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.
Diocesan offices to open late on Feb. 21
The offices of the Catholic Diocese of Little Rock will reopen to the public at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21. The diocese has been closed the past two days because of a winter storm. The Inclement Weather Policy will remain in effect for diocesan staff until that time. To reach a member of our staff, visit our staff directory, which is listed in alphabetical order. Look for the name of the person you wish to reach and click on the red button under his or her photo to send an email. Or leave a phone message by calling (501) 664-0340. He or she will respond as soon as possible. ... More
Bishop issues clergy changes Feb. 13
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments, Feb. 13, 2025, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective Feb. 13, 2025: Rev. Gilbert Tairo, CSSp, appointed pastor of St. Michael Church in West Memphis and Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Crawfordsville. This is in addition to his current responsibilities as pastor of St. Mary of the Lake Church in Horseshoe Lake and St. Francis of Assisi Church in Forrest City. He is relieved of his responsibilities as pastor of St. Mary Church in Helena and St. John the Baptist Church in Brinkley. ... More
Bishop suspends Father Charles Thessing
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor wrote the following letter to parishioners of St. Michael Church and School in West Memphis and Sacred Heart Church in Crawfordsville, Feb. 12. 2025, regarding their pastor, Father Charles Thessing. "As you know, on Feb. 11 your pastor, Father Charles Thessing, was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals. The allegations are disturbing, and as your bishop I take them very seriously. At the same time, I also take seriously Father Thessing’s rights to due process and the presumption of innocence. ... More
Learn about religious life in Little Rock
The 2025 Women's Religious Discernment Retreat is a free event for single women 17 to 35 who want to learn about and discern a vocation to the religious life. It will be held March 14-15 at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. Religious sisters from various religious communities serving in the Diocese of Little Rock will host the retreat and share their spiritual journeys. This event will also include a variety of presentations, discussion, Q&A, as well as personal, one-on-one visits with the sisters. The meals and gatherings allow attendees ... More
Join Bible study for healing after abortion
Hope and Healing is a free, 10-week online Bible study for women who have been wounded by abortion. It will be held on Thursday evenings from Feb. 27 to May 1 and will examine the effects of past abortion decisions and explore steps toward healing from these difficult experiences. Each session will be held from 6 to 7:15 p.m. and feature the inspiring stories of 12 women from the Bible. The examples of these women will reveal how we can move from lingering grief, shame, guilt, fear and pain to acceptance, forgiveness, trust, peace, love and joy based ... More
Dedicate a weekend to your marriage
Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) will be held from 8 p.m. Friday, March 21 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 23 at Coury House Retreat Center on the grounds of Subiaco Abbey. It is designed to help married couples spend time together, away from the distractions and tensions of everyday life, where they can focus on each other and their relationship and reconnect privately. There is no group discussion. The application fee is $200 per couple with an additional donation requested during the weekend to cover costs. Apply online, email Ben or Leah Brewer at ... More
Married outside Church? Register for class
Convalidation classes are offered for couples who are married civilly (i.e., "outside the Catholic Church") and who wish to have a valid marriage recognized by the Church. Canon law requires that Roman Catholics marry according to sacred ritual before a priest or deacon, unless a dispensation (permission) is received from the Church beforehand. If a Catholic does not observe this requirement and marries outside the Church, his or her marriage is not valid. Couples who wish to have their civil marriage recognized by the Church are asked to participate ... More
Enter Arkansas Catholic photo contest
Arkansas Catholic is running a contest to choose a photo for the cover of the 2026 Catholic Diocese of Little Rock Directory. Any Arkansas photographer 18 or older, professional or amateur, can enter their photo of a Catholic church or institution in the diocese. March 17 is the deadline to enter the contest. It is free to enter. Complete rules are listed in this contest entry packet (which includes the rules, official entry form and a sample model release form). First place also wins a copy of the directory and a one-year print subscription to Arkansas Catholic. ... More
