Vocations and Seminarians Office
Congratulations
2013 graduate Drew Bates shows off his diploma after graduating from St. Joseph School in Conway May 12. This Catholic high school along with five others in Arkansas is sending a total of 366 graduates into the world this spring. Sadly, St. Joseph High School in Pine Bluff held its final graduation on May 10. Graduation at Subiaco Academy was held May 18, while Sacred Heart High School in Morrilton honored its graduates May 19. And the two Little Rock schools, Catholic High School and Mount St. Mary Academy, will hold their graduation ceremonies May 24 and May 27 respectively. To learn more about the Class of 2013, read the May 25 issue of Arkansas Catholic
Special collection for tornado victims
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor is asking parishes in the Diocese of Little Rock to take up a special collection at all Masses May 25-26 to help victims of the recent tornadoes that hit Moore, Shawnee and other areas in Oklahoma. All proceeds will go to Catholic Charities USA, the official domestic relief agency of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
"Whenever a tornado, a hurricane, or any type of natural disaster inflicts harm on a community and disrupts peoples’ lives, we rely on Catholic Charities USA’s Disaster Operations to act in our name. They coordinate the Catholic community’s response to domestic disasters and make grants to local Catholic Charities disaster response efforts," wrote Bishop Taylor in a letter to be read at all Masses.
Dioceses nationwide are being asked to take up this collection. "These funds will be used for immediate emergency needs, long-term rebuilding, and for the pastoral and reconstruction needs of the Church in Oklahoma and wherever else disaster may strike." Read the complete letter in English or Spanish.
Retreat to help teens deepen bond with Jesus
Registrations are being accepted for Search #131, a weekend retreat to help high school juniors and seniors get to know themselves better and deepen their relationship with Jesus. Search will be held at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock June 28-30. The fee is $110. Scholarships are available for those who need financial assistance. The deadline to register is June 5. For more information, download the registration form or contact the Catholic Youth Ministry Office at (501) 664-0340.
Special feasts reveal key teachings of faith
Even though the Easter season is over and we have returned to Ordinary Time in our liturgical calendar, many upcoming feasts prove the season is anything but ordinary. Five of these are solemnities, and take place through the end of June. A solemnity honors events, beliefs and people of great importance in our salvation history through Jesus Christ.
These include: the Most Holy Trinity, May 26; the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, June 2; the Sacred Heart of Jesus, June 7; the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, June 24; and Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles, June 29.
The Holy Trinity highlights our Triune God; three Persons in one: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Body and Blood of Jesus, also called Corpus Christi, honors the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
Besides solemnities, many other feast days, celebrated throughout the liturgical year, help us remember saints who serve as models for Christian life.
Ministry Spotlight
Social Action Office
The Social Action Office educates and promotes Catholic social teaching, the consistent life ethic and the social mission of the Church by presenting workshops and sending educational materials to parishes. It also supports legislative advocacy activities in the Diocese of Little Rock by studying state legislation and interacting with state representatives and senators to educate them on the Church's position on pending legislation. Learn more
What's New
- Memorial Day — Remember those who have died serving our country while in military service on May 27 and pray for those who continue to serve so they return home soon
- Fortnight for Freedom — Take part in this event from June 21 to July 4 and join fellow Catholics in parishes across the United States
- Arkansas Catholic Business Directory — Visit this new resource, now available online, to find numerous Catholic-owned businesses in a variety of categories statewide
Special Features
- Year of Faith — Discover the resources available to help you celebrate this special year including the "What My Faith Means to Me," video project and "Biblical Year of Faith" column series from Little Rock Scripture Study, which are all available in English & Spanish
- CASA — Give to this campaign to support many diocesan and parish ministries that would not continue without help; to learn more watch, listen or read Bishop Taylor's homily
- Guardian Archives — Help us preserve our Catholic history by donating to the Guardian Angels campaign; proceeds from this program are being used to digitally archive back issues of The Guardian, which is now called Arkansas Catholic
- May and Mary — Find out why May is traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Mother and discover the numerous prayers and practices this rich devotion offers followers of Christ
- Pope Francis — Get to know our new Holy Father by following him on Twitter, or reading and watching videos about his leadership thus far
Calendar of Events
Submit an Event- May 25: Diaconate Ordination of Robert Cigainero
- May 27: Memorial Day
- May 29: Diaconate Ordination of Rick Hobbs
- May 31 - June 2: Association Centennial Reunion
In Arkansas Catholic
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