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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
Pre-Cana Day held for engaged couples
Are you planning to get married in a Catholic church in Arkansas? If so, find out what you need to do by reading the Getting Married Guide. Because marriage is lifelong, the Church wants to help you build a strong, lasting marriage. For this reason, couples seeking marriage in the Catholic Church are asked to spend several months in marriage preparation. As part of that preparation, couples are asked to take part in a marriage education program. One of the educational options in the Diocese of Little Rock is Pre-Cana Day, a one-day retreat for engaged couples to spend time together reflecting on their relationship and future marriage. During this event, married couples present talks on the sacrament of marriage, ... More
Assumption gives hope to awaiting faithful
The solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated Aug. 15. This feast recognizes that Jesus' mother was "taken up body and soul into heavenly glory" when her "earthly life was finished." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 966) Normally this solemnity would be a holy day of obligation, but since it falls on a Monday this year, the requirement to attend Mass is relaxed. Although Catholic teaching on this event goes back to the earliest days of Christianity, it was not declared a dogma of faith until 1950 by Pope Pius XII. In his apostolic constitution, "Munificentissimus Deus," the holy father explains the effects of original sin, and how Mary, who was preserved from original sin and remained sinless ... 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
Celebrate gift of freedom through prayer
The United States celebrates its independence July 4. In addition to fireworks and picnics, this is a good day to thank God for our freedom and remember not to take it for granted. During the Fortnight for Freedom, which ends July 4, we have been asked to pray, act and deepen our awareness of religious freedom and its importance. We also celebrate the feasts of St. Thomas More, St. John Fisher, St. John the Baptist, Sts. Peter and Paul and the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome, who were all great martyrs that remained faithful in the face of persecution ... More
