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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.
Father Pohlmeier to be a bishop in Florida
The Vatican announced today that Pope Francis appointed Father Erik Pohlmeier the next bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine in Florida. He succeeds Bishop Felipe J. Estévez, who has served as bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine for the past 11 years and is retiring. A press conference to introduce Bishop-elect Pohlmeier will be held today at 9 a.m. (central time) in St. Augustine. The event will be livestreamed on the Diocese of St. Augustine Facebook page. Bishop-elect Pohlmeier, 50, will be installed as the 11th bishop of St. Augustine Friday, July 22 ... More
Dcs. Nieto, Wendel to be ordained May 28
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will ordain Deacons Jaime Nieto and Daniel Wendel to the priesthood at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 28 at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock. A reception will follow the Mass in McDonald Hall. The night before, on Friday, May 27, 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 Nieto, 32, will celebrate his first Masses on Sunday, May 29. This includes the 10:30 a.m. Mass in English and the 12:30 p.m. Mass in Spanish ... More
Pastoral appointments announced May 11
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments, May 11, 2022, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective Immediately: Rev. Ernest Hardesty was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and so he will be on a medical leave of absence. He is relieved of his responsibilities as pastor of Church of the Assumption in Atkins and St. Leo the Great University Parish in Russellville. Please keep him in your prayers; Rev. Mauricio Carrasco, appointed administrator of Church of the Assumption in Atkins and St. Leo the Great University Parish in Russellville. This is in addition to his ... More
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
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
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
