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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.
Year of Mercy ends but mercy is forever
This Sunday, Nov. 20, we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. It recognizes that Jesus is king and savior of all people. Pope Pius XI established this feast in 1925 with his encyclical, "Quas Primas" ("In The First"). In this letter, he expressed deep concern for a growing secularism because many had "thrust Jesus Christ and his holy law out of their lives" believing "these had no place either in private affairs or in politics." The website for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops ... More
Bishop addresses presidential election
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor released the following statement to the people of the Diocese of Little Rock regarding the 2016 presidential election on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. Many of us have experienced the recent presidential election as a mixed blessing. We are relieved that President-elect Trump opposes abortion and plans to nominate anti-abortion justices to the Supreme Court. Indeed, many people voted for him for that very reason. But we are also dismayed by his divisive rhetoric. The purpose of this letter is to remind all of us that this election has not changed the mission of the Church ... More
Vocation Awareness Week is Nov. 6-12
National Vocation Awareness Week is being celebrated Nov. 6-12. This annual observance of the Catholic Church in the United States is designed to focus on vocations to the priesthood, religious life and diaconate. It is a time to encourage young people to ask themselves: "To what vocation in life is God calling me?" It is also an opportunity to bring awareness to and pray for those already in discernment of one of these vocations. Parish and school communities across the nation are encouraged to include, during the first week in November, prayer and special activities that focus ... More
Junior High Spectacular to be held Nov. 6
Junior High Spectacular, a one-day event hosted by the Diocese of Little Rock, will be held Sunday, Nov. 6 in the McCauley Center at Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock for students in grades 6-8. This year’s theme, “He is the Way to Love,” will be presented by Oddwalk Ministries. The day will be filled with games, praise and worship, presentations by the Oddwalk Ministries, lunch and Mass. The cost is $40 a person. Scholarships are available. Register though your parish. To register your parish, download and return the registration packet with fee to the address ... More
Learn, pray, discern and vote conscience
As we approach election day on Nov. 8, Catholics in the United States are called to educate themselves on the candidates and issues, pray and then vote their conscience. Catholic tradition holds that "responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation." To guide us in this process, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops updated its: "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility" in 2015. Download it in English or Spanish. Accompanying this document are study guides, videos, prayer suggestions ... More
Bishop answers questions on school policy
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor issued the following to answer frequently asked questions about the policy on human sexuality for Diocese of Little Rock Catholic schools Monday, Sept. 19, 2016. On July 15, 2016, I promulgated an addendum to the manual of policies and regulations for Catholic schools in Arkansas. The policy addendum explained Catholic teaching on human sexuality and how it applies in the school context. (See subsection 4.42 – Human Sexuality Policy) In recent weeks, this new policy has received some media scrutiny, not all of which has been accurate. In turn, I and other staff members of the diocese have received several complaints, questions, and concerns. Accordingly, I have decided to address ... More
Diocese reports sexual abuse by ex-priest
Last month, the Diocesan Review Board and I met with and listened to someone who had been the victim of clergy sexual abuse as a youth in our diocese. We earlier had been contacted by a concerned family member and at that time ensured that a report was made to the Arkansas Department of Human Services, and then began conducting our investigation. In the course of our investigation, we also established a second victim, and we immediately offered assistance to these two known victims and their family members. This abuse occurred over 35 years ago, and at that time both victims were members of Our Lady of Good ... More
Youth invited to Texas regional conference
High schools students are invited to attend the 2016 Region 10 Youth Conference Nov. 17-20 in Beaumont, Texas. This year's theme is: "Take Courage!" It is based on Matthew 14:27: "But Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.'" This three-day regional event is held every other even year and is composed of the Catholic dioceses in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Thousands of youth and adult chaperones gather to be part of the larger Church. The schedule includes featured speakers, music, Mass, general sessions and other activities. In Arkansas, participation is coordinated through the Diocese of Little Rock Catholic Youth Ministry Office. ... More
