Archdiocese of the Catholic Church of Oklahoma City: Market Research Report

Background

The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City is a Latin Church ecclesiastical territory of the Catholic Church, serving central and western Oklahoma. Established in 1972, it encompasses 46 counties and is dedicated to the spiritual and educational needs of its community. The archdiocese's mission is to joyfully witness to the Catholic faith through teaching, sanctifying, and governing ministries, aiming to make the Body of Christ present and proclaim the universal call to holiness.

Key Strategic Focus

The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City focuses on several strategic initiatives:

Catholic Education Expansion: Addressing demographic shifts and enrollment trends, the archdiocese is exploring the feasibility of opening new Catholic schools in areas with growing populations. This includes conducting comprehensive data and demographic studies to identify potential locations for new schools.

Parental Engagement: Understanding the community's interest in Catholic education, the archdiocese has conducted surveys to assess parents' willingness to enroll their children in Catholic schools, especially in light of new state tax credit scholarship programs.

Community Outreach: Through its various ministries, the archdiocese aims to serve the spiritual and social needs of its diverse community, fostering a welcoming environment for all.

Financials and Funding

Annual Revenue: The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City reported an annual revenue of $41 million in 2024, with approximately 3,000 employees. This equates to a revenue per employee ratio of $13,667.

Investments in Infrastructure: In 2021, the archdiocese invested $40 million to build out 36,651 square feet of new space in Oklahoma City, reflecting its commitment to expanding its physical presence and services.

Pipeline Development

Catholic Schools Feasibility Study: In May 2023, the archdiocese partnered with Meitler, a professional consulting firm, to plan for the future of Catholic schools. This initiative involved:

Conducting a comprehensive data and demographic study across all 46 counties to identify areas for potential new schools.

Assessing parents' willingness to enroll their children in Catholic schools, particularly in light of the newly approved tax credit scholarship program.

Technological Platform and Innovation

The archdiocese leverages various technological platforms to enhance its educational and administrative functions. This includes:

Data Analytics: Utilizing demographic studies and market research surveys to inform decisions on school expansions and community engagement strategies.

Digital Communication: Maintaining an active online presence through its official website and social media channels to communicate with parishioners and the broader community.

Leadership Team

The leadership team of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City includes:

Most Reverend Paul S. Coakley: Archbishop of Oklahoma City, overseeing the spiritual and administrative functions of the archdiocese.

Lara Schuler: Senior Director of Catholic Education, responsible for the strategic direction and management of Catholic educational institutions within the archdiocese. Under her leadership, the archdiocese has seen significant growth in Catholic school enrollment, attributed in part to the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit program.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics: The archdiocese operates in a dynamic environment, with factors such as demographic shifts, state education policies, and community engagement influencing its strategies.

Competitor Analysis: While the archdiocese collaborates with various Catholic organizations, it also faces competition from other educational institutions and religious organizations in the region.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Consulting with Meitler: The partnership with Meitler has been instrumental in conducting comprehensive studies to inform the archdiocese's decisions on school expansions and community engagement.

Operational Insights

The archdiocese's strategic considerations include:

Community Engagement: Actively seeking input from parishioners and parents to guide decisions on educational offerings and community services.

Infrastructure Development: Investing in physical spaces to accommodate growing community needs and enhance service delivery.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The archdiocese is exploring several strategic opportunities:

Expansion of Educational Services: Based on demographic studies and community interest, the archdiocese is considering the establishment of new Catholic schools in areas with growing populations.

Leveraging State Programs: Utilizing state tax credit scholarship programs to make Catholic education more accessible to a broader range of families.