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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.
Palm Sunday foreshadows what is to come
"The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road. The crowds preceding (Jesus) and those following kept crying out and saying: 'Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.'" (Matthew 21:1-11) This Scripture describes Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, an event we reenact on Palm Sunday, which is celebrated the Sunday before Easter marking the beginning of Holy Week. The Catholic Church remembers this event during ... More
The palm branch is a symbol of martyrdom
Palm Sunday is celebrated the Sunday before Easter and marks the beginning of Holy Week. The procession for this Mass reenacts Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. In doing so we wave newly blessed palm branches and sing or cry out in some variation of "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!" (See Luke 19: 28-40 and Mark 11:1-10.) Some may wonder, why palms? In Jewish tradition, palms were to celebrate triumph or victory. For Christians, the palm branch became a symbol of martyrdom. Even the words ... More
2024 Ignatian Silent Retreat is April 11-14
Deepen your friendship with the Lord in sacred stillness and quiet through the 2024 Ignatian Silent Directed Retreat April 11-14 at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. The retreat fee is $325. This includes accommodations for three nights, all meals and daily, individual spiritual direction. Space is limited. Register as soon as possible to secure participation. Those who register after registration is filled will be put on a waiting list. To register, download and return the registration form with non-refundable deposit of $75 or the total fee to the address provided on the form. ... More
Enter Arkansas Catholic photo contest
Arkansas Catholic is running a contest to choose a photo for the cover of the 2025 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 18 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). Jay W. Kutchka, of Fort Smith, won last year's photo contest with his photo depicting the Eucharist in a stained-glass window in ... More
Donate now to help Afghan refugees
Catholic Charities of Arkansas (CCA) is currently assisting 99 Afghan refugees as part of a national response to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan after the Taliban seized control in August 2021. Ken Bohac is serving as a case manager for Afghan cases for CCA's Refugee Resettlement Office. "Our office continues to work with Afghans who arrived in 2021 and 2022. Our goal is for each individual to reach self-sufficiency and live a stable joyful life in the United States of America. In the meantime, we do expect more Afghans to arrive who we will also work with ... More
Register now for 2024 youth convention
The 72nd annual Catholic Youth Convention will be held April 5-7 at Robinson Center and the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock. This year's keynote presentation will be provided by Brad Farmer and Gene Monterastelli of Apex Ministries of Brooklyn, New York. They use a style defined as "Christian Vaudeville." This includes juggling, sketch comedy and personal testimony. This year's theme is "Victory." The conference is open to high school youth in grades 9-12. The cost is $140 plus hotel fee per person and parking. Scholarships are available upon request. ... More
Come, see about priesthood in Little Rock
The next Come and See Priesthood Discernment Retreat will be held Saturday, March 9 at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. Rooted in prayer and to include hiking, talks, discussion and Mass, this retreat aims to provide a living encounter with Christ to explore diocesan priesthood. It is open to single men ages 16 and older. The retreat will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Fletcher Hall. There is no cost to attend. Meals and snacks will be provided. Overnight accommodations and transportation can be arranged if needed. Activities will be offered in English and Spanish. ... More
Bishop greets 676 to become Catholic
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor met 676 catechumens and candidates from 50 parishes during four Rite of Election services across the Diocese of Little Rock Feb. 15-19. Each year, bishops in dioceses worldwide personally welcome those going through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process at the Rite of Election, a special service usually held at the beginning of Lent. RCIA is offered at the parish level and generally begins in the fall and concludes with full initiation into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass. This year, the rite was held at Blessed Sacrament Church ... More
