Understanding Our Church

A Treasury of Arkansas Writers Discussing the Catholic Faith

Understanding Our Church

Explore this treasury of Arkansas writers discussing the Catholic faith on a wide variety of topics. Find what you're looking for by browsing the whole list or search by keyword or author. All articles have been reviewed for theological accuracy. Opinions expressed are those of the author.

Our Lady of Guadalupe for all Catholics, no matter country of origin
Father Jason Tyler
In parishes with a significant population of Mexican immigrants, Dec. 12 will be celebrated as a major feast. In addition to Mass, there may be food, processions and other devotional practices.
To evangelize properly, one needs to be relatable to their audience
Paula Standridge
Isaiah 50:4 states, “The Lord has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them.” One of the most important aspects or tools of evangelization is relatability — the ability to relate or connect with someone.
St. Benedict, father of western monasticism, also miracle worker
Sister M. Glorea Knaggs, OSB
As a member of the Diocese of Little Rock, you may be fairly well acquainted with St. Benedict, a patron saint of Europe and patron of three religious communities in Arkansas — Holy Angels Convent in Jonesboro, St. Scholastica Monastery in Fort Smith and Subiaco Abbey.
Good intentions: Did you decide how to start your day this morning?
Judy Hoelzeman
When you wake up in the morning, do you say with gusto: “Good morning, God!” Or do you mumble: “Good God, it’s morning.” You had probably seen this before and laughed as I did. It is humorous.
Used right, time, talent and treasure can help Church
Kelli Nugent
Our God is the awesome and generous God who created us out of love and gives us everything we have, commencing with the gift of life itself.
Invitation to Communion inspired by a Roman soldier’s faith
Betsy Wiederkehr Huss
Have you ever wondered in the Mass where our response to the “Invitation to Communion” in the Roman Missal comes from? Would you be surprised to find out a Roman military officer called a centurion spoke the words?
Our vocation as Catholics is always to pursue the truth despite discomfort
Katie Karp
Following the overturn of Roe vs. Wade, I have watched as friends and acquaintances take to the internet to express their feelings of injustice. As a Catholic, I rejoice at this victory for human dignity, but I am not blind to the division it causes.
Car accident, emergency room trip can force us to focus on blessings
Deacon Mike Cumnock
I write this while recuperating from a serious motor vehicle accident. I spent many years doing psychotherapy as a Gestalt therapist.
How Rule of St. Benedict can impact others beyond the ordained
Edward C. Dodge
What comes to mind when you think of St. Benedict and his monks?
Bishop-elect: Trust in God when he moves us out of our comfort zone
Bishop-elect Erik Pohlmeier
“Commit your way to the Lord! Trust him! He will act.” Psalm 37 captures a sentiment that people of faith strive to live by. We speak of God’s will in our lives with sincere hearts.

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