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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.
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor is installing 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 celebrated the Admission to Candidacy Mass Saturday, May 4 at 4:30 p.m. Phillip Necessary, of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Rogers, and Samuel Stengel, of St. Joseph Church in Paris, demonstrated the necessary qualifications for ordination and were installed as candidates during the Mass. ... More
In popular Catholic tradition, Mary's coronation in heaven is often reenacted during the month of Mary in May crownings. Typically children, often those who recently received their first holy Communion, carry roses and place them at the feet of a statue of Mary while placing a crown of roses on top of Mary's head. There are also numerous songs, poetry, artworks and prayers depicting Mary's queenship. Many Catholic parishes and schools in Arkansas observe this tradition in the first week of May. Contact a school or parish directly to see if this event is being held in your area. ... More
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments and corrections, April 19, 2024, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective May 1: Rev. Mauricio Carrasco, appointed director of spiritual formation for the House of Formation in Little Rock (not prefect, as previously announced); Rev. Daniel Velasco, relieved of the office of director of spiritual formation of the House of Formation. He remains pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church in Little Rock and director of the diocesan School of Spiritual Direction; Rev. Jeff Hebert, remains prefect of the House of ... More
Father Thomas Keller, the oldest and longest-serving diocesan priest, died April 13. He was 91. A Little Rock native, Father Keller was the youngest of seven children born Jan. 13, 1933, to Walter and Isabelle Keller. He graduated from Catholic High School in Little Rock in 1950 and attended Villanova University in Pennsylvania before enrolling in St. John Home Mission Seminary. Bishop Albert Fletcher ordained Father Keller to the priesthood May 15, 1958. Father Keller served parishes in Pine Bluff, De Queen, Fayetteville, Texarkana, Searcy, Newport, Mena, Jonesboro ... More
In Catholic tradition, the month of May is dedicated to Mary. Chosen by God above all other women, Mary's faith and obedience paved the way for the Incarnation. Her example teaches us faith, obedience, humility and most of all, how to love. According to St. Thomas of Villanova, "If in this world any creature ever loved God with whole heart, with whole soul, and with whole mind, she was the creature.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Mary's unique role as being honored above all other saints, including the Apostles. At the foot of the cross, her heart broke ... More
Catholic parishes across the Diocese of Little Rock welcomed 685 new Catholics into the Church during Easter Vigil Masses on Holy Saturday, March 30. This is a significant increase after the decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. These neophytes (new Catholics) participated in their parish's Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process and fell into two groups: elect and candidates. The elect had not been baptized or formed in the Christian faith and life. During their initiation they were baptized, confirmed and receive their first Communion. ... More
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments, April 5, 2024, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective June 1: Joel Brackett, to be ordained to the transitional diaconate May 15, appointed to serve as deacon of St. Theresa Church in Little Rock during the summer 2024. Effective June 17: Rev. John K. Antony, JCL, relieved of his responsibilities as pastor of Our Lady of the Ozarks Shrine in Winslow. He remains pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Fort Smith; Rev. Balaraju Akkala, relieved of his responsibilities as associate pastor of Our Lady ... More
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will celebrate the annual Mass for Hope and Healing for survivors of child sexual abuse Sunday, April 14, at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock. 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 of the Diocese of Little Rock. For more information, contact ... More