Official Website of the
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.

Changes to improve and simplify the Diocese of Little Rock’s Safe Environment Program became effective March 1. Bishop Anthony B. Taylor explained the changes in his Decree of Changes to Safe Environment Policies and Procedures for all diocesan, school and parish employees and volunteers, when it was issued in February. The policies, which were put in place in 2002 after the U.S. Catholic bishops adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, were re-evaluated under the direction of Matt Glover, chancellor for canonical affairs. ... More

Fasting and abstaining during Lent present both an opportunity for devotion and a dietary challenge, especially for family meals. Arkansas Catholic’s annual Lenten section will share recipes from readers to help meet that challenge. Please send us your best recipes for the following: vegetarian meals; and family traditional Lenten foods. Send recipes to Malea Hargett, Arkansas Catholic, P.O. Box 7417, Little Rock AR 72217. To consider your recipe for publication, it must be submitted by Feb. 3. Lent begins Feb. 10. To help you prepare for this holy season of prayer, fasting ... More
Two parish religious educators were honored during the annual Parish Catechetical Leaders' Banquet and Retreat at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock on Jan. 15-16. Belinda Ortner, director of religious education and Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults coordinator for St.... More

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced a one-time, special collection to be taken up in all parishes in Arkansas Jan. 9-10 or Jan. 16-17 for victims of recent natural disasters. This collection is part of a nationwide effort to assist those affected by flooding and storms that began in December and continue to cause damage. In a letter to be read at all Masses, the bishop wrote, "Your contributions will assist Catholic Charities USA, the official domestic relief agency of the U.S. Catholic Church, and its member agencies, including our own Catholic Charities of Arkansas ... More

Catholic Charities of Arkansas is hosting a Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Fair Trade Sale Dec. 2-3 in Morris Hall on the campus of St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. The sale will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and noon to 6 p.m. on Thursday. Sale items from 15 different countries allow you to purchase interesting Christmas gifts for friends and family including: coffee, scarves, jewelry, soap and Christmas ornaments. Quantities are limited. Only cash or check will be accepted. For more information, contact Rebecca Cargile, at Catholic Charities of Arkansas, or call her at (501) 664-0340. CRS is the official overseas relief and development agency of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Worldwide, CRS works in Asia, Africa ... More

The Diocese of Little Rock will begin a new, permanent diaconate formation program in the fall of 2017. It is open to Catholic men in good standing with the Church who will be 35 years old by 2022. Those interested are invited to attend an informational meeting that will provide an overview of the program and plans leading up to ordination in 2022. Visit our calendar to see a list of all informational meetings in Arkansas. The program will be offered through the diocesan Office of Faith Formation under the direction of Father Erik Pohlmeier. Classes will be taught monthly at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock for deacon candidates and their wives. The first three years of candidacy will also correspond with the class time for the Little Rock Theology Institute. ... More

Pope Francis proclaimed that a special Holy Year of Mercy will begin Dec. 8 and continue through Nov. 20, 2016. The theme for the year will be: "Be Merciful, just as your Father is Merciful." (Luke 6:36) The Holy Father announced the extraordinary jubilee at St. Peter’s Basilica during a Lenten penance service March 13. He declared the universal year to highlight the Catholic Church's “mission to be a witness of mercy.” Holy years feature special celebrations, pilgrimages, strong calls for conversion and repentance and special opportunities to experience God's grace through the sacraments, especially reconciliation. The doors of the Church “are wide open so that all those who are touched by grace can find the certainty of forgiveness,” Pope Francis said at the penance service. To learn more, visit the ... More

Are you planning a parish festival or school fundraiser and want to get the word out? If so, you are welcome to submit your events to this website. We list Catholic events in Arkansas where the public is invited. The following are examples of events we will list: Parish, school, religious or any Catholic organizational events; Lenten and Advent missions and activities Conferences and retreats hosted by the diocese, parishes, retreat houses or religious orders; major parish or institutional anniversary events; retreats, festivals, fundraisers or feast day events. Events and activities that are closed to the public or are not likely to be attended by those outside the parish, school, religious or organization's community will not be listed on our calendar. Examples of these include: ... More