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Welcome to St. John's!

Are you looking for a warm and welcoming church home? You've come to the right place. Our growing congregation, led by Fr. William Novak, is a joyful, enthusiastic, caring community and we love to welcome newcomers into our parish family.


Please join us for Mass or attend one of the many events happening in this active community. You are also welcome to register as a parishioner, or consider joining our OCIA program (formally RCIA) to learn more about becoming Catholic.


Need more info?

See answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below.



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Get to know the clergy and staff of St. John's.

Meet Our Team

Our History - Oklahoma's First Church



President Benjamin Harrison designated April 22, 1889, as the day of the Homestead Run. Three million acres of western land were opened for settlement, thus marking the birth of what is now known as “Oklahoma.” Although Catholic and Protestant churches existed in the territory before this event, the Catholic Parish of St. John the Baptist was the first church of any denomination built after the famous land run, thereby claiming the distinction as “Oklahoma’s” first church.


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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You're invited! Please join us for Mass:

  • What are the Mass times?

  • Where should I park?

    We have four main parking lots:  one on the north side of the campus, one across the street from the Church on the west side, and two on the south side of the campus. The main church entrance is on the south side of the church. You may park in any available spot. There is no reserved parking except for the ample handicapped-accessible spots in the north and south parking lots. We ask that you never park in fire lines or on the grass.

  • What should I wear?

    We want you to feel comfortable. After all, we are thrilled that you're joining us and want you to be more focused on the service than what you're wearing. In the summertime, it's not uncommon to see people wearing sandals, shorts, and a shirt. Others prefer to still put on their "Sunday best," and that's fine too! However, we do request that shorts be of a conservative length (no “short-shorts”) and that in general, clothing be respectable and conservative.


    View more about Mass etiquette at St. John's.

  • Are children welcome at Mass?

    Yes! We celebrate children at Mass.


    Suggestions for Parents:

    Relax! God put the wiggle in children, don't feel you have to suppress it in God's house.

    Sit toward the front where it's easier to hear and quietly explain the parts of the Mass.

    Sing the songs, pray and say the responses. Children learn liturgical behavior by copying you.

    Feel free to leave Mass with your child if you need to, but please come back! The way we welcome children in Church directly affects the way they respond to the Church, to God, and to Jesus. Let children know that they are at home in this liturgical gathering.


    Suggestions for Everyone:

    A smile of encouragement and a kind word are always helpful to parents with small, active children.

  • Is there childcare or a cry room available?

    At St. John's, we believe it is important for children of all ages to attend Mass with their families; however, we do have a child care facility and a cry room.  


    Cry Room

    The cry room is located at the back of the Church and has large windows and a sound system to allow you to hear and participate in the Mass.


    Child Care

    The child care facility is located on the east side of the Rev. John A. Petuskey Great Hall in the Parish Center. View the Mass schedule to check which Masses have childcare available.


    For Mass, we accept children from birth through kindergarten.  Our Pastor recommends that children in first grade and higher attend Mass with their families.  The child care facility is also available for many other events and activities offered by the Parish.  Older children are welcome to use the child care facility for non-Mass events.


    Our goal in the child care facility is to provide a safe and loving place for your child to play while you attend Mass and other important Parish functions.  All parishioners may use the child care facility.  Donations are always welcome and some registration events may incur a small fee.  Please come visit us in our well-equipped facility, staffed with friendly, caring adults and teens.

  • Am I expected to put money in the offering?

    If you are visiting with us, we don't expect you to put money in the offering, and you are welcome to just let it pass you by. If you consider St. John's your Church home, we'd love for you to prayerfully consider giving to St. John on a weekly basis. You can give by check or cash during the Mass, or you can give online.

Not a Catholic?

  • How can I learn more or become Catholic?

    OCIA (formally RCIA), or Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, is a program through which the Catholic way of life is presented. Participants get to know and grow in relationship with Christ. We invite you to learn more about our OCIA program and to contact us for more information.

  • How do I know when to sit, stand, or kneel?

    There’s no need to be self-conscious about the postures and responses used during worship. Most visitors just follow the lead of the St. John's parishioners. 

  • Is it okay for me to participate in Communion?

    Communion, also known as The Eucharist, is the most intimate expression of our faith. Catholics believe that the host is literally the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ, transformed from bread and wine by the Priest presiding over the service. 


    Most evangelicals think of Communion as symbolic, so it makes sense that they are not as strict about having the right relationship to it as Catholics and Orthodox Christians, who believe it is a Sacrament and the true presence of Christ. 


    For this reason, if you are not Catholic, we ask that you not receive Communion. However, those not receiving the Body of Christ and Precious Blood are invited to come forward with their hands crossed over their chests for a special blessing.


    If you want to learn more about the Catholic views on Communion, please consider contacting us about our OCIA program. We would love nothing more than for you to eventually join us in partaking in Holy Communion with Our Lord.

How to Receive the Sacraments:

  • How do I go to Confession?

    The Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Confession or Penance) is offered several times per week, with additional times available during Lent and Advent. See our Mass and Confession schedule for upcoming days and times.


    Confessions are also available by calling the Parish Office at (405) 340-0691 for an appointment.

  • How do I schedule an Anointing of the Sick?

    Scheduling:

    Please call the Parish Office at (405) 340-0691 to schedule the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. This Sacrament is available to those who are ill, elderly, or about to undergo a serious operation. 


    Emergency After Hours:

    Outside of office hours, call (405) 330-7509 for pastoral emergencies.

  • How do I sign up for First Communion, First Reconciliation, or Confirmation?

    The process for receiving First Communion, First Reconciliation, or Confirmation varies depending on your age and situation. Please visit the specific page below to learn more about receiving these Sacraments.


  • Do you offer Communion to the homebound?

    Yes. Homebound ministers are regularly appointed Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion who are assigned to the Catholic Parish of St. John the Baptist. These ministers have volunteered to bring the Body of Christ to those unable to receive in any other manner. This is truly a spiritually rewarding experience for all involved. Communion is scheduled by the ministry coordinator to be brought to those who are sick, in nursing homes, or homebound; usually weekly at a regularly scheduled time. 


    Learn more about our Homebound Communion ministry.

  • What is the process for Baptism?

    To have a child baptized at St. John the Baptist, you need to be registered in the parish, regularly attend Mass, and complete one of the available options of baptism preparation. If you have already completed baptism preparation, you need not repeat the process. Learn more about baptizing a child at St. John the Baptist.


    If you are an adult who would like to be baptized, contact our OCIA program to learn more about the process. We are more than happy to walk with you through this incredible journey.

  • How can I get married through the Church?

    In the Sacrament of Matrimony, you are asking the Church to witness your pledge of enduring love as you seek God’s blessing and the blessing and support of the Christian community while you embark on your life together as husband and wife.


    All couples will participate in a Marriage Prep Program. They will also work with a parish wedding coordinator, who will assist with details of the marriage liturgy and wedding rehearsal.  


    Weddings at St. John's should be scheduled at least six months in advance. Preferably, 9-12 months before the wedding date, the engaged couple should first call the Parish Office at (405) 340-0691 for an appointment with a priest.


    View more information about the Sacrament of Matrimony at St. John's.


  • How do I learn more about becoming a priest, deacon, or other religious?

    Holy Orders is the Sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the Sacrament of apostolic ministry.  It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate.  (From the Catechism of the Catholic Church)


    Please contact the Parish Office at (405) 340-0691 to schedule an appointment with a Priest if you are being called to a Holy Order. 

How to Get Involved:

  • How can I get involved at St. John's?

    In whatever way you would like to get involved at St. John's, we appreciate you and your gifts of time and talent. 



    If you just can't figure out how to get plugged in, call our Parish Office at (405) 340-0691 and we would be happy to help.

  • How do I schedule Mass or Flower intentions?

    Mass Intentions

    Offering Mass for a special Intention is a long standing tradition in the Catholic Church. If you would like to have a Mass said for someone, please contact the Parish Office for help with available dates and times. 


    Mass Intentions are $10.00 per Mass.


    Once your intention (s) is scheduled, you may mail in or drop off a check or cash. Dates are on a first-come, first-serve basis.


     

    Flower Intentions

    Our celebration of the Eucharist at weekend and Holy Day Masses is enhanced with fresh flowers in the Sanctuary.  If you would like the opportunity to make a memorial offering in the name of a loved one or for a special occasion, please contact the Parish Office at (405) 340-0691.


    There will be one arrangement in front of the ambo, which will be available as an intention every weekend.  This arrangement will remain in the Sanctuary throughout the week as your gift to our Parish.  


    The donation for this arrangement is $100.00, which includes a bulletin announcement reflecting the memorial intention and donor.


    You may mail in or drop off a check or cash. Please contact the Parish Office at (405) 340-0691 to schedule the dates, which are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

  • How do I add someone to the prayer list?

    Contact the Parish Office at (405) 340-0691 or Parish_Office@stjohn-catholic.org. The prayer list is published in our weekly bulletin. 


    Due to submission deadlines, additions may not be published immediately but will appear in the soonest bulletin possible. Names are typically removed after three months or by request.

  • Where do I find giving information?

    We here at St. John's are deeply grateful for your prayerful support of our mission. There are a variety of ways to give, but most give online or via giving envelopes that we mail out monthly. Envelopes, cash, or checks may be placed in the offertory baskets during Sunday Masses, dropped off to the parish office, or mailed in. You may also set up online giving through your Realm account. 


    If you need assistance, please contact the Parish Office at (405) 340-0691.


    View our giving page for more information.

  • How do I sign up for events?

    All public, upcoming events are posted here. Those that require registration will have a form on the event details page, and registration generally opens up 30 days prior to the event.


    Contact the Parish Office at (405) 340-0691 if you need any help signing up.

How to Get Help:

  • Do you help with rent/utilities/food?

    Yes, our Samaritan House can often help with these and other needs. While a ministry of St. John's, the Samaritan House is located down the street at 42 E. 9th St. in Edmond, and can be contacted directly at (405) 216-7554


    Please view the ministry page for their operating hours, which are different from the Parish Office hours.

  • How do I plan a funeral at St. John's?

    We offer you the prayers and concern of our parish at this time of sorrow. The priests and staff at St. John the Baptist are here to assist you in celebrating the life of your loved one.  We recommend that you contact the funeral home first, as they will help to guide you through the funeral arrangements, and will take care of calling the church to schedule the Funeral Mass.  


    We understand that this is a difficult time for you; therefore, do not hesitate to contact the Parish Office at (405) 340-0691 and we can assist you in planning the liturgy. 


    Learn more about funerals at St. John's.

  • Do you offer spiritual direction?

    Please see the list of spiritual directors who are parishioners of St. John's. You may also make an appointment with a priest by calling the Parish Office at (405) 340-0691.

How to Stay in Touch:

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