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.
2023 diocesan confirmation retreat is Feb. 5
The 2023 Diocese of Little Rock Confirmation Retreat will be held Sunday, Feb. 5 at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. This peer-led event is open to Catholic youth who are preparing to receive the sacrament of confirmation during the school year and are unable to attend a confirmation retreat in their own parishes. This year's theme is: "Awaken in Grace." Focusing on the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit, activities will include praise and worship music, games, skits, videos, testimonials, small group discussion, prayer and Mass. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ... More
Christ's baptism ends the Christmas season
The Baptism of the Lord concludes the celebration of the Christmas season. This feast celebrates that, before starting his public ministry, Jesus allowed himself to be baptized by St. John the Baptist. The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults explains why Jesus, who was totally faithful to the Father's will and free of sin, would choose baptism. "Jesus’ immersion in the water is a sign for all human beings of the need to die to themselves to do God’s will. ... He wanted to show his solidarity with human beings in order to reconcile them to the Father. By commanding his disciples ... More
Encounter, learn and act to fight poverty
“Let us not despise the poor, the little ones, the workers; not only are they our brothers and sisters in God, they are also those who most perfectly imitate Jesus in his outward life. They perfectly represent Jesus, the worker of Nazareth. They are the firstborn among the elect, the first to be called to the Savior’s crib." (St. Charles de Foucauld) Did you know more than 38 million people live in poverty in the United States? In Arkansas, nearly 500,000 are poor. Of these, about 24 percent are children. January is Poverty Awareness Month and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development ... More
Epiphany reveals Jesus king of all nations
The Wise Men from the East followed the star of Bethlehem until it led them to the newborn king, Jesus Christ. They prostrated themselves and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:1-12) Among Western Christians, tradition holds the names of the Wise Men to be Casper, Melchior and Balthasar. They are regarded as saints and their relics are enshrined in the cathedral at Cologne, Germany. It is traditionally believed there were three because they presented three gifts and the belief they were kings riding camels comes from two Old ... More
Mary, Mother of God is celebrated on Jan. 1
The Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God is celebrated Jan. 1. "Called in the Gospels 'the mother of Jesus,' Mary is acclaimed by Elizabeth, at the prompting of the Spirit and even before the birth of her son, as 'the mother of my Lord," explains the Catechism of the Catholic Church regarding this title for Mary. "In fact, the one whom she conceived as man by the Holy Spirit, who truly became her son according to the flesh, was none other than the Father's eternal Son, the second person of the Holy Trinity. Hence the Church confesses that Mary is truly ... More
We need a Savior and today we have one
"'Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: You will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'" (Luke 2:10-14) Merry Christmas! The word, "Christmas" is derived from the Greek, "Christos," which means ... More
Make Christmas brighter for retired priests
The annual Christmas collection is the primary source of income for the Clergy Welfare Fund, which supports senior (retired) and infirm priests of the Diocese of Little Rock. This special collection will be taken up during all Masses at Catholic parishes in Arkansas on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. According to Arkansas Catholic, this fund takes care of the needs of aging diocesan priests who no longer serve at a parish, as well as those who become ill and cannot perform their priestly duties. This includes providing living arrangements, meals, health care ... More
Mary, Joseph seek shelter in Las Posadas
Las Posadas, which means "the inns" or "the shelters" in Spanish, is a 400 year old Advent tradition in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Mexico. This novena takes place from Dec. 16-24 and focuses on the struggle of Mary and Joseph to find shelter when they arrive in Bethlehem. Catholic parishes and schools in Arkansas host this novena during Advent. Although some have adapted the tradition for their community, generally, this is how it is practiced. Adults and children take part in an evening procession, with two people dressed as Mary and Joseph, ... More
