Meet the Chaplain

Father Gary Kastl, 42, has served as chaplain of Legatus’ Tulsa Chapter since 2017. He is vicar general for the Diocese of Tulsa, rector of Holy Family Cathedral in Tulsa, and a board member of the St. Francis Health System. He is originally from Perkins, OK, and was ordained a priest in 2007. As vicar general, he works with the diocesan bishop to oversee the diocese’s 78 parishes served by 70 priests.

How did you come to enter the seminary?

I was baptized Catholic and received my First Communion at St. John University Parish in Stillwater. After having been out of the Church for most of my formative years as a kid, I came back in high school at the invitation of my Grandma Kastl. Her consistent and integrated faith was attractive to me. I took her up on the invitation first to just have more time with her, but soon I rediscovered the gift of Catholicism.

 As I ended my senior year, the thoughts of priesthood began to develop in my prayer, but I remained resistant due to other plans I had in my life. 
It wasn’t until midway through my freshman year at Oklahoma State University that I finally gave myself over to this invitation and applied to the seminary.

I began at Conception Seminary College at Conception Abbey in 2001. Upon graduating in 2003, I began my theological studies at St. Meinrad School of Theology at St. Meinrad Archabbey in southern Indiana.

Tell us about your Legatus chapter in Tulsa.

The Catholic community in Eastern Oklahoma is very small—we jokingly say that we are small but mighty! Due to this reality, the size of our chapter has not lent itself to overly creative ideas but rather being committed to the program laid out for us. Because of our size, each person is known deeply and when absent is missed. I think the small nature of our chapter is one 
of its hallmarks, because it feels like a close-knit family in pursuit of a communion mission of holiness.

Many Legatus members are among the faithful from parishes that I have served. It has been a great experience to continue to journey with them in this special place as we all have been inspired by the great speakers and intentional conversations of faith.

Tell us about historic Holy Family Cathedral.

It was opened in 1914 as the parish church of the emerging Catholic community that was moving to Tulsa in the midst of an oil boom. Over the years, this tri-spired gem has been a beacon of hope in the downtown area. It was the home base for mission priests who would eventually establish other parishes in the Tulsa metro area as the Catholic community grew.

When the Diocese of Tulsa was established on February 7, 1973, Holy Family Church became the seat of our diocese and thus took on the name Holy Family Cathedral. This neo-gothic structure is more than just a beautiful building; it is home to a vibrant Catholic community of over 700 families who take advantage of a thriving Catholic classical school with 180 students. With a focus on stewardship, community, and beautiful liturgy, Holy Family Cathedral is helping many come to know the Lord.

There was a shooting in June at one of your Catholic hospitals. Describe its impact.

Saint Francis Health System has long been a place that has extended the healing presence of Christ to our community. The shooting was a tremendous shock and tragic event that has shaken many to their core. We grieve the loss of the four people who were killed, and we pray for them, their families, and for those who were injured. The hospital remains even more committed to providing safe and timely health care to our community.