The bucket list contains 22 different spiritual activities in which to participate. The diocesan website announces that anyone in the diocese who completes at least 15 items and returns it to the diocese will receive "a complimentary gift of appreciation" memorializing their participation in the Year of Faith.
One of the diocese's major plans is to organize viewings of Father Robert Barron's "Catholicism" video series in the parishes. "We're having a diocesan trained individual, starting in January, going to each of the parishes and showing" the series, Grayless pointed out.
"It beautifully explores the faith; Fr. Barron goes around the world to different locations in the Church, showing how the faith is strong and beautiful."
Planning for the Year of Faith in Tulsa has been a group effort, Grayless emphasized. "The priests have been very passionate about it, and they've been very receptive to things we've suggested."
Father Kerry Wakulich, chaplain at the University of Tulsa's Newman Center, is among those passionate priests. He told CNA Oct. 10 that his plans for the Year of Faith include giving students the Magnificat "Year of Faith Companion"; pilgrimages to diocesan shrines; catechism classes; and in May, a 15-day pilgrimage to Poland "in the footsteps of Blessed John Paul II."
Grayless noted that Bishop Slattery intends for the fruits of the Year of Faith to extend beyond the year itself. He said that while the speakers, conferences, and viewings of the "Catholicism" videos are the "event," but "the bishop has encouraged that this not be a one-time event, but that this carry on, because we are supposed to be preaching the Gospel always."
There will be an outreach at the conclusion of the Year, in hopes that the Church in Tulsa will see a "sustainable bump in attendance."
In his letter to the diocese, Bishop Slattery challenged "every Catholic in Eastern Oklahoma to reflect seriously on the Pontiff's call for a renewed conversion to Christ. Together let us do what we must deepen our faith and show a greater confidence in the Gospel message of salvation."
Carl Bunderson is the former managing editor of Catholic News Agency.