The Office of Ministries is the repository for the Archdiocesan Archives and houses the offices of the Vicar General, the Vicar for Priests, and the Chancellor. The Office of the Safe Environment and Victims Assitance Coordinator are an adjunct to the Office of Ministries. The Office of Ministries provides direct service to the people of the Archdiocese in several important areas. For example, the Office is responsible for processing pre-nuptial investigations for the people of the Archdiocese at no charge to the couple or any parish. The Office assists in obtaining Papal Blessings and facilitating Papal audiences. Sacramental records are researched for persons seeking assistance with marriage or to qualify for government benefits.
The Office of Ministries also provides general information regarding the Archdiocese and Archdiocesan activities to the public and provides historical/archival information and materials to authorized researchers such as the historic commission for the cause of canonization of Stanley Francis Rother, Servant of God. The Office of Ministries is the central statistics/data repository for the Archdiocese and collects and maintains statistical data for the Official Catholic Directory (Kenedy Directory), inclusion in which is required for preserving the Archdiocese’s status as a tax-exempt organization. Statistical data is also used by the Office of Ministries to respond to various surveys sponsored by the USCCB and to prepare, or assist other Archdiocesan departments in preparing grant applications.
The Office of Ministries provides legal assistance and research for the Archbishop and other departments and consults with priests of the Archdiocese and parishes on canonical administrative issues and civil legal matters. The Office serves as the general spokesperson for the Archdiocese and is responsible for coordinating media contacts and press releases.
The Office of Safe Environment coordinates the Archdiocese’s safe environment education and training efforts, including educational programs for youth and training and continuing educational programs for Parish Facilitators and those ministering to youth. The Office of Safe Environment and the Office of Ministries coordinate the Archdiocesan response to the annual USCCB audit of Archdiocesan efforts to implement the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. In addition, the Office of Safe Environment is responsible for maintaining and responding to calls to the Archdiocesan Pastoral Response Hotline (open 24 hours a day), providing an effective response to allegations of abuse, coordinating assistance to victims of abuse and counseling with Archdiocesan employees and volunteers. The Office of Safe Environment also participates in a variety of community activities and organizations whose mission is the safe-guarding of children.
Future plans include continued efforts to preserve the records and artifacts of the Archdiocese (which cover a period of more than 100 years of the history of the Catholic Church in Oklahoma and Oklahoma Territory) until an appropriate archival space can be funded; digitizing sacramental records for ease of access and the development of new educational programs addressing a myriad of the increasingly complex issues facing parish staff and leaders.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Vicar General: Rev. William Novak
Vicar for Priests: Rev. Joseph Irwin
Chancellor: Michael Scaperlanda
Victims Assistance Coordinator: Jennifer Goodrich