Vocations and Seminarians Office
Honoring Our Mothers
| About 40 children from Little Blessings Catholic Homeschool Group held a May crowning at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock May 1. They walked in a procession carrying flowers, which they placed at the foot of this statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This little girl (left) proves no one is too young to take part. In Catholic tradition, May is dedicated to Mary, who is not only Jesus' mother, but also mother to us all. As we honor our earthly mothers this month, let's honor our heavenly mother as well. Mary's faith and obedience paved the way for the Incarnation. She said all generations would call her blessed — not for her deeds — but because of the "greatness of the Lord." (Luke 1:46-48) Those devoted to her are always led to her Son. For her wise counsel tells us, "Do whatever he tells you." (John 2:5) |  |
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Great feasts conclude Easter season
Although the feast of the Ascension of the Lord is May 17, it will be celebrated Sunday, May 20 in most Catholic provinces and dioceses in the United States this year, including the Diocese of Little Rock. This feast celebrates Jesus' ascension into heaven and his coming into glory at the right hand of the Father. It was Christ's ascension that made Pentecost possible, which is celebrated this year on Sunday, May 27.
The ascension is 40 days after Easter and Pentecost follows 10 days later. Pentecost is the birthday of the Church, for it was on this day, that the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles and filled them with the gifts they needed to lead the Church. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Pentecost instituted the "age of the Church, during which Christ manifests, makes present, and communicates his work of salvation through the liturgy of his Church, 'until he comes.'" (no. 1076)
Workshop to address evangelization potential
The Office of Religious Education and Christian Initiation will host "The Evangelizing Parish: Vision, Passion, Practice," a special workshop for parish catechists and Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults leaders in partnership with The North American Forum on the Catechumenate June 8-9 at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. This educational event will focus on the Church's vision of evangelization and potential for creating parishes focused on Christ's mission in their communities and the larger world. The tuition fee is $160 per person. There are additional costs for meals and lodging. To learn more, download the registration form or contact the North American Forum on the Catechumenate.
Bible Institute to focus on Psalms this year
"Psalms: Heartbeat of the Bible" is the theme for this year's Bible Institute to be held June 29-July 1 at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. The annual event, hosted by Little Rock Scripture Study, will feature Abbot Gregory Polan, OSB, a Scripture scholar and musician from Conception Abbey, Mo. He will discuss the Psalms in five sessions throughout this three-day retreat. The $90 registration fee covers all events as well as meals on Saturday and Sunday, but does not include housing. Registration is required by June 15. To learn more, download the brochure or contact Little Rock Scripture Study.
Ministry Spotlight
Marriage Education Programs
All couples preparing for marriage in the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Little Rock must attend a Pre-Cana Day, Sponsor Couple or some other diocesan-approved marriage education program. Pre-Cana Day is a one-day retreat for couples to spend time together reflecting on their relationship and future marriage, while Sponsor Couple is a couple-to-couple ministry between married and engaged couples. Convalidation classes are available for couples who were married civilly (outside the Church) and wish to have a sacramental marriage within the Church. Learn more
What's New
"Vocations Rich" — Study the eight reasons why the Diocese of Little Rock is now ranked 12th in the nation in seminarian recruitment- House of Formation — Learn about this new home for discerners & seminarians that is being built at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church
- Catholic Communication Campaign — Support this collection May 19-20 to help us spread the Good News through our print and online publications and social media
- Summer Special — Take advantage of the advertising special going on now at Arkansas Catholic newspaper
Special Features
Religious Liberty — Stay up-to-date on the Church's efforts to fight the recent HHS mandate and other threats to religious freedom in the United States- A Cloud of Witnesses — Read this column series from Little Rock Scripture Study about the men and women in the Bible who model discipleship
- Tune In — See the latest from Pope Benedict XVI; no search engine required. Simply visit our Catholic Resources page to get information straight from the Vatican's website
- Stay Connected — Follow the Diocese of Little Rock and Bishop Taylor on Facebook or watch our videos on YouTube
- Called to Witness — Check out what the U.S. bishops have to say in this document calling all to deepen their relationship with God and evangelize
- Bulletin Resources — Use these in your parish bulletin or school newsletter throughout the year in English or Spanish
Calendar of Events
Submit an Event- May 17: School Rosary
- May 17: Ascension of the Lord
- May 18 - May 19: Parish Carnival
- May 18 - May 20: Retrouvaille in Spanish
In Arkansas Catholic
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