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St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral
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Clergy & Staff

Clergy

The Very Reverend Katie Churchwell, Dean

Dean of St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral since 2020, Dean Churchwell believes that God's presence is with us always, especially when we take big risks for God and our neighbor!

A lifelong Episcopalian, Dean Churchwell has served in churches in Arizona, Oregon, Virginia, Texas, and Florida before making St. Paul's her spiritual home.

As Dean of the Cathedral, Dean Churchwell is responsible for the spiritual health and vitality of the cathedral, serves as Head of Staff for clergy and laity, chairs the Vestry (the lay leadership team of the Cathedral), and spends equal time bent over the Bible as she does spreadsheets.

For fun Dean Churchwell spends time with her family, her husband Logan and their three children Addison, Crawford, and Collins. She reads, naps, and enjoys the ritual of a good cup of coffee with a side of good conversation. You can find her at various kid activities, roaming the aisles at Trader Joe's, or jogging downtown between meetings.

Want to schedule a meeting with Dean Churchwell? Click here

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The Reverend Canon Tim Sean Youmans

Clergy Canon

Father Tim Sean Youmans serves as the Vicar of St. Edward the Confessor Chapel and Chair of the Religion Department at Casady School. Additionally, Father Tim Sean is the Bible Instructor for the Diocesan Iona School for Ministry. He serves the Cathedral as Canon for Youth and Families, bringing experience, joy, ad creativity to our community. A native of Wyoming, Father Tim Sean is married to Dr. Karen Youmans, Honors Director and Associate Professor of English at Oklahoma City University. Tim Sean came into the Episcopal Church after 20 years as a Baptist youth pastor. He earned a degree in English and History from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1991, a Master's of Divinity at Southwestern Baptist in 1994, and Anglican Studies at Nashotah House in 2011. He is the author of Blessed to Bless: An Introduction to the Bible, a survey of the scriptures geared toward teenagers and the biblically uninitiated. Tim Sean is a folk musician and songwriter, and tinkers at the banjo. Tim Sean and Karen have a son in college, Noah.



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The Reverend Gerald Butcher

Deacon

Gerald Butcher was appointed by the Bishop to serve St. Paul’s Cathedral in 2013. Gerald's primary service is Community Outreach. A native Oklahoman, Gerald is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and has worked for Western Farmers Electric Cooperative for nearly four decades as an Environmental Regulatory Affairs Coordinator. His wife Debra is a registered nurse (BS, BSN, MSN, CHN) and is employed at Mercy Hospital. Gerald and Debra have three adult daughters who also work in the health-care industry. Daughter Catherine is a radiation therapy clinic and technical manager at the University of Texas Medical Center in Dallas, Rebekah is a nurse supervisor for Mercy Home Health and Jennafer is a dietitian supervisor at the OU Medical Center in Edmond. Five grandchildren light up Debra's and Gerald's lives. Deacon Butcher loves working in the community where he has served as a coach for youth soccer, softball and basketball, serving on the board of directors for Chickasha Youth Soccer. Additionally, Gerald served on the National Rural Electric Environmental Association board and as a Grady County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Today, he continues to serve on the Environmental Federation of Oklahoma board of directors and is a volunteer with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. Recently, the Bishop appointed Gerald to the Oklahoma Prison Commission.

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The Reverend Marilyn Robertson

Deacon and Cathedral Nurse

St. Paul's has been Marilyn's church home since the 1990s. During that time, she has led various mission trips, both to Mexico and locally. She's served as the parish nurse for many years and additionally as a Deacon at the Cathedral for more than a decade. The health team at St. Paul’s offers a Health Fair every October. As well, the health team also supports various church functions. Marilyn enjoys horses and being out in the country. Her family is very important; giving her strength and enriching her soul. Marilyn feels blessed to serve the Cathedral community where she sees the true Spirit of Christ through the words and action of the loving and caring people who make up the parish. Contact Marilyn at deaconrobertson@stpaulsokc.org

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The Reverend Tracy Anderson

Deacon

The Reverend Deacon Tracy Anderson has been involved in many aspects of church life and service from a young age, including teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir and leading women’s ministries. She first came to the Episcopal church in 2013 and was confirmed in 2014 by Bishop Ed Konieczny in Sapulpa, Ok. Deacon Tracy was ordained as a vocational deacon in 2022 after graduating from the High Desert School for Ministry in Cove, OR, the realization of a lifelong call to service. She feels particularly called to walk alongside the economically disadvantaged and those living with mental health issues. She is excited to see what God has planned for her in serving at St. Paul’s.

Although she moved frequently during her childhood due to her father’s military service, Tracy’s family has lived in Oklahoma for generations and many still reside in the Tulsa area. She recently moved from Sisters, OR to Del City to be closer to her 4 grown children and grandchildren who live in the Dallas area. In addition to enjoying life as a grandma, she likes to crochet, bake, and spend time with her dog Jemma.

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The Right Reverend Poulson Reed

Bishop of the Diocese of Oklahoma

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The Reverend Omar Cisneros

Curate

Fr. Omar was born in Denver, Colorado, to parents from northern Mexico. He grew up in predominately Spanish-speaking Episcopal churches. In his twenties, he worked as a community organizer, primarily focused on education, and staffed various local and state-wide campaigns. He received his undergraduate degree at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and his Master of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary. Omar was ordained a deacon at St. Paul’s Cathedral on December 21st, 2021 (Feast of St. Thomas) and a priest on June 29th, 2022 (Feast of St. Peter and Paul). He enjoys reading, writing, archery, and competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. Omar has been married to Karina since 2016, and they have one dog.

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Staff

Joseph Ripka
Canon Precentor - Director of Cathedral Music - Diocesan Music Missioner
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Ashley Ozan
Children, Family & Cathedral Life Minister
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Caroline Dennis
Office Coordinator
Lauren Bass
Director of Operations
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Terry Jenks
Audio-Visual Coordinator
Jani Hill
Pastoral Care Coordinator
Todd Olberding
Volunteer Facilites Manager
Sarah-Emily Steinhardt
Communications Minister
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Stephanie Jensen
Staff Assistant
Page Jackson
Youth Minister
Chris Allbright
Director of Facilities
405-235-3436

Joseph Ripka

Canon Precentor - Director of Cathedral Music - Diocesan Music Missioner

Joseph Ripka is an internationally respected and acclaimed organist, recognized for his virtuosity and expressiveness. He was the rst-prize winner of the Dublin International Organ Competition, the Fort Wayne National Organ Playing Competition, and the San Marino/ Elizabeth Elftman National Organ Competition.

Joseph is in demand as a concert organist and has performed recitals throughout the United States. He received high praise in a review from the Boston Musical Intelligencer for his performance at Holy Cross College in Worcester Massachusetts on the renowned Taylor and Boody Opus 9 instrument. Joseph has performed with the New World Symphony, the Boston Philharmonic, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra under conductors Michael Tilson Thomas, Benjamin Zander, and Alan Gilbert. Mr. Ripka’s recitals have been aired on American Public Media's Pipedreams several times; he was invited by Michael Barone to be the featured artist for the 25th anniversary celebration of Pipedreams in 2008 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. During the summer of 2009, Joseph made his European concert debut with recitals at St. Sulpice in Paris, Bavo Kerk in Haarlem, Oude Kerk in Amsterdam, and Hooglandse Kerk in Leiden, Netherlands. Joseph has since played recitals at Westminster Cathedral in London, St. Michael’s Church in Dun Laoghaire, St Paul's Cathedral in London, St Columb's Cathedral in Derry, Noorderkerk in Amsterdam, and many more. Joseph’s acclaimed YouTube videos have received hundreds of thousands of views and have earned rave comments from around the world.

Joseph holds bachelor’s degrees in both organ and piano performance from St. Cloud State University, masters degrees in organ and piano performance from the University of Kansas, the Artist Diploma in organ performance from Oberlin College and a master’s degree in organ performance from Yale University. His principal teachers were James David Christie, Webb Wiggins (harpsichord), Derek Rêmes (thoroughbass), Martin Jean, James Higdon, Charles Echols, Jack Winerock and Carmen Wilhite, and Yakov Gelfand. He has coached with Olivier Latry, Marie Claire Alain, Wilma Jensen, Jean-Baptiste Robin, John Scott, and Phillipe Lefebvre as well.

Mr. Ripka is the Canon Musician at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Oklahoma City, OK. At St. Paul’s, Joseph is director of a comprehensive choral and music program, including two adult choirs and the Cathedral Chorister program, which he inaugurated in the fall of 2021. He also serves as Diocesan Music Missioner for the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma.

An internationally recognized organist, Mr. Ripka is also a performing pianist and harpsichordist, He has performed professionally as a pianist in numerous duo recitals and chamber-music concerts and as a continuo harpsichordist in concerts and recitals with Baroque ensembles and soloists. Joseph has conducted numerous complete performances of Handel’s Messiah and cantatas of Bach, Buxtehude and Schutz. His repertoire as a keyboardist, conductor and teacher extends from the late Renaissance and early Baroque to the 21st century. Joseph serves as instructor of harpsichord and director of the Early Music Ensemble at Oklahoma City University.

www.josephripkaorganist.com

Ashley Ozan

Children, Family & Cathedral Life Minister

Ashley is the mom to Amelia, Charlotte and George. Ashley and her family usually attend the Rite I service. She has been active not only in the undercroft teaching many classes over the past years, but has also served as the Altar Guild director, Wedding Chair and an acolyte. Ashley comes to us from the First Presbyterian Preschool where she has been a teacher and manager of the preschool for over 9 years. She is looking forward to developing stronger relationships with each family and building our undercroft programs in this new season of change.


Caroline Dennis

Office Coordinator

Lauren Bass

Director of Operations

Lauren joined the staff of St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in response to a call to align her spiritual life and work life. As the Director of Operations she manages the day-to-day operations of the Cathedral, including its financial and information technology systems; protection of its assets; maintenance of building and grounds; logistical support to Cathedral ministries and programs; vestry, executive and stewardship committee support; management of the use of Cathedral facilities by outside groups; and being the public face to parishioners and community members for operational needs.

Her background is rooted in technical communications. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in English and Journalism from Baylor University then completing a publishing program at New York University, Lauren embarked on a writing career focused on technical and resource publications. For 24 years, she wrote policies, procedures, programs, proposals, brochures, trade-journal articles, and a myriad of supporting materials for a variety of federal and state regulated and non-regulated companies in the oil, gas, energy, and banking industries.

Lauren brings an attention to detail and professional perspective to all her projects for the Cathedral. But when she’s not focused on the details, you might find Lauren chitchatting with Cathedral members or camping and fishing with her family. She loves to grow her mind and enlarge her perspective and is thankful for how the people and mission of St. Paul’s support both her spiritual growth and social awareness.

Many, many years ago, Lauren was a cheerleader and although the toe-touches didn’t stick, her commitment to cheering on others and encouraging them to be their best has remained a fundamental part of who she is. We encourage you to reach out to Lauren if you have any questions about Cathedral operations or if you just want to share stories… Lauren is your go-to person.

Terry Jenks

Audio-Visual Coordinator

Jani Hill

Pastoral Care Coordinator

Todd Olberding

Volunteer Facilites Manager

Sarah-Emily Steinhardt

Communications Minister

Sarah-Emily, or "SE" as she is often called, is a lifelong Episcopalian and the daughter of an Episcopal Priest. Some of her fondest and most formative memories center around the church events of her childhood and teen years. SE and her husband Michael have been married since 2011, and are parents of one charismatic and dynamic son. The Steinhardts have been active members of the greater OKC community since May of 2017, when they relocated from Lawrence, Kansas. SE holds both bachelors and masters degrees in education, and spent nearly 20 years teaching prior to 'early retirement' with the pursuit of lay work within the church. When not busy with her work or family, SE is an Active Member of the Edmond Women's Club as well as President of the Holy Trinity Lutheran School PTO. In her free time, SE enjoys walking and being outdoors, traveling, kayaking, reading, great music and good coffee.


Stephanie Jensen

Staff Assistant

As Staff Assistant, Stephanie will coordinate with every member of the staff to ensure that they are well supported in their work. Stephanie is an Oklahoma City native and a long-time member of St. Paul's Cathedral. Her previous work and educational background is in nursing. Stephanie and her wife, Alice, have been married 6 years in June and are dog-mom's to Lila the mutt.

Page Jackson

Youth Minister

Page Jackson grew up in the Northern Midwest in the great state of Michigan but has called Oklahoma home for the last 16 years. She has spent the majority of her career working with kids and adolescents, most recently her attention has been focused on adolescents (11-25) through Young Life. Page have an MA in social work and public administration from the University of Oklahoma. From the first time she visited St. Paul’s it felt like home and has been a member for five plus years.

Chris Allbright

Director of Facilities
405-235-3436 |

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Upcoming Events

Saturday, 11/16 at 4:00 PM
RITE II HOLY EUCHARIST - SPOKEN
Sunday, 11/17 at 8:00 AM
Holy Eucharist Rite I-Chapel (spoken)
Sunday, 11/17 at 8:45 AM
Cathedral Bookstore Between Services
Sunday, 11/17 at 9:00 AM
Holy Eucharist Rite II - Cathedral
Sunday, 11/17 at 10:10 AM
Church School - Children's Formation
Sunday, 11/17 at 10:10 AM
Adult Church School - “Reading Between the Lines: exploring our story through biblical stories”
Sunday, 11/17 at 10:10 AM
Episcopal 101 Formation Class
Sunday, 11/17 at 10:10 AM
Adult Formation - Dean Willey Hall

RITE II HOLY EUCHARIST - SPOKEN

Saturday, November 16, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Please join us for a spoken Holy Eucharist each Saturday afternoon at 4 pm in the Cathedral.

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Holy Eucharist Rite I-Chapel (spoken)

Sunday, November 17, 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

This service meets in the St. Nicholas Chapel in the Education Building. It is an intimate and quite service of spoken word using the Rite I liturgy found in the Book of Common Prayer. The more distinctive part of a Rite I service is the use of Elizabethan language.

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Cathedral Bookstore Between Services

Sunday, November 17, 8:45 AM - 12:45 PM

The Cathedral Bookstore is run by volunteers and helps to support the mission and ministry of the Cathedral, specifically in it’s support of the Episcopal Church Women. Books, gifts, and even treats can be found!

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Holy Eucharist Rite II - Cathedral

Sunday, November 17, 9:00 AM - 10:10 AM

The 9 am service is Rite II (meaning it uses contemporary language for the liturgy). This service has music (usually organ and the Cathedral Choir).

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Church School - Children's Formation

Sunday, November 17, 10:10 AM - 11:10 AM

We at Saint Paul’s are committed to helping children grow in faith. From 3 year olds to High School, we invite children of all ages to join us for Church School in our Undercroft (basement area of Education Building). 
Room 1 - 3 Year Olds to K
Room 2 - 1st - 2nd Grade

Room 3 - 3rd - 4th Grades

Room 5 Grades 5-8 Middle School

Room 7 - Grades 9-12 High School
*Please note, the Nursery is open and available on the main floor of the Education Building for our youngest attenders anytime services or formation is occurring Sunday mornings. 


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Adult Church School - “Reading Between the Lines: exploring our story through biblical stories”

Sunday, November 17, 10:10 AM - 11:10 AM

Adult Church School is Happening! Are you tired of letting the kids have all the fun? Beginning on Sep 15, you’re invited to join us for "Reading Between the Lines" Adult Church School at 10:10 in the Adult Learning Room, led by Lauren Bass.   Each week, our incredible team of teachers will invite you to use your imagination, intellect, intuition and reason to engage the Bible stories, connect them with the world around us, and explore the resonances those stories stir in our inmost depths.  We will do more than analyze and understand the text – together we will experience scripture as a reality within ourselves, connecting us to the text and the world around us.  Please feel welcome to drop in any Sunday for “Reading Between The Lines: Exploring our story through Biblical Stories." Questions or details? Contact lbass@stpaulsokc.org

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Episcopal 101 Formation Class

Sunday, November 17, 10:10 AM - 11:10 AM

Curious about the Episcopal Faith? New(er) to the Episcopal Church and Traditions? Join us on the third Sunday of each Monday during Formation Hour in the Parlor with a rotating set of St. Paul's Clergy who will answer all your questions and go deeper into what it means to be Episcopalian.

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Adult Formation - Dean Willey Hall

Sunday, November 17, 10:10 AM - 11:10 AM

Dean's Hour Series: Christian Perspectives on End-of-Life Planning Session 2; Theological and practical considerations for planning for death Grab a coffee and pastry and meet us for Adult Formation in Dean Willey Hall, each Sunday at 10:10 am (September through late May).  We'll cover a variety of topics, from 'Ask the Dean', to Bible Study and Scripture Study, and more.  All are welcome!  Please note, Children's Formation (through Gr. 12) runs concurrently in the same building.

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Sermons

  • May 12 | The Very Reverend Katie Churchwell, Dean
    The seventh Sunday of Easter
  • May 5 | The Very Reverend Katie Churchwell, Dean
    The sixth Sunday of Easter
  • Apr 28 | The Very Reverend Katie Churchwell, Dean
    The fifth Sunday after Easter
  • Apr 21 | The Reverend Canon Tim Sean Youmans
    The fourth Sunday of Easter
  • Apr 14 | The Very Reverend Katie Churchwell, Dean
    The Third Sunday of Easter

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127 NW 7th Street · Oklahoma City, OK 73102
(405) 235-3436
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Service Times

Join us Sundays at 9 AM, 11:15 AM and 5 PM for online worship. In-person services are at 8 AM, 9 AM, 11:15 AM and 5 PM.

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Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
(P) 405-235-3436 (E) spcoffice@stpaulsokc.org

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St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral
127 NW 7th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

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(405) 235-3436

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St. Paul’s Cathedral welcomes everyone with open arms and open hearts! The Cathedral community is intentionally vibrant, active, diverse and inclusive. Our joy is in being a loving, accepting spiritual home - that serves as the face of God - to our community and to everyone who wishes to be part of our downtown parish. - Dean Katie Churchwell +

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