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.

Traveling narrow path means acknowledging mystery of the Eucharist
Brother Roch McClellan, OSB
David Lynch’s “The Straight Story” is a quiet little 1999 film based on the true story of an elderly man, Alvin Straight, who sets out to ride his John Deere lawn mower across Iowa and Wisconsin to visit his estranged, ailing brother Lyle.
God calls us to love one another, especially when it’s hard to do
Lou Ann Gieringer
When I was a little girl, I knew that I was loved. My mom, dad, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends of my parents all loved me. I knew the people around me would care for me and help me. I was blessed with a network of people that cared about me and wanted me to succeed.
Holy Spirit exists in both fiery and quiet moments of faith
Father Jason Tyler
We celebrated Pentecost Sunday on June 5 this year. At Pentecost, we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit on the apostles after they were locked in the upper room in prayer for nine days following the Ascension of Jesus.
Extroverts, introverts approach prayer differently for spiritual growth
Paula Standridge
Our temperament and personality affect many aspects of our lives. For example: how we relate to the world around us and our relationships with other people, and also how we work, play and enjoy our free time.
Extraordinary lives of Benedictine saints still inspire faithful
Sister M. Glorea Knaggs, OSB
Do you know our Benedictine saints? In the Diocese of Little Rock, we are blessed to have not one but three Benedictine communities. Chances are you have encountered either a monk, sister or oblate from the Olivetan Benedictine sisters of Holy Angels in Jonesboro, the Benedictine sisters of St.
Popular ‘Serenity Prayer’ calls us not to work, but to wait, yield control
Judy Hoelzeman
When I was young, a prayer card rested on the window ledge in our kitchen. From the looks of it, the card had fallen into the sink more than once. For years it stayed in the same place, dirty and dogeared.
Out of the mouth of babes: Faith questions from children can teach us
Kelli Nugent
The questions that children ask can be quite intriguing and insightful. They have deep questions that need substantive answers to help them understand the truths of the faith, as well as their other inquisitive queries.
Recognizing God in our everyday stuff of life and being grateful
Betsy Wiederkehr Huss
The Church celebrates St. Ignatius of Loyola’s 500th canonization anniversary this month. Inspired by this and his life, I investigated his prayer, the Examen. St.
Telling ourselves ‘no’ helps detach from world, embrace discomfort
Katie Karp
Every year as Lent draws closer, Catholics around the world are faced with the same question: “What am I going to give up for Lent?” Due to our fallen nature, many of us likely have the shared feeling of dread when we are asked to sacrifice with consistency.
Church working toward more ways to love, grow relationships
Deacon Mike Cumnock
When our daughter was in elementary school, she spent a lot of time in the agency where I was the CEO. A young, tall, Black man worked for us as an educator. He and my daughter became quite close. He often called her his “little sis” as she tagged behind him.

Pages