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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.
Families: Change world with CRS Rice Bowl
Giving alms through CRS Rice Bowl can make a global difference for millions of our sisters and brothers experiencing the greatest need. Plus, it is a great way for families to experience the fruits of Lent together. This Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Lenten project encourages participants to perform a simple sacrifice by substituting a low-cost meatless meal for more expensive dining once a week, and put the money saved in the cardboard "rice bowl." If you didn't get a rice bowl at church or school, you can download the materials to make one for free. ... More
Ashes remind us of dependence on God
Ash Wednesday, one of the most popular and important days in the liturgical year, begins our Lenten journey toward the "victory of Easter." This year Ash Wednesday is Feb. 18. Though it is not a holy day of obligation, it is a day of fast and abstinence. On this day, Catholics are marked with ashes, in the form of a cross, on their heads during special Masses worldwide. Why? "The prayer that is said as ashes are given explains it very well. The words are a reminder of our origins, 'Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.' The ashes and the whole season ... More
St. Valentine's example teaches us to love
Showering those we love with cards, candy and roses are popular ways to celebrate St. Valentine's Day in the United States. This tradition seems to come from a belief in England and France during the Middle Ages that birds begin to pair on Feb. 14, which just happens to be the feast day of St. Valentine, according to the Catholic Education Resource Center. The connection of romantic love to the Catholic saint can be traced back to Geoffrey Chaucer's Old English poem: "Parliament of Foules." In it he wrote, “For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day ... More
Diocesan offices to reopen Monday, Feb. 2
The offices of the Catholic Diocese of Little Rock will reopen to the public Monday, Feb. 2 with its regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The offices were closed Jan. 26-30 because of a winter storm. To email a member of the staff, visit the staff directory, which is listed in alphabetical order. Look for the name of the person you wish to contact 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. Thank you for your patience. For information about ... More
Candlemas symbolizes the light of Christ
The Church celebrates the feast of the Presentation of the Lord 40 days after the birth of Jesus. Before 1969, the feast was known as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or Candlemas. It was celebrated in the earliest times in the Church in Jerusalem and from there the observance spread throughout the Christian world. According to the law of Moses, a woman was ritually unclean for 40 days after childbirth. Therefore, Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple to present him to the Lord and offer sacrifice for purification. "... just as it is written in the law of the Lord, 'Every male that ... More
Bishop addresses polarization, partisanship
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor issued this statement Jan. 24, 2026, on polarization and partisanship in today's world. "My grandfather lost 20 first cousins in the Holocaust, and so I admittedly tend to view troubling things in today’s world through the lens of 1930s Germany. Lest anyone dismiss the remainder of my statement as hyperbolic, I want to be clear that the current times are not identical, and Trump is no Hitler. But the moral decline of our country is real. And we are doomed to repeat failures of the past if we are not willing to remember them and learn from them. Polarization ... More
Bishop addresses winter storm warning
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor issued the following statement, Jan. 22, 2026, to pastors and parish administrators regarding the winter storm forecasted to hit Arkansas this weekend. "In view of the dangerous storm forecast for this weekend, let me remind you that no one is obligated to attend Mass when it is too dangerous to do so. In such cases the Sunday Mass obligation is lifted automatically. Those who are unable to attend Mass safely — whether due to a storm, or any other reason — should find another way to honor the sabbath, perhaps praying a family rosary ... More
Apply now to become a spiritual director
Are you feeling called to deepen your faith and guide others on their spiritual journeys? The School of Spiritual Direction in the Diocese of Little Rock is now accepting applications for its next class to begin in September. This program is designed for Catholics who want to serve their communities as spiritual directors. Class size is limited to eight to 10 participants. Catholics in good standing who have been under spiritual direction for at least a year are invited to apply. The cost to attend is $150 per month. The application deadline is April 1. Applications must be requested by March 2. ... More
