Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
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Happening Now
The following offers the latest information about events and activities happening in the Diocese of Little Rock.
Diocese closed for staff retreat April 1
The offices of the Catholic Diocese of Little Rock at St. John Catholic Center will be closed for a staff retreat Tuesday, April 1. If you need to reach a member of our staff, please send an email or leave a phone message by calling (501) 664-0340. He or she will respond when available. Thank you for your patience. The diocese will reopen Wednesday, April 2, as usual. Our regular business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. To email a staff member, visit our staff directory, which is listed in alphabetical order. Look for the name of the person ... More
Give to Catholic Relief Services Collection
The Catholic Relief Services Special Collection will be taken up in all parishes in Arkansas March 29-30. This annual, nationwide collection supports the work of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in helping people worldwide who suffer from war, natural disasters, violent persecution or extreme poverty. “This year, the Catholic Relief Services Collection has a very urgent significance,” said Bishop Daniel Mueggenborg, chairman of the U.S. bishop's Committee on National Collections. “Recently, the U.S. government abruptly suspended funding for its refugee ... More
Stretching aid for those who need help
Catholic Charities of Arkansas is on many lists around the state as a provider of charitable assistance to help families address food shortages, temporary housing, emergency and primary care medical expenses and other critical needs. Requests are received from all areas of the Diocese of Little Rock. Staff respond daily to requests for food assistance and free or low-cost medical services by connecting individuals with local food pantries and non-profit charitable medical clinics. Other common inquiries and requests for assistance are made by people seeking ... More
Bishop greets those to become Catholic
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor met more than 600 catechumens and candidates from parishes across Arkansas during four Rite of Election services March 6-10. Each year, bishops in dioceses worldwide personally welcome those going through the Christian initiation process at the Rite of Election, a special service usually held at the beginning of Lent. Formerly known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), the new Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is offered at the parish level and generally concludes with full initiation into the Catholic Church ... More
Families: Change world with CRS Rice Bowl
Giving alms through CRS Rice Bowl can make a global difference for millions of our sisters and brothers experiencing the greatest need. Plus, it is a great way for families to experience the fruits of Lent together. This Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Lenten project encourages participants to perform a simple sacrifice by substituting a low-cost meatless meal for more expensive dining once a week, and put the money saved in the cardboard "rice bowl." If you didn't get a rice bowl at church or school, you can download the materials to make one for free. ... More
Bishop addresses death penalty bill
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor issued the following letter to Catholics in Arkansas, Feb. 25, 2025, regarding a death penalty bill being debated by the Arkansas General Assembly. "Arkansas lawmakers are currently considering a bill that would enable our state to execute people with nitrogen gas. Adding another method of carrying out the death penalty equates with a desire to kill people who are already incarcerated and no longer pose a threat to society. This is unnecessary and contrary to our faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church gives us an explanation of the Church’s ... More
Ashes remind us of dependence on God
Ash Wednesday, one of the most popular and important days in the liturgical year, begins our Lenten journey toward the "victory of Easter." This year Ash Wednesday is March 5. Though it is not a holy day of obligation, it is a day of fast and abstinence. On this day, Catholics are marked with ashes, in the form of a cross, on their heads during special Masses worldwide. Why? "The prayer that is said as ashes are given explains it very well. The words are a reminder of our origins, 'Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.' The ashes and the whole season ... More
Mardi Gras began as preparation for Lent
When most Americans think of Mardi Gras, which is French for "Fat Tuesday," the huge party in New Orleans comes to mind. Despite how secular the celebration has become, it still ends strictly at midnight because the basis of the event is Christian. It is held on the last day to overindulge before the solemn season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, a day of fast and abstinence. Historically, the rules for fasting and abstinence were much more restrictive. Catholic Culture explained that during Advent, known as the "little lent," Catholics fasted almost as much as they ... More
