Rural Parishes in Tulsa Radiate Christ's Love

In 2023, several parishes in the Diocese of Tulsa embarked on the Next Generation Parish (NGP) journey with Catholic Leadership Institute. All of the parishes are rural and face unique remote challenges and limited resources. The diocese saw the potential to equip and form each parish community and to better support the pastors. Catholic Leadership Institute was eager to see how rural parishes would respond to new ideas and practices that have already proved life-giving in other Next Generation Parish dioceses.

The Next Generation Parish journey consisted of four main phases over the course of three years. Each phase had a specific purpose and pace that contributed to the success of the process. The data from the Disciple Maker Index (DMI) survey in 2023 became the foundation of each parish’s priority plans, while those from the 2025 survey highlighted areas for success and improvement moving forward. The result is a living hope for the Church’s future that is taking root and spreading regardless of the size of the faith community.

When reviewing the results of the 2025 DMI, it was found that nearly every key driver measured at the end of Next Generation Parish exceeded the national DMI survey averages. In addition, rural parishes experienced steady growth in ministry initiatives and parish life. These results highlight areas of parish effectiveness and the broader impact that engaged parish communities have on spiritual growth and evangelization.

Over the years, we followed some of the parishes and their leaders through stories, journeying like the woman who walked to Mass at St. Catherine Parish to attend Mass. That's a 17-mile walk - one way. We heard from Fr. David Medina that at St. Brigid Parish, young men are discerning the priesthood - something the parish has never seen before. Prior to Next Generation Parish, 76% of parishioners reported never inviting a man to consider a vocation to the priesthood.

It didn't stop there.

• St. William and St. Patrick Parish saw a significant increase in new Catholics, with five times as many Baptisms in 2025 compared to 2023.
• St. Catherine Parish went from zero to eight parishioners participating in a monthly prayer group.
• St. Brigid exceeded their goal of participation in at least one parish faith formation event retreat or group by over four times as many attendees.
• St. Michael, St. Stephen, and St. Teresa's Mobile Food Bank promotes multi-generational outreach to some of the poorest counties in Oklahoma.

As Next Generation Parish comes to an end, there is a new story of life ahead, strengthened by Masses that lift hearts, leaders who share responsibility, disciples who grow in faith, and communities that radiate Christ’s love. Slowly, but surely, transformations took place in these distinct communities as they moved from a “Sunday Mass only” mindset to one that goes out to reach others and bring them to Christ and His Church.

Behind each data point and priority plan is a story of people encountering welcome, spiritual growth, meaningful preaching, and the sharing of faith. While the steps taken may seem insignificant to an outsider, to those inside the parish, a new spirit is being breathed into these communities. People are responding with open hearts and a desire to grow closer to the Lord, and the results are undeniable.

Join us in praying for the Diocese of Tulsa and the continued success of these Next Generation Parishes for years to come.