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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.
Traditionally, Mardi Gras, which is French for "Fat Tuesday", involves a big celebration where partygoers overindulge one last time before the solemn season of Lent begins the following day on Ash Wednesday, which is a day of fast and abstinence. This year, Mardi Gras will be celebrated Feb. 13. In many cultures, the time between the Christmas season and Lent is known as "carnival." Carnival comes from the Latin words, "carne vale," meaning "farewell to the flesh." Like many Catholic celebrations, Mardi Gras likely has its roots in pre-Christian traditions based on the seasons. ... More
Each year, Ash Wednesday begins our Lenten journey toward the celebration of Easter. Even though Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine's Day this year, it remains a day of fast and abstinence. Some have suggested Catholics move Valentine's Day to Feb. 13 (Mardi Gras). To learn more, read Arkansas Catholic. On Ash Wednesday, we are marked with ashes, in the form of a cross, on our forehead. Why? Father Erik Pohlmeier, diocesan director of faith formation, said the prayer offered as ashes are given answers this question. "The words are a reminder of our origins ... More
What concerns you is what concerns the Church in Arkansas. Subscribe to Arkansas Catholic and be connected to the Church. Arkansas Catholic, the award-winning weekly newspaper of the Diocese of Little Rock, offers complete print and digital subscriptions. The print edition is delivered to your mailbox every week. Subscriptions are only $26 a year ($24 for seniors). Subscription envelopes are available at the church or by calling (501) 664-0125. Or you can get Arkansas Catholic Digital the same day it’s published on your computer and most smart devices. ... More
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor released the following letter, which was sent, Feb. 2, 2018, to Arkansas’ senators and representatives in Washington to ask them to pass legislation to protect DACA recipients. The bishop is also encouraging all Catholics to write or call the U.S. senators and their representative to vote in favor of a “clean” DACA bill. “I am writing to urge you to pass a clean Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) bill in February that will include a path to citizenship. There is grassroots bipartisan support for a just and humane solution for the Dreamers whose fate is in your hands. ... More
Catholic Charities Immigration Services issued the following statement, Feb. 2, 2018, regarding President Donald Trump’s family immigration proposal. “We suggest U.S. citizens who have parents, children 21 years of age or older, married children and siblings who do not have legal status in the USA to file an I-130 petition on their behalf, so they can start the process to immigrate to the United States. We suggest to Legal Permanent Residents to file an I-130 petition on behalf of their unmarried children who are 21 years of age or older. The above are some of the categories that ... More
Through a gift to the Catholic Arkansas Sharing Appeal (CASA), we can "give ourselves more fully to the Lord." CASA supports the ministries that help those in need, evangelize, educate and care for the flock across the Diocese of Little Rock. The 2018 campaign begins Feb. 3-4 in parishes across Arkansas. A recorded homily from Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will be played at all Masses and pledge envelopes will be handed out asking parishioners to meet this year's $2 million goal. Read or listen to his homily in English or Spanish. This annual appeal provides funding for ... More
The Catholic Church in the United States wants Valentine's Day to be about more than candy and flowers. It wants to offer couples support and encouragement for building strong and lasting marriages. In February, the Church partners with other organizations to celebrate National Marriage Week, Feb. 7-14, an event that concludes with World Marriage Day on Feb. 14. See marriage events in Arkansas. These events provide an opportunity "to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family," wrote Archbishop Charles Chaput, OFM ... More
Catholic Schools Week will be observed nationwide Jan. 28 to Feb. 3. This year's theme: "Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed" focuses on the important spiritual, academic and societal contributions provided through a Catholic education. Schools typically observe the week with special Masses, open houses and other activities for students, families, parishioners and the community. Through these events, schools focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to the Church, communities and the nation. ... More