Changing Face, Steady Heart
Saint Andrew Remains Faithful to Its Mission

By Ray Dyer
The Sooner Catholic
MOORE — The Church of Saint Andrew the Apostle has undergone a number of physical changes since it was founded in 1962. One thing that has not changed throughout the years is the devotion the parishioners have, both for the Eucharist and their church family. The perpetual Exposition of the Eucharist offered at Saint Andrew’s is a testament to the faith that continues to grow in this parish of more than 1,000 families. Father Jack Feehily, now in his 10th year at Saint Andrews, has helped guide the parish through many of these changes, including a $2.6 million renovation that has provided Saint Andrews with a beautiful and very open and welcoming campus.

“I think our hospitality is unmatched,” said Lorraine Stewart, a parishioner since 1966. “We’re the friendliest Church in Oklahoma,” chimed in Julia Lee, another parishioner.

In mid-October Saint Andrews hosted an open house to celebrate the  accomplishments made possible by putting faith into action. One of the highlights was a concert by The Ambassadors Concert Choir. A reception followed in the Joyce Center, which is named for Father Jack Joyce, the founding pastor at Saint Andrews. The Joyce Center under went a complete renovation in 2004. It was part of a construction project that added 16,000 square feet, providing a large commons area and creating a modern child care area as well as a large youth center, a fully stocked gift shop and a spacious kitchen.

Over the years, parishioners have decorated the spacious Commons area with signed prints by numerous Christian artists. Works by prominent artists such as Tom DuBois, Greg Olsen and James Seward can be found throughout the commons creating an almost gallery-like atmosphere.  

Parishioner Maria Martell said the transformation of The Joyce Center has allowed the parish to host all sorts of activities. Before the renovation took place, anniversary parties and wedding receptions would have to look outside the parish for accommodations. Now, with its modern kitchen, and warm and inviting atmosphere, The Joyce Center can easily handle all sorts of special occasions, large and small. A number of conferences have been hosted there as well.

Improvements are being made outside, as well. Saint Andrews will soon have a Prayer Garden that will feature a beautiful grotto and fountain. A walkway features wooden Stations of the Cross, offering people the opportunity for prayer and reflection in an outdoor setting.

Father Feehily said the original plans were to build a new gymnasium, but as the parish continued to grow so did the construction plans. He said eventually the parish would need to revisit the gymnasium project.  

Growth at Saint Andrews is not limited to bricks and mortar; spiritual growth is just as  dramatic considering the number of ministries the parish operates. Saint Andrews is active in the Parish Nurse ministry. Longtime Parish Nurse Caryl Prati, R.N. (see related story at right) is retiring after years of service. Her replacement is being sought.  A food pantry for the underprivileged of the area also operates out of Saint Andrews as does a sandwich  program for the needy.

The weekly bulletin at Saint Andrew Catholic Church features three distinct headlines that sum up how the faith is being lived out at this parish. “We Celebrate The Eucharist” appears above the weekly Mass schedule. “We Practice Stewardship” introduces the way in which the Parish supports the Catholic Faith. And finally, the bulletin headline “We Have a Mission” makes clear the people of  The Church of Saint Andrew the Apostle know exactly why they are here.                                                                       Top, Father Jack Feehily, Margaret Hochla, pastoral associate, and parishioner                                                                     Lorraine Stewart look over well-stocked parish gift shop.   Middle, the beautiful new                                                                     entrance to the sanctuary at Saint Andrew the Apostle. Bottom, the spacious kitchen                                                                     that serves many functions at the Joyce Center.Photos/Sooner Catholic.