668 become Catholic at Easter Vigil 2025

Published: April 28, 2025

“I’ve had a lot of life events that happened within the last year. But, through it all, it felt like the one entity that was consistent was the Catholic Church. … I had a lot of doubts, but I leaned toward God, leaned toward the Church and especially the tradition that it offered. It really helped me go through a lot. … I wasn’t raised in any religion, so I’m going to be baptized here. So, it was zero to 100. … Receiving the Eucharist is one thing that I want to do. It’s a combination of a bunch of life events that happened throughout the past year and even before then. It was just gentle pushes and nudges toward the faith.” — Cesar Torres, St. Joseph Church, Conway

Catholic parishes across Arkansas welcomed 668 new Catholics into the Church during Easter Vigil Masses Saturday, April 19, 2025. During their initiation they were baptized, confirmed and receive their first Communion.

Father Juan Guido, pastor of Christ the King Church in Little Rock, baptizes Matthew Cross during the Easter Vigil Mass April 19, 2025.

These neophytes (new Catholics) prepared for entry into the Catholic Church through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults process in their parishes. Formerly known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is the new translation for Christian initiation that was issued by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for use in parishes nationwide by March 5, 2025 (Ash Wednesday).

Of the nearly 700 people who entered the Church, 20 of them explained why they became Catholic in the April 19 issue of Arkansas Catholic. Others in Texakana and Russellville shared their faith journeys. Read their stories.

If there are new Catholics in your parish, we invite you to introduce yourself and welcome them into your community!