needs arise between bulletin editions; others benefit from more context than a printed list can provide.

Robert Mercer can share these intentions by email, text message, or a mailed list. Let him know which method works best for you.

Prayer intentions are entrusted to us with care. Personal details are shared only with appropriate permission and should be treated with discretion. You are always welcome to request prayer without explaining private circumstances.

To receive prayer intentions or request prayer, call Robert Mercer at (405) 219-0177 or send him a text message. Your faithful prayer can help someone know they are remembered and supported by their parish family.

No one should feel forgotten during illness or loss. Our Care Ministry offers a personal expression of the parish’s love and concern, reminding people that they belong to a community that remembers them and holds them in prayer.

Led by Terri Neylon, our Director of Hospitality, this ministry currently sends cards to people who are ill, grieving, or mourning the death of a loved one. A simple message can bring comfort and help someone feel connected to parish life during a difficult time.

As the ministry grows, we hope to extend that care through home visits, meals, and bereavement support. These opportunities are being developed, and we welcome parishioners interested in helping shape this work of compassion.

Whether you enjoy writing thoughtful notes or would like to help with future outreach, your kindness and willingness to listen can make a difference. Respect for each person’s wishes, privacy, and circumstances is central to this ministry.

To volunteer or let us know about someone who would welcome a card, contact the parish office at (918) 775-6217 and ask to be connected with Terri Neylon, our Director of Hospitality.

Faith continues to grow throughout our lives. Adult spiritual formation invites us to deepen our friendship with Christ, understand our Catholic faith more fully, and bring that faith into our homes, relationships, and daily decisions.

At St. Francis Xavier, these opportunities offer adults a place to learn, reflect, ask questions, and grow together. Whether you are exploring the faith, returning after time away, or seeking a deeper spiritual life, you are welcome.

Robert Mercer coordinates our adult spiritual formation opportunities. Parishioners can also help make these gatherings possible through hospitality, organization, and other support. If you would like to participate or assist, Robert would be glad to talk with you.

To learn about current offerings or ways to help, contact Robert Mercer at (405) 219-0177 or through the parish office at (918) 775-6217.

Becoming Catholic is a journey of faith, prayer, and belonging. Through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), people encounter Christ, explore the Catholic faith, and prepare to enter more fully into the life of the Church.

Father Jeff currently leads our OCIA classes. Parishioners also have an important part to play: welcoming those exploring the faith and walking beside them as they become part of our parish family.

More Than a Name on a Form

A sponsor offers a personal connection to the Church through friendship, prayer, encouragement, and the example of a lived Catholic faith. Sponsorship is more than fulfilling a requirement. It means listening to questions, sharing parish life, and helping someone feel that they belong.

A relative or longtime friend may be a suitable sponsor, but the relationship should provide meaningful spiritual support. Father Jeff can explain the requirements for sponsors and godparents and help discern a suitable match.

The Journey Continues

Receiving the sacraments begins a new chapter. The period of formation after initiation is called mystagogy. It helps newly initiated Catholics reflect on the sacraments they have received, deepen their life of prayer, and participate more fully in the worship and mission of the Church.

Sponsors and godparents continue to offer encouragement, and the whole parish shares in this welcome. An invitation to sit together at Mass, attend a parish gathering, or join in service can help a new Catholic develop lasting friendships and a sense of belonging.

Could You Walk With Someone?

We would like to develop stronger parish support for those becoming Catholic. If you are interested in serving as a sponsor or helping with welcome and ongoing accompaniment, please speak with Father Jeff. You do not need to know every answer. A willingness to listen, pray, share your faith, and be consistently present is a valuable beginning.

To explore becoming Catholic or discuss helping with this ministry, call the parish office at (918) 775-6217 to arrange a conversation with Father Jeff.

Helping children know and love Jesus is a ministry of both teaching and example. Religious education helps our young parishioners discover the Catholic faith, grow in prayer, and learn how to live as followers of Christ. Catechists work alongside parents, who are their children’s first teachers in the faith.

We need parishioners willing to serve as religious education teachers and classroom helpers. Catechists prepare and lead lessons, welcome questions, and help children connect faith with everyday life. Classroom helpers support the teacher and help create a welcoming, attentive environment where each child can participate.

You do not need to know every answer to begin a conversation about serving. A love for the faith, patience with children, reliability, and a willingness to learn are important starting points. Our Director of Faith Formation, Erin Milteer, can discuss opportunities to help and explain the preparation and safe-environment requirements that apply.

This ministry is more than presenting information. Through your words, encouragement, and example, you can help a child discover that God loves them and that they belong in the Church.

To learn about serving or religious education for your child, contact the parish office at (918) 775-6217 and ask to be connected with Erin Milteer, our Director of Faith Formation. She would be glad to talk with you about taking the next step.

Young people need a place where they are welcomed, their questions are taken seriously, and they can discover how faith speaks to their lives. We are beginning to develop a youth group at St. Francis Xavier to help young people grow in friendship with Christ, connect with one another, and find their place in our parish family.

Through prayer, conversation, fellowship, and service, youth ministry can help young people recognize their gifts and put their faith into practice. We want them to know that they belong in the Church today and have something valuable to contribute.

As this ministry takes shape, we welcome parishioners interested in helping. Adult volunteers can offer encouragement, assist with activities and organization, and help create a welcoming environment. Parents can also share ideas about what would help their children participate and grow.

You do not need to have every activity planned or every answer ready. Patience, reliability, a willingness to listen, and a love for young people are valuable gifts. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact the parish to discuss suitable roles and the safe-environment screening and training requirements that apply.

Interested in helping us get started, or learning more for your family? Contact the parish office at (918) 775-6217. We would welcome your interest and ideas as we develop this ministry.

Altar servers assist the priest during Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Their duties may include carrying the processional cross, holding the missal, and assisting with preparations at the altar. Through attentive, reverent service, they help the parish celebrate the liturgy prayerfully.

Serving at the altar offers young people a way to participate more fully in the Mass and deepen their understanding of the Church’s worship. It also encourages responsibility, confidence, teamwork, and friendships with fellow servers.

This ministry is more than learning a set of tasks. It is an opportunity to serve God and the parish with care, grow in faith, and develop a generous heart.

Interested in becoming an altar server? Contact the parish office at (918) 775-6217 to ask about preparation, training, and opportunities to serve.

Lectors proclaim the Scripture readings before the Gospel at Mass. Through their preparation and clear, prayerful reading, they help the congregation hear and reflect on God’s Word. They may also lead the Prayer of the Faithful and, when there is no psalmist, read the responsorial psalm.

This ministry begins before stepping up to the ambo. Lectors spend time with the readings, consider their meaning, and practice proclaiming them clearly. Their purpose is to let the message of Scripture speak to the hearts of those gathered.

You do not need to be a professional speaker. A love of Scripture, a willingness to prepare, and a clear, steady voice are valuable starting points. Serving as a lector can also deepen your own familiarity with the Bible and your appreciation of the Mass.

Interested in serving as a lector? Contact the parish office at (918) 775-6217 to ask about preparation, training, and opportunities to serve.

Music helps our parish pray together. Through hymns, psalms, and the sung responses of the Mass, our music ministry supports the congregation’s participation and helps express the faith, joy, and reverence of our worship.

Nick Burrell serves as music director, choir director, organist, and pianist for St. Francis Xavier and St. John the Evangelist. His leadership helps singers and musicians share their gifts in service to the liturgy and the gathered community.

The choir serves by leading and supporting congregational singing. This is a ministry of prayer and service, helping everyone lift their hearts and voices to God. Singing together can deepen your appreciation of the liturgy, strengthen friendships, and provide a meaningful way to contribute to parish life.

You do not need to be a professional musician to ask about joining. If you enjoy singing or playing an instrument and are willing to learn and participate faithfully, Nick would welcome a conversation about how you might contribute at either parish.

Interested in singing or providing music at St. Francis Xavier or St. John the Evangelist? Contact the parish office at (918) 775-6217 and ask to be connected with Nick Burrell, our music director.

A warm welcome helps people feel at home in our parish. Ushers and greeters offer that welcome to longtime parishioners, visitors, and anyone entering the church for the first time.

Greeters offer a friendly greeting and help people find their way. Ushers assist with seating, help with the collection, and respond to practical needs during Mass. Together, they help create an orderly, welcoming environment where the congregation can pray.

This ministry calls for attentiveness as well as friendliness. Noticing someone who needs assistance, answering a visitor’s question, or helping a family find a seat can communicate the care of the whole parish.

You do not need special expertise to begin. A welcoming manner, reliability, discretion, and a willingness to help are valuable gifts.

Interested in serving as an usher or greeter? Contact the parish office at (918) 775-6217 and ask to be connected with Lupe Gonzales to learn about opportunities to help.

Caring for our parish family includes caring for their health and safety. Our Parish Health & Safety effort brings together medical guidance, thoughtful planning, and practical organization to support a welcoming, prepared parish.

This work draws on the experience of three parishioners:

• Dr. Tim Neylon provides medical guidance, including advice about first aid supplies and procedures for responding to medical needs at church.
• Officer Joe Lufkin and Cody Osbornprovides guidance on security awareness and safety planning for parish gatherings.
• Robert Mercer coordinates this work through the parish office.

Together, they help review parish needs, improve preparedness, and clarify how concerns should be reported and addressed. Any assistance is coordinated through the parish and follows agreed procedures.

Parishioners with relevant experience or suggestions are welcome to contact Robert Mercer through the parish office at (918) 775-6217.

For an immediate medical emergency or threat to safety, call 911.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist with the distribution of Holy Communion when needed, serving alongside the priest and other ordinary ministers. Their reverent care helps parishioners receive the Eucharist prayerfully.

This ministry calls for a deep respect for the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, careful preparation, and faithful attention to the Church’s liturgical practices. Those who serve are entrusted with a sacred responsibility and should approach it with humility, attentiveness, and love.

Some extraordinary ministers may also be authorized to bring Holy Communion to parishioners who are homebound or unable to attend Mass because of illness. These visits offer prayer, encouragement, and a connection with the worship and life of the parish.

Serving requires appropriate preparation and authorization. Father Jeff can discuss suitability, explain the requirements that apply, and help interested parishioners discern whether this ministry is a good fit.

To ask about serving, or to request Holy Communion for someone unable to attend Mass, call the parish office at (918) 775-6217.

Sharing food and conversation after Mass helps turn familiar faces into friends. Our first Sunday gathering in the parish hall gives parishioners and visitors a welcoming place to connect and enjoy time together.

We aim to offer at least coffee and doughnuts after Mass on the first Sunday of the month, but the gathering usually includes a meal. Hosting can be as simple as ordering pizzas and bringing them to the parish hall, or as generous as gathering friends and family to prepare a potluck-style spread.

You do not need to be an experienced cook or organize an elaborate menu. Simple food, a warm welcome, and a willingness to help make this gathering possible. Parishioners can contribute by arranging food, setting up, serving, making coffee, or helping with cleanup.

This ministry of hospitality makes room for friendship and belonging. Whether you help on your own or with family and friends, your service gives others an opportunity to feel more connected to parish life.

Interested in hosting or helping with a first Sunday gathering? Contact the parish office at (918) 775-6217 to discuss a date and coordinate arrangements.

A clean, cared-for church provides a welcoming place for prayer and worship. Those who help with church cleaning and care offer a practical service that benefits everyone who gathers here.

This work may include cleaning floors and pews, tidying shared spaces, and helping keep the church ready for Mass and other celebrations. Careful attention to these ordinary needs reflects our respect for this sacred place and for the people who use it.

You do not need special expertise to offer your help. Reliability, care, and a willingness to work alongside others make a difference. Volunteers should coordinate with the parish before beginning, especially when cleaning near the sanctuary or handling furnishings and sacred items that require particular care.

Whether you can help regularly or occasionally, your time and effort can support a prayerful, welcoming environment for our parish family.

To ask about current needs and arrangements, contact the parish office at (918) 775-6217.

The Collection Counting Team helps care for the financial gifts entrusted to our parish. Through accurate counting and careful recordkeeping, team members support the responsible stewardship of contributions that sustain parish worship, formation, and service.

This work calls for honesty, discretion, attention to detail, and a willingness to follow parish procedures. Team members work together to count and document collections, helping maintain accountability and protect the trust of those who give.

You do not need to be an accountant to inquire about helping. Reliability, comfort working with numbers, and respect for confidentiality are important qualities. The parish will explain the duties, preparation, and requirements involved before you begin.

Much of this service happens quietly, but it makes a meaningful contribution to the life and mission of our parish.

Interested in serving on the Collection Counting Team? Contact the parish office at (918) 775-6217 to discuss current needs and the process for joining.