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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.
Bishop Malone, 76, retiring from Shreveport
The Vatican also announced the resignation of Bishop Francis I. Malone of Shreveport, La., Sept. 15. Bishop Malone, 76, submitted his resignation to the pope last year at the age of 75, as required by canon law. Bishop Robert W. Marshall of Alexandria, La., will serve as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Shreveport until the appointment and installation of a new bishop. Bishop Malone was ordained for the Diocese of Little Rock in 1977 and served in diocesan leadership as vicar general, and pastor of parishes around the diocese, including Christ the King ... More
Renovations of Byrne Hall begin Sept. 14
Renovations of Byrne Hall on the St. John Catholic Center campus in Little Rock will begin Sept. 14, thanks largely to support from CASA donors. The renovation will provide more meeting, office and storage space on campus. The building will include a warming kitchen for preparing and serving food. While renovations are ongoing, the Harrison Street entrance to the campus will be closed. During the yearlong construction, everyone will enter through the main gate on N. Tyler Street. As Bishop Anthony B. Taylor noted in his recorded CASA homily delivered Feb. 7-8, ... More
Bishop issues clergy change Sept. 2
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointment, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective Sept. 2, 2026: Rev. John Paul Hartnedy, relieved of his responsibilities as associate pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Fort Smith and Our Lady of the Ozarks Shrine in Winslow, to begin an indefinite leave of absence. Father Hartnedy no longer has faculties to conduct priestly ministry. ... More
Basic catechist training online; enroll now
Catechist certification is a process for catechists in parishes and schools that ensures that those who teach the Catholic faith have the necessary understanding and knowledge to share the faith with those they teach. In 2023, the Faith Formation Office created a program for adults to become certified online. The 20-lesson program offers video instruction presented by clergy, religious and laity from the Diocese of Little Rock. Complete with a study group and renew annually through learn.dolr.org. The lessons can be completed at any pace or sequence ... More
12 New Spiritual Directors Certified in 2026
After three years of formation, 12 people were certified as spiritual directors in May through the School of Spiritual Direction for the Diocese of Little Rock. Bishop Anthony B. Taylor celebrated a special Mass May 17 at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock for the students, their families and other program participants. Six laywomen and six deacons from across Arkansas make up the newly certified. They are: Benton, Our Lady of Fatima Church: Taffy Council; Conway, St. Joseph Church: Yolanda Berumen, Nancy Unverferth and Molly Walchuk; Fort Smith, Immaculate ... More
Father John Oswald, 90, died June 10
Father John Connell, vicar general and moderator of the curia for the Diocese of Little Rock, released the following letter regarding the death of Father John Oswald on Thursday, June 11, 2026. "Dear Priests, Deacons, and Diocesan Employees: With faith and hope in the promise of eternal life in Christ Jesus, I announce the death of Father John Oscar Oswald. Father John died peacefully on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. He was 90 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, including Msgr. Richard Oswald. He is survived by a sister ... More
Miracle of Eucharist focus of Corpus Christi
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, traditionally referred to by its Latin name, "Corpus Christi", is the feast day that highlights the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, — Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. This year it is celebrated June 7. The word "Eucharist" means "thanksgiving." It comes from the Greek "eucharistein" and "eulogein," which "recalls the Jewish blessings that proclaim — especially during a meal — God's works: creation, redemption and sanctification." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1328) On the night before he died, Jesus shared one ... More
Bishop issues clergy appointments May 22
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments, May 22, 2026, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective April 29: Father John Paul Hartnedy, associate pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Fort Smith, replacing Father Savio Arokia, who will transfer to the Diocese of Shreveport July 1. Effective July 1: Deacon Marcelino Vázquez, administrator of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Lincoln. Father Jason Tyler remains pastor and Father Martin Dara associate pastor; Father Paul F. Worm, state chaplain for the Knights of Columbus, replacing ... More
