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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.
Answers far from simple for Catholic voters
How should a Catholic feel about this election season? It’s been a strange, dispiriting season in our country’s political life, with public discourse plunging to lows that most us have never witnessed. For Catholics, who hold a high view of public life, this election has been especially disappointing. Substance has nearly disappeared from the debates. The topics filling the void have become so cringe-worthy it would be embarrassing, or simply inappropriate, to mention them explicitly in a diocesan newspaper or website. But I am not saying anything others have not said already, to the point of exhaustion. ... More
Louisiana flood collection starts Aug. 27
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor is asking Arkansas parishes to join with those nationwide in taking up an emergency collection for Louisiana flood victims on Aug. 27-28 or Sept. 3-4. Repeated heavy rains in August have resulted in a 25-mile stretch of flooding in southern Louisiana making it the worst natural disaster in the United States since Superstorm Sandy in 2012. "From our own experience with natural disasters in Arkansas, we know the immediate and long-term recovery needs of the people in the flooded communities in Louisiana will be great and difficult to meet on their own," Bishop Taylor wrote in a letter to be read at all Masses. ... More
Novena, Mass to celebrate new St. Teresa
Blessed Teresa of Kolkata (formerly Mother Teresa of Calcutta) will be canonized a saint by Pope Francis on Sunday, Sept. 4. Known for serving "the poorest of the poor" she founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950. The late Bishop Andrew J. McDonald hosted Mother Teresa in 1982 when she visited Little Rock to consider a request to run Abba House, a shelter for pregnant mothers, their children and homeless women, on south Oak Street. She agreed and sent four Missionaries of Charity sisters to begin running the shelter in 1983. The order continues to operate Abba House today. ... More
Adoration offers treasure beyond measure
Pope Francis has repeatedly encouraged the faithful to spend time before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. In a recent message to those preparing for the Eucharistic Congress in Genoa, Italy Sept. 15-18, he said, “I want to encourage everyone to visit — if possible, every day — especially amid life’s difficulties, the Blessed Sacrament of the infinite love of Christ and his mercy, preserved in our churches, and often abandoned, to speak filially with him, to listen to him in silence, and to peacefully entrust yourself to him." He joins many who have come before him in highlighting the spiritual fruits of Eucharistic adoration. "The Church and the world have a great need for Eucharistic worship. Jesus awaits us in this sacrament of love. ... More
24 spiritual directors certified by diocese
The first class of the School of Spiritual Direction was recognized for completing the three-year program during a special Mass June 11 at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. Msgr. Scott Friend, VG, concelebrated the Mass along with Father Rubén Quinteros and retired Father Robert Dienert. During the Mass, 24 new spiritual directors were certified to minister in the Diocese of Little Rock, allowing them to guide individuals who seek to follow God's will for their lives and deepen their relationship with him. A total of 31 people, which included Father Dienert, ... More
Nine complete theology institute in 2016
Little Rock Theology Institute recognized nine students June 4, for completing the adult faith formation program's three-year coursework in theology. The following students received certificates of completion: Joe Redden of St. Edward Church, Texarkana (back row from left); Nick Moseley of St. Louis Church, Camden; Michael Smith and Debbie Meiklejohn, both of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Little Rock; Dawn Ward of St. Joseph Church, Conway (front row, from left); Kathy Dust of St. Paul Church, Pocahontas; Dede O’Bar of Our Lady of the Assumption Church ... More
418 graduate from Catholic high schools
A total of 418 students from five Catholic high schools in Arkansas graduated in May. Commencement exercises were held May 14-27 at the following schools: Subiaco Academy — The baccalaureate Mass was celebrated at St. Benedict Church followed by the graduation in the inner courtyard on Saturday, May 14. The valedictorian was Kangkyu Kim of Seoul, South Korea. The salutatorian was Nicholas Ryan Langston of Fort Smith. See more about these students along with a complete list of graduates in Arkansas Catholic. The newspaper also ... More
Bishop Taylor's mother dies April 26
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor addressed the following letter to the priests, deacons, seminarians, staff and people of the Diocese of Little Rock regarding the death of his mother, Rachel Taylor, on Tuesday, April 26, 2016. "This is to advise you that my mother, Rachel (Roth) Taylor died today, April 26, at about 1:30 p.m. and is now at rest following a long and difficult illness. So while this is a time of loss for me and my family, we are also filled with relief that her time of suffering has come to an end. Her funeral will take place at St. Mary Parish in Ponca City, Okla. ... More
