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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.
Message of Sacred Heart of Jesus is love
This year, the Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated Friday, June 23. It is not a holy day of obligation. Although devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus goes back many centuries, it was not celebrated universally in the Church until 1856 when Pope Pius IX made it a solemnity. It is always celebrated after the octave of Corpus Christi or 19 days after Pentecost Sunday. The Sacred Heart of Jesus represents his divine love for humanity, demonstrated most tangibly by the sacrifice of his life for our sins. "Jesus knew and loved us each and all during his life, his agony and his passion, and gave himself ... More
John the Baptist prepared way for Jesus
The Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist is celebrated on June 24. Though it is a solemnity, it is not a holy day of obligation. From the moment of conception, a relationship was established between Jesus and John. An angel appeared to an elderly Zechariah and told him his wife, Elizabeth, who had been unable to have children, would give birth to a son to be named John. "He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God." (Luke 1:5-25) The angel's predictions began to come true only ... More
St. Joseph is patron saint of Father's Day
St. Joseph, husband of Mary and earthly father of Jesus, is the model of fatherhood. His faith and obedience to God inspired his devotion for his family. As we prepare to celebrate Father's Day on Sunday, June 18, it might be helpful to study his example. In "Five Lessons from St. Joseph," author Randy Hain points out attributes that serve as a helpful guide: 1.) St. Joseph was obedient. 2.) St. Joseph was selfless; 3.) St. Joseph led by example; 4.) St. Joseph was a worker; and 5.) St. Joseph was a leader. "Let’s look to the inspiring example of St. Joseph, patron saint ... More
Corpus Christi highlights Real Presence
The Solemnity of the Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known as Corpus Christi, honors the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, which is the "source and summit of the Christian life." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1324) Christ is present in many ways in his Church, but his presence in the Eucharist is unique. In the Eucharist, Jesus is present in body, blood, soul and divinity. It is called the "real presence" because Jesus is truly present in the "fullest sense." He "makes himself wholly and entirely present" under the appearance of bread and wine. ... More
Father Rother to be beatified on Sept. 23
Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes in Rome, will celebrate the rite of beatification for Venerable Servant of God Father Stanley Rother at the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sep. 23. Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will be concelebrating this historic Mass for the first American-born martyr. All are invited to attend. Admission is free. No tickets are required. Doors open at 8 a.m. Follow event on Facebook for latest details. Pope Francis recognized Father Rother’s martyrdom last December, ... More
LRSS awards scholarships to students
Little Rock Scripture Study recently awarded three, $1,000 scholarships to the following people who are completing their lay ministry studies: Heather Crouch is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in theology from St. Gregory's University in Shawnee, Oklahoma. She coordinates the young adult group at St. Peter the Fisherman Church in Mountain Home, as well as offers a support group for those in the parish with depression or other emotional needs; Megan Mayeux is also pursuing a bachelor’s degree in theology ... More
Trinity is central mystery of Christian faith
This year, the Most Holy Trinity is celebrated Sunday, June 11. It highlights our Triune God; three Persons in one: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. "The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of Christian faith and life. It is the mystery of God in himself. It is therefore the source of all the other mysteries of faith, the light that enlightens them. It is the most fundamental and essential teaching in the 'hierarchy of the truths of faith'. The whole history of salvation is identical with the history of the way ... More
Catholic Charities assisting flood victims
In late April, a slow moving storm system brought significant rain to Oklahoma and areas along the border of Arkansas and Missouri. Rains were a constant downpour, filling the hill creeks and upcountry rivers. The tributaries emptied into area rivers in northeast Arkansas bringing them to unprecedented flood levels. It is considered a major flood when the Black River, for example, crests at 25 feet. This year's historic crest was 28.95 feet. An evacuation order was issued May 1 for areas on the east bank of the Black River in Pocahontas. Parishioners from St. Paul Church volunteered, ... More
