Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

Every day, we make many choices. Some are small, some are more important. Today, I invite you to pause and reflect on one question: What is God calling you to do?

It can feel like a lofty question. Buried under uncertainty or muffled by the noise of life, the answer can be hard to hear. Yet when we quiet our hearts and listen for the Holy Spirit, the answer becomes clear. God is calling us to partner with him—to make his love present in the world, to walk together as witnesses of faith and to be messengers of hope. 

I have grappled often to clear away the noise to better open my heart to God’s plan. What I have learned is this: It all comes down to trust. The more we open our hearts to God, the more we see his faithfulness, his mercy and his unfailing love. 

God’s call for his people is clear – he seeks not words alone, but active, sacrificial compassion.  His promise is just as clear: when we give, serve and love in tangible ways, his light shines through us, transforming others and transforming us. 

One way we can respond to this call is through the Annual Catholic Appeal. Your gift is not just a donation; it is a faith-filled act of trust. Through your support, we bring Christ’s presence to life by: 

• Forming seminarians and deacons to serve the Church 
• Educating students of all ages, nurturing them academically, socially and spiritually
• Supporting families and strengthening marriage and home life 
• Caring for retired priests who have dedicated their lives to God
• Funding youth programs, parish ministries and urgent repairs for rural parishes 

In the coming weeks, I invite you to reflect on the ways God has said, “Here I am” in your life. Then consider how you can be his answer for others—sharing his love, bringing his presence to those in need and helping others grow in faith. 

Through your participation in the Annual Catholic Appeal, you can respond to God’s call in a meaningful way. Your gift—offered in faith and trust—helps bring Christ’s mercy, hope and healing to countless people across our archdiocese. 

When we trust God, step forward to serve and care for one another, we can be certain: He is with us, guiding us, strengthening us, and working through us to bring his love to those who need it most. 

Thank you for your faithfulness, your compassion, and your commitment to making God’s love visible in our parish and community. Thank you for answering his call. 

-Most Rev. Paul S. Coakley 

Archbishop of Oklahoma City