My name is Deacon Roy Callison. I was born in Oklahoma and have spent most of my life here. I belong to the Wolf Clan of the Cherokee and am a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. I am also a member of Redbird Ceremonial Stomp Dance Ground where I served as Keeper of the Sacred Fire for several years. The Redbird ground is the oldest Cherokee ceremonial dance ground in the Cherokee Nation. It was established not long after my people came to Oklahoma on the Trail Of Tears. I was ordained a deacon in the diocese of Tulsa, Oklahoma in 2007.
In 2015 the contest is open to any 3rd, 4th and 5th graders in Catholic schools and parish religious education programs that receive grants from either the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions or the Catholic Negro American Mission Board.
The theme to be developed was adapted from the Joy of the Gospel by Pope Francis:
(school/parish name) ~ Jesus’ Message Brings Us Joy
Lent 2015
Pope Francis’ emphasis on the plight of the poor and marginalized has brought new energy to the work of service and social justice in the Catholic Church. “Lent is a fitting time for self-denial; we would do well to ask ourselves what we can give up in order to help and enrich others by our own poverty. Let us not forget that real poverty hurts: no self-denial is
real without this dimension of penance. I distrust a charity that costs nothing and does not hurt.” Pope Francis – Lent, 2014