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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.
Assumption of Mary gives hope to us all
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated Aug. 15. It is a holy day of obligation to attend Mass. Click on the button above to find Mass times in your area. The offices of the Diocese of Little Rock are closed on this day. This feast recognizes that Jesus' mother was "taken up body and soul into heavenly glory" when her "earthly life was finished." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 966). The Assumption of Mary is not to be confused with the Ascension of Jesus. "Jesus ascends of his own power and will because he is divine. On the other hand, Mary does not raise herself. ... More
Create, update your will at no cost online
The Diocese of Little Rock recently partnered with FreeWill, a company to help online users create or update a legally binding last will and testament, along with other important financial and end-of-life documents for free. Kelly Wewers, director of stewardship and development, who is leading this effort, sent materials to parishes in August to make Catholics in Arkansas aware of the option in observance of National Make-A-Will Month. Using the online tool, freewill.com/dioceseoflittlerock, users can also follow the steps to create or update a trust, advanced healthcare ... More
Bishop announces new college seminary
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor issued the following statement, July 31, 2025, announcing the construction of a new St. Joseph College Seminary on the site of the former St. Joseph Orphanage in North Little Rock. "To the people of the Diocese of Little Rock: The cross and resurrection are the central mysteries of our faith. Good Friday was a day of apparent defeat and loss, but on Easter, we discovered the power of the resurrection and a whole new beginning for Jesus’ followers. We here in Arkansas have experienced this in the loss we incurred on March 19, 2025 ... More
Bishop addresses the future of St. Joseph
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor issued the following statement, July 3, 2025, regarding the former St. Joseph Orphanage building in North Little Rock. "To the people of the Diocese of Little Rock: For the second time in three months I have sad news to share with you regarding the former St. Joseph Orphanage building in North Little Rock. On March 19, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, a fire broke out which heavily damaged much of the building. As a consequence, after having been studied by engineering and insurance experts, it has now been determined that the building ... More
Sts. Peter, Paul united in preaching Gospel
The tradition of honoring these saints on the same day goes back to the early Church. “Both apostles share the same feast day, for these two were one; and even though they suffered on different days, they were as one. Peter went first and Paul followed. And so we celebrate this day made holy for us by the apostles’ blood. Let us embrace what they believed, their life, their labors, their sufferings, their preaching and their confession of faith.” — St. Augustine of Hippo in 395 A.D. According to tradition, St. Peter felt he was not worthy to die in the same manner as Jesus ... More
Sacred Heart Welcomes us in Tenderness
The Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is always celebrated during the octave of Corpus Christi or 19 days after Pentecost Sunday. The Sacred Heart of Jesus represents his divine love for humanity, demonstrated most tangibly by the sacrifice of his life for our sins. Though it is a solemnity, it is not a holy day of obligation. Although devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus goes back many centuries, it was not celebrated universally in the Church until 1856 when Pope Pius IX made it a solemnity. "Jesus knew and loved us each and all during his life, his agony and his passion, and gave himself up ... More
John the Baptist prophesied from womb
Besides the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. John the Baptist is the only other saint with a feast day celebrating his birth. Though it is a solemnity, the feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist is not a holy day of obligation. That being said, the mysteries of his birth and the prominent role he played in the life of Christ hold special significance in the Church. His feast has been observed by the Church as early as the fourth century. From the moment of conception, a relationship was established between Jesus and John. An angel appeared to an elderly Zechariah and told him his wife ... More
2025 jubilarian priest Mass to be June 25
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving Wednesday, June 25 to honor seven priests who are celebrating 25, 60 and 65 years of priestly service in the Diocese of Little Rock. It will be held at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock at 5:30 p.m., followed by a dinner reception in McDonald Hall. The public is invited to attend the Mass and dinner. Reservations are not required. The jubilarians are Msgr. Gaston Hebert, 65 years; Father Henry Mischkowiuski and Father Jerome Kodell, OSB, 60 years; and Father Rodolphe Balthazar ... More
