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.
Father Thomas Keller, 91, died April 13
Father Thomas Keller, the oldest and longest-serving diocesan priest, died April 13. He was 91. A Little Rock native, Father Keller was the youngest of seven children born Jan. 13, 1933, to Walter and Isabelle Keller. He graduated from Catholic High School in Little Rock in 1950 and attended Villanova University in Pennsylvania before enrolling in St. John Home Mission Seminary. Bishop Albert Fletcher ordained Father Keller to the priesthood May 15, 1958. Father Keller served parishes in Pine Bluff, De Queen, Fayetteville, Texarkana, Searcy, Newport, Mena, Jonesboro ... More
May dedicated to Mary, our greatest saint
In Catholic tradition, the month of May is dedicated to Mary. Chosen by God above all other women, Mary's faith and obedience paved the way for the Incarnation. Her example teaches us faith, obedience, humility and most of all, how to love. According to St. Thomas of Villanova, "If in this world any creature ever loved God with whole heart, with whole soul, and with whole mind, she was the creature.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Mary's unique role as being honored above all other saints, including the Apostles. At the foot of the cross, her heart broke ... More
685 become Catholic during Easter Vigil
Catholic parishes across the Diocese of Little Rock welcomed 685 new Catholics into the Church during Easter Vigil Masses on Holy Saturday, March 30. This is a significant increase after the decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. These neophytes (new Catholics) participated in their parish's Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process and fell into two groups: elect and candidates. The elect had not been baptized or formed in the Christian faith and life. During their initiation they were baptized, confirmed and receive their first Communion. ... More
Mass for sex abuse survivors to be April 14
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will celebrate the annual Mass for Hope and Healing for survivors of child sexual abuse Sunday, April 14, at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock. Anyone who wishes to pray for victims, their families and friends is welcome to attend. The Mass is being held in April for National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is dedicated to raising awareness of and preventing child abuse (whether sexual, physical or emotional). This event is sponsored by Safe Environment Program of the Diocese of Little Rock. For more information, contact ... More
Bishop issues clergy changes April 5
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments, April 5, 2024, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective June 1: Joel Brackett, to be ordained to the transitional diaconate May 15, appointed to serve as deacon of St. Theresa Church in Little Rock during the summer 2024. Effective June 17: Rev. John K. Antony, JCL, relieved of his responsibilities as pastor of Our Lady of the Ozarks Shrine in Winslow. He remains pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Fort Smith; Rev. Balaraju Akkala, relieved of his responsibilities as associate pastor of Our Lady ... More
Partake in Divine Mercy Sunday holy hour
The celebration of Christ's resurrection continues with Divine Mercy Sunday, which recognizes that God's love and mercy endure forever and overcome any sin that separates us from him. This year, we celebrate this feast on April 7. St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun, wrote in her diary that she witnessed a vision of Jesus on Feb. 22, 1931, while she was living at a convent in Plock, Poland. She wrote that Jesus had one hand raised in benediction and the other resting over his heart, from which emanated two rays of light. The apparitions to St. Faustina formed the basis of the worldwide ... More
Bishop issues clergy changes March 22
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments, March 22, 2024, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective April 8: Rev. Martin Dara, a priest of the Diocese of Nellore, appointed associate pastor of the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock; and Rev. Kiran Kishore Ingilela, a priest of the Diocese of Nellore, appointed associate pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Morrilton and St. Elizabeth Church in Oppelo. Effective May 1: Rev. Mauricio Carrasco appointed prefect of the House of Formation in Little Rock. He is relieved of his responsibilities as pastor of ... More
Bishop addresses 'white flag' comments
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor issued the following statement, March 25, 2024, regarding Pope Francis’ “white flag” comments March 9, 2024. "Not a few people were perplexed by Pope Francis’ comment in an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI, taken out of context that Ukraine should have what he called the courage of the 'white flag' and negotiate an end to its war with Russia. The way the comment unfolded was as follows: In the interview, Pope Francis was asked for his position on a debate between 1.) those who say Ukraine should give up its fight — fly a white flag ... More
