Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
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The following offers the latest information about events and activities happening in the Diocese of Little Rock.
During the listening phase of the Synod on Synodality in the Diocese of Little Rock, respondents shared their frustration at the lack of Catholic retreat opportunities in Arkansas. In response, Bishop Anthony B. Taylor restored the dormant Cursillo movement by naming new leadership last October. "Cursillo provided an excellent retreat experience for many people over the course of the last few decades but was discontinued at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic," the bishop explained in his synod response in December. "Actually, the English-language Cursillos ... More
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity is celebrated each year the week after Pentecost. God has revealed himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He is three, distinct persons in one God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tell us this revelation is the central mystery of the Christian faith and life. But how can God be Father, Son and Holy Spirit and still be one God? This may sound overwhelming and difficult to understand because it is. In his 2019 homily in Vatican News, Father Antony Kadavil told a story of how St. Augustine tried to understand the great mystery of the Trinity. ... More
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced new pastoral appointments, May 9, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective May 29: Rev. Reginald Udouj, OSB, relieved of his responsibilities as pastor of St. Joseph Church in Paris and sacramental minister of St. Mary Church in Altus to return to Subiaco Abbey; Rev. Polycarp Ssebbowa appointed pastor of St. Joseph Church in Paris and sacramental minister of St. Mary Church in Altus. He is relieved of his responsibilities as associate pastor of St. Stephen Church in Bentonville; and Rev. Paulin Raj Vatakali appointed associate pastor of St. Stephen ... More
Are you planning a parish festival or school fundraiser and want to get the word out? If so, you are welcome to submit your events to this website. We list Catholic events in Arkansas where the public is invited. The following are examples of events we will list: parish, school, religious or any Catholic organizational events; retreats, festivals, carnivals, picnics, bingos, bazaars, fish fries, spaghetti dinners, fundraisers or feast day events; Lenten and Advent missions and activities; conferences and retreats hosted by the diocese, parishes, retreat houses or religious orders; major parish ... More
Jesus promised the Advocate would come. "It is better for you that I go," he told his apostles. "For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you." Knowing they were confused, Jesus said, “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of Truth, he will guide you to all truth." (John 16: 7-13) And before Jesus ascended into heaven he instructed his followers to stay together and not leave Jerusalem, "but to wait for 'the promise of the Father' about which you have heard me speak, for John baptized with water, ... More
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor recently accepted 63 aspirants for the Diocese of Little Rock Diaconate Formation Class of 2028. Their five-year formation program to become permanent deacons begins in August. Of the men accepted, 38 will be in the English-language program and 25 will be in the Spanish-language program. All will attend monthly, weekend classes 11 months a year with their wives at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. English classes will be presented by instructors from St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana. Spanish classes will be led by diocesan clergy ... More
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will ordain Deacons Nathan Ashburn and John Paul Hartnedy to the priesthood at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 27 at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock. A reception will follow the Mass in McDonald Hall. The night before, on Friday, May 26, a holy hour to pray for them and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Cathedral. All are invited to attend these events. Deacon Ashburn, 34, will celebrate his first Mass at 12:05 p.m. Sunday, May 28 at the Cathedral. He will begin his first ... More
The Ascension of the Lord celebrates Jesus' ascension into heaven and his coming into glory at the right hand of the Father. It occurred 40 days after his resurrection from the dead, which falls on Ascension Thursday. However, in most Catholic provinces and dioceses in the United States, including the Diocese of Little Rock, this feast is transferred to the following Sunday. "The lifting up of Jesus on the cross signifies and announces his lifting up by his ascension into heaven, and indeed begins it. Jesus Christ, the one priest of the new and eternal covenant, 'entered, not into ... More