Oklahomily - Who we are

Welcome to Oklahomily, an online resource for Oklahoma Catholics and all other Christians of deep and abiding faith. We hope you enjoy your visit here and invite you to return frequently as this site will be updated with new content on a regular basis.

Oklahomily: a word derived from "Oklahoma", which comes from Choctaw for "Land of the Red Man" and the word "homily" which in common use is the Catholic equivalent of the Protestant "sermon." But homily has another definition, that of a discourse designed to enlighten on practical matters of faith and morals. A good homily should provide inspiration and encouragement. And that is what we will strive to accomplish.

Our Mission:
• Report on Catholic news in Oklahoma and beyond
• Offer a Catholic perspective on the news of the day and the Signs of the Times
• Enlighten the faithful on opportunities for enriching their lives
• Be a faithful witness to the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Church

I am Dave Jones, the editor/owner of the website. I began my career right out of high school as a journalist toiling in the fields of secular news. My life began changing with my entry into the Roman Catholic Church in 1977, and in 1985 God blessed me with an opportunity to work for the diocesan newspaper in Tulsa for eight years. My wife, also a convert, and I have six children, the eldest 31 and the youngest 14. We belong to Saint Benedict parish in Broken Arrow where we teach religious education on Sundays and Wednesdays.

God has been good to us, His mercy and kindness surpassing all expectations or merit. We have witnessed miracles in our lives and in the lives of many around us. We have been inspired by the acts and lives of faith of many in this state. We know without reservation that God Exists, He is Holy and Mighty and personally interested in each of us down to the smallest detail of our lives. In His Son, Jesus, He has revealed a gift -- and a plan -- of salvation that is ours for the mere asking. In His Holy Spirit, God acts upon the nations, speaks to all people, and calls those who will listen to holiness, fullness of life and redemption from sin and death. Blessed be the Name of God -- Father, Son and Holy Spirit -- for ever and ever.

I want to be clear that Oklahomily is a personal, or lay, ministry. It is not an "official" outreach of the Church as an institution. We will strive to be accurate and faithful to Church teachings. Any short-comings that may come to pass will be our failing, and we pray that no one hold anyone other than us responsible. If you are puzzled or wish to challenge anything you read on this site, please know that you are welcome to do so.

We should have our e-mail links up and working shortly. Meanwhile if you wish to contact us, you may do so at Oklahomily@cox.net.

May God bless you!

Dave Jones
September 27, 2005