On the Corner of Knoblock and Miller - Stillwater, OK

Dear Readers,

You are in for a treat this week! 2 Posts in 1 Week! As a freshman in college, I found my home away from home at the St. John Catholic Student Center and Church in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Across the U.S., these campus churches have been commonly called “Newman Centers,” with the goal of supporting and enriching the faith lives of students on campus. If you wanted to get involved with a bible study, rest at the church between classes, attend daily mass, or connect with friends - St. John’s lovingly opened its doors to invite you in. The church is placed on the west side of campus, steps away from Gallagher Iba Arena and the Boone Pickens Stadium.

Throughout my time as a student, you could describe the church as simple, quaint, and at times bursting at the seams. We outgrew the main pews in the church and had overflow seating available, especially for Sunday mass. Our community was alive with the Holy Spirit, and excitingly enough, in 2020, Fr. Kerry announced the “Building Saints” fundraising campaign to build a brand-new church on the corner of Knoblock and Miller. You can see the details of the original case study and the need for the church here: https://bit.ly/42VQOR5

As we all know, 2020 was a tough year, and I felt like knowing the church would be demoed to build something grander was one more loss to add to the list. No spring break. No graduation. No closure. No public masses. No going anywhere without a mask. Those losses were paving the way for the greater things to come. Jesus is no stranger to the feelings of mourning, loss, and sacrifice. During that time, a wise friend shared with me that “we truly aren’t losing a thing; we are gaining much more.” In all of it - the good, the bad, the confusion - He is present and showing us the power of perseverance.

This project is the perfect example of the beauty of our Church; we do not stand alone - we are One Universal Church. To think about the love and prayers invested by Fr. Kerry, Diocese of Tulsa, and beyond gives me chills. The fundraising campaign of $25 mil was raised in no time, and the formal dedication of the Church took place on April 29, 2023. All of this transformation in 3 short years!

We had much to celebrate with my brother graduating from OSU with his B.S. Degree in Agribusiness this past weekend + getting to tour the beautiful new church. These pictures speak for themselves in capturing the beauty of the St. John Catholic Student Center and Church. Intentionality is etched into every inch of this sacred space. The Church's design is based on teachings in the book of Revelation. Where is the Lamb? The Lamb was slain on the altar for you and for me. His blood and water gush forth, as depicted in the red and blue coloring on the marble floor. Holy - Holy - Holy Lord God of Hosts - Heaven and Earth Are Built On Your Glory.

There are several holy men and women painted above the altar. Can you spot any famous or beloved saints? Saint Jerome, Mary of Egypt, Blessed Emil Kapaun, St. Thomas Becket, St. Damian of Molokai, St. Andrew Kim, St. John Paul II, St. Mother Teresa, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Josephine Bakhita, St. Ambrose, St. Monica, St. Augustine, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Martin of Tours, St. Moses the Black, St. Andre Bassett, Blessed Franz Jagerstatter, St. Teresa Benedicta, Jose Sanchez del Rio, St. Maria de la Cabeza, and St. Joseph.

I am filled with peace, joy, and gratitude that St. John will serve students for years and years to come. I can think of no better investment than this. Let us be people who seek evangelization opportunities by living humbly and discerning when and where He is calling us to serve.

Lady K's One Thing:

Homemade Laundry Detergent

Blessings,

Lady K