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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.
First trick-or-treaters begged for soul cake
Did you know trick-or-treating is Catholic in origin? That is also true for dressing up in costumes and making a jack-o-lantern. If this surprises you, you are not alone. The practice of Halloween has been separated from its Christian roots in the modern world. As a result, many seem obsessed with zombies, vampires, ghosts and the occult. It is especially bad this time of year when we are inundated with disturbing images of darkness and death, leaving Christians to worry if it is wrong to participate in Halloween. Father Steve Grunow, CEO of Word on Fire, explains that Halloween ... More
Bishop comments on immigration changes
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor released the following statement Monday, Oct. 7, 2019, regarding federal changes to immigration rules. "Depending on the outcome of litigation cases, beginning Oct. 15, the Trump administration will deny individuals seeking legal status for those deemed to likely become a public charge. To determine whether an immigrant will possibly become a public charge in the future, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or consular officers will look at applicant’s age, health, family status, assets, financial status, education and skills. ..." ... More
Life Chain to be held nationwide Oct. 6
The 32nd annual Life Chain Sunday will be held Oct. 6. It is always held on the first Sunday of October during Respect Life Month. Life Chain brings people together in a "peaceful and prayerful public witness" to form a line on sidewalks in cities across the United States and Canada to end abortion. More than 1,500 cities are expected to participate. Participants hold signs that say: "Pray to End Abortion" or "Adoption: The Loving Option" while they quietly pray together for up to 90 minutes as cars pass by. On the back of the Life Chain signs are suggestions ... More
Bishop to lead rosary at 40 Days for Life
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will lead a Rosary for Life at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 11 as part of the fall 40 Days for Life campaign in Little Rock. All are invited to join him in prayer across the street from Little Rock Family Planning Services, the abortion facility located at #4 Office Park Drive. For more information, contact Catherine Phillips, diocesan respect life director, at (501) 664-0340, ext. 326. The 40 Days for Life ministry highlights prayer, fasting and a peaceful, prayer vigil outside an abortion facility to pray for an end to abortion. The fall campaign, which is being ... More
Respect life to be integrated in all we do
The Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month each October to proclaim the immeasurable value of every person from conception to natural death. Catholics in Arkansas take part in events throughout the month, including Life Chain and 40 Days for Life, to put their faith into prayer and action. In addition, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) assists parishes, schools and other ministries in helping Catholics understand, value and become engaged with building a culture that cherishes every human life through its annual ... More
Bishop releases pastoral changes Sept. 26
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective Oct. 1: Rev. Chandra Ery, a priest of the Diocese of Cuddapah, India, appointed associate pastor of Christ the King Church in Fort Smith; Rev. Jayarayu "Jayraj" Sure, a priest of the Diocese of Nellore, India, appointed associate pastor of St. Joseph Church in Fayetteville and Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Lincoln; Rev. Bhaskararao "Bhaskar Rao" Malapolu, a priest of the Diocese of Nellore, India, appointed associate pastor of Sacred Heart ... More
Communicators: This workshop is for you
The second Digital Disciples Communications Day will be held Thursday, Oct. 17 at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock for Catholic communicators at the diocese and in parishes, schools and religious orders across Arkansas. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Fitzgerald Hall and will include a plenary session, three workshops, lunch and Mass. New this year is the plenary session with featured speaker Father Stephen Gadberry, pastor of St. Mary Church in Batesville and St. Cecilia Church in Newport. On Palm Sunday 2018 Father Gadberry competed on the ... More
One Church to help Holy Spirit, Hamburg
This month, the diocese announced the 2019-20 One Church partner: Holy Spirit Church in Hamburg. This young parish in southeast Arkansas has a new parish building that it would like to pay off so it can offer more spiritual and social programs in the church and community. A Firestone tire shop was converted into a sanctuary, office and parish hall for the community in 2013. At the time, no extra money was available to replace the roof. Inside the parish hall, the walls were left plain and no carpet was installed to save additional renovation costs. There is room on the property ... More
