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.
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. This feast day is normally a separate holy day of obligation to attend Mass, but it falls on a Monday this year so the precept to attend Mass is abrogated. "Theotokos," comes from the Greek meaning, "God-bearer." This title was approved at the Council of ... More
College students: Trust in God's plan in life
The Catholic Campus Ministry Office will host a weekend retreat for college students Jan. 26-28 at at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. Retreat master will be Susej Thompson, director of faith formation and music at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church in Little Rock. Thompson has served as a Catholic youth, music and campus ministry leader in Little Rock for many years. She has also led music, retreats and spoken at various events throughout Arkansas. Most recently, she led the first Praise and Worship Conference at Our Lady of the Holy Souls. She will address the ... 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
Christmas crèche arouses awe and wonder
St. Francis of Assisi set up the first Nativity Scene on Christmas Eve in 1223. He invited villagers and friars from Greccio, Italy, to gather for Mass at his manger. He set it up in a cave with live animals and feeding trough converted into a crib. He said, “I want to do something that will recall the memory of that child who was born in Bethlehem, to see with bodily eyes the inconveniences of his infancy, how he lay in the manger, and how the ox and ass stood by.” The tradition grew and people began constructing nativity scenes in their homes. A nativity scene or crèche may be made ... More
Make Christmas brighter for retired priests
The annual Christmas collection is the primary source of income for the Clergy Welfare Fund, which supports 17 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. "Many of these priests continue a life of service by hearing confessions, praying for parishes and congregations and even substituting in parishes for pastors absent due to vacation or illness," wrote Bishop Anthony B. Taylor in a letter to be read at all Christmas Masses. "Most of our ... More
Bishop addresses new blessings document
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor issued the following statement, Dec. 19, in response to the Vatican declaration regarding informal blessings for same-sex and unmarried couples. “As many of you know, the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) recently issued the declaration 'Fiducia Supplicans' ('Supplicating Trust'), approved by Pope Francis, which discusses the pastoral meaning of blessings by ordained clergy (bishops, priests and deacons). It’s important to remember that such documents are addressed to the worldwide Church, with its differing pastoral concerns ... More
2024 Confirmation Retreat will be Feb. 11
The 2024 Diocese of Little Rock Confirmation Retreat will be held Sunday, Feb. 11 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 "Victory Through Surrender To The Spirit." 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
Discover mercy at 2024 Weekend for Life
High school youth are invited to attend the 2024 Weekend for Life Jan. 20-21 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock. This overnight event focuses on right-to-life issues from a youth perspective. It is held the night before the annual Mass for Life in Little Rock. This year marks the 51st anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision (now overturned) that legalized abortion in the United States in 1973. Participants are invited to celebrate the gift of life and the human dignity of every person and remember the millions of babies lost to abortion. Weekend for Life ... More
