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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.
Mental illness sufferers: You're not alone
If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are grieving, stressed, anxious, burned out and depressed from the isolation, not to mention the mental health side effects from the virus itself. Arkansas Catholic wrote about this in its "Amid the Storm: Anxiety in 2020" special section and it still applies now. Included are helpful warning signs of anxiety and depression that indicate when you should get help. Coping skills are also included as well as spiritual support from the saints. One of the saints who can be helpful ... More
Hartnedy, Ashburn to be ordained deacons
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will ordain two Diocese of Little Rock seminarians to the diaconate in May. They are John Paul Hartnedy and Nathan Ashburn. Through this process they will become transitional deacons, which is a major step toward priestly ordination. The diaconate ordination Mass for John Paul Hartnedy will be celebrated at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 19 at St. Edward Church in Little Rock. A holy hour will precede the ordination at 4 p.m. Prayers will be offered for him, his continued discernment of priesthood and an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life. ... More
7 seminarians take steps toward ordination
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will install seven Diocese of Little Rock seminarians as candidates, lectors and acolytes as part of their journey toward priesthood during special Masses in May at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock. All are invited to attend. The bishop will celebrate the Admission to Candidacy Mass Monday, May 9 at 6:30 p.m. The following seminarians have demonstrated the necessary qualifications for ordination and will be installed as candidates during this Mass: Duwan Booker, St. Joseph Church, Conway; Joel Brackett, St. Vincent de Paul Church, Rogers ... More
423 new Catholics welcomed at Easter Vigil
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process, like all other aspects of life, was dramatically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the Diocese of Little Rock. Entry into the Church in 2020 and 2021 was modified because of restrictions and ongoing safety concerns for participants. This year, in a return to a more normal experience, Catholic parishes across Arkansas welcomed 423 new Catholics into the Church during Easter Vigil Masses on Saturday, April 16, 2022. Although this is still fewer participants than before the pandemic, it is higher than the previous two years. ... More
Pastoral appointments announced April 22
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments, April 22, 2022, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective July 1, 2022: Rev. John Connell, VG, relieved of his responsibilities as pastor of St. Joseph Church in Tontitown. He remains pastor of St. Raphael Church in Springdale and vicar general of the Diocese of Little Rock; Rev. Omar Galván, relieved of his responsibilities as associate pastor of St. Joseph Church in Tontitown. He remains associate pastor of St. Raphael Church in Springdale; Rev. Arokiasamy Madhichettyirudayaraj, appointed pastor ... More
Mass for Hope and Healing returns in 2022
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will celebrate a Mass for Hope and Healing for survivors of child sexual abuse on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 24, at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock. This event was not held in 2020 or 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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 ... More
Pray for peace on Divine Mercy Sunday
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 24. 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 ... More
Bishop releases pastoral change March 29
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointment, March 29, 2022, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective April 29: Rev. Polycarp Ssebbowa, reinstated as pastor of St. James Church in Searcy and St. Richard Church in Bald Knob. His green card has been granted, effective today, March 29, 2022. ... More
