Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
For best results, put specific keyword, title or phrase in quotes. (i.e. “Ash Wednesday”)
Happening Now
The following offers the latest information about events and activities happening in the Diocese of Little Rock.
Bishop addresses the use of military power
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor issued the following statement, March 3, 2026, on the use of military power. "Now that we find ourselves unexpectedly in a war that our own government initiated, it is important that we keep in mind Church teaching regarding the strict conditions that need to be in place for defense by military force to be morally legitimate, as follows: The 'just war' doctrine of the Catholic Church as found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 2309, lists four strict conditions for 'legitimate defense by military force': the damage inflicted by the aggressor ... More
Diocese closed for staff retreat March 5
The offices of the Catholic Diocese of Little Rock at St. John Catholic Center will be closed for a staff retreat Thursday, March 5. If you need to reach a member of our staff, please send an email or leave a phone message by calling (501) 664-0340. He or she will respond when available. Thank you for your patience. The diocese will reopen Friday, March 6, as usual. Our regular business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. To email a staff member, visit our staff directory, which is listed in alphabetical order. Look for the name of the person you wish to reach ... More
Stations of Cross help with why of suffering
From the earliest days of Christianity, pilgrims have journeyed to Jerusalem to walk in the footsteps of Christ's passion on the road to Calvary. Tradition holds that Mary, the mother of Jesus, herself led by example in making daily visits to the sites of her Son's sufferings, death and resurrection following his ascension into heaven. More than 2,000 years later, Christians are still meditating on his crucifixion through what has come to be known as the Stations of the Cross. Also called the "Way of the Cross" or "Via Crucis" this private devotion has consisted of 14 stations, taken both from ... More
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
