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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.
Adoption office helping search, reunions
Antje Harris, director of Catholic Adoption Services for more than 36 years, transitioned from working full-time to part-time starting Nov. 1. The agency’s focus is now on providing post-adoption support and assisting with search and reunions for clients who have worked with the agency. Adoptees have a right to their truth and their story, Harris said. “There is often a deep need to know more whether it is expressed or not,” she said. “Some adoptees are concerned that they will hurt their adoptive parents’ feelings by doing a search. Hopefully, the parents ... More
Outreach lives out the Gospel in parishes
Parish outreach for Catholic Charities of Arkansas works with parish-based ministries to provide ways to live out the Church’s social teachings. At the helm is Sister Iliana Aponte, DC, parish outreach liaison for Catholic Charities. Sister Iliana’s ministry is rooted in the Gospel and Catholic social teaching, which calls all people to recognize the fundamental dignity of every human life from conception to natural death. She is a member of the Daughters of Charity and a licensed social worker. Her work with parishes centers on developing ministries ... More
CCA staff serving 22 Afghan, Syrian families
More than a year into assisting 22 families from Afghanistan and Syria, the Refugee Resettlement Program in central Arkansas is continuing to help them resolve issues they are dealing with. In the fall of 2021, Catholic Charities of Arkansas welcomed and helped resettle 88 people. Catholic parishes and other Little Rock area churches formed teams of volunteers to sponsor these families. Today, the sponsor teams are still doing the work of helping these Afghan families start a new life in Arkansas. Catholic Charities of Arkansas and the sponsor teams ... More
New catechist training online, enroll now
The Faith Formation Office recently created a new process for adults who teach the Catholic faith in Arkansas parishes and schools to become certified as a catechist. The 20-lesson, free online program offers video instruction presented by Arkansas priests, religious and laity at Learn.DOLR.org. When completed, the Diocese of Little Rock Catechist Certification Course provides basic certification for one academic year to Catholic school teachers, directors of religious education, catechists, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults coordinators and team members, parish ... More
Faith Community Nursing training available
Catholic Charities of Arkansas (CCA) is hosting a four-day Faith Community Nursing Foundations Course this spring at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. It is open to licensed, registered nurses who want to practice holistic health for individuals and the community using nursing knowledge combined with spiritual care. The four-day course will be held April 21-22 and May 5-6 in the Biltz Room in Morris Hall. Catholic parishes that want to start a faith community nursing ministry are encouraged to send at least one representative to the training. Attendance at all four sessions ... More
Bishop issues pastoral changes March 13
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments, March 13, 2023, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective May 29: Msgr. Jack D. Harris appointed from pastor to associate pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Morrilton and St. Elizabeth Church in Oppelo. He remains pastor of St. Joseph Church in Center Ridge and minister of Catholic Campus Ministry in Conway; Rev. Stephen Hart appointed pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Morrilton and St. Elizabeth Church in Oppelo. He is relieved of his responsibilities as pastor of Our Lady of the Lake Church in Lake Village, Holy Cross ... More
Penance readily available during Lent
The sacrament of reconciliation is readily available during Lent for Catholics in the Diocese of Little Rock. In addition to regular confession times, some parishes will host penance services through March 30. Reconciliation gives Catholics the opportunity for spiritual renewal within the Christian life. The Lenten penance services (not including each parish’s regular confession times) are scheduled as follows: Barling: Sacred Heart of Mary, Feb. 28, 6 p.m.; Bella Vista: St. Bernard, March 1, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Benton: Our Lady of Fatima, March 16, 6 p.m.; Berryville: St. Anne, March 8, 5 p.m. ... More
Diocese releases annual audit report
Every February, Arkansas Catholic publishes the Diocese of Little Rock’s financial report to give readers information and insight into the diocese’s financial status. The audit covers the financial reports from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. In his letter that accompanies the report, Bishop Anthony Taylor wrote, "Most of our income comes from donations, program fees, bequests, parish assessments, grants and earnings from investments. Catholics all across our state support us to ensure the diocese is financially sound. Without this money, we would be unable to operate ... More
