St. Monica Catholic Church celebrates 100 years in north Tulsa

St. Monica Catholic Church is marking a century of service this month in north Tulsa. The historic parish is hosting several community events across the upcoming weekend to celebrate the milestone. Tulsa Diocese Bishop David Konderla will lead a High Mass on Sunday. The parish will dedicate and bless its new Centennial Garden right after the service.

Festivities begin on Saturday, October 17 with a Centennial Banquet. The event takes place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Tulsa. Church leaders expect over 200 guests between the weekend events.

The parish Centennial Planning Committee plans to create a historical memorabilia souvenir journal. The journal will be an online book with an option for a hard copy. The Centennial Mass begins at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 18 at the church.

The parish has served north Tulsa since the 1920s oil boom. Many Catholic Black Americans migrated north from southern Louisiana during that era. They arrived to work in oil fields and in coal, lead, and zinc mines.

On February 28, 1926, Father Rooney met with 25 Catholics at Holy Family rectory who were eager to spread the gospel among the Blacks of North Tulsa. A mission society was formed with Father Rooney as spiritual director.

The church said a delegation from Bishop Kelley helped establish a church and a school. Father Rooney was appointed as the first pastor of the parish. Early masses were held in various buildings in the Greenwood area.

The parish endured the oil boom, the Great Depression, and segregation. Parish leaders shared their excitement about reaching the milestone on social media.

“St. Monica Catholic Church is very proud of the 100 years of service to the community across Oklahoma,” the church said.

A Catholic parish serves as a local worship community within a diocese. High Mass is a traditional Sunday liturgy led by ordained clergy. Centennial celebrations often include commemorative gardens and special archival projects.

The church continues to serve parishioners and visitors in north Tulsa today. Church members can attend both weekend celebrations.