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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.
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
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
Alive in the Word: a new study from LRSS
In May, Little Rock Scripture Study (LRSS) released a new series, Alive in the Word, with two titles, “Mary, Favored by God” and "Trust: Confidence in the God of Salvation.” Eight more will be released in the coming year, including, “Mercy: God’s Nature, Our Challenge," in July to coincide with the Jubilee Year of Mercy. While the emphasis in other LRSS series is biblical understanding and reflection, Alive in the Word focuses on biblical spirituality, reflection and how to apply the lessons to one’s life. This series is designed to be shorter and more flexible. Each booklet ... 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
Study scriptural mercy at Bible Institute
“The Message of Mercy: The Biblical Roots of Pope Francis’ Teachings” is the theme for the 2016 Bible Institute June 17-19 at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. Father Garrett Galvin, OFM, will be the featured speaker. He is the author of "Egypt as a Place of Refuge" (Mohr Siebeck, 2011) and "David’s Successors: Kingship in the Old Testament" (Liturgical Press, 2016). He currently teaches full time at Franciscan School of Theology in Oceanside, Calif. He will speak five times throughout the weekend on the following themes: Compassion, Grace and Love: The Concept ... More
