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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.
Pastoral appointments announced May 11
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments, May 11, 2022, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective Immediately: Rev. Ernest Hardesty was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and so he will be on a medical leave of absence. He is relieved of his responsibilities as pastor of Church of the Assumption in Atkins and St. Leo the Great University Parish in Russellville. Please keep him in your prayers; Rev. Mauricio Carrasco, appointed administrator of Church of the Assumption in Atkins and St. Leo the Great University Parish in Russellville. This is in addition to his ... More
Mental illness sufferers: You're not alone
If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are grieving, stressed, anxious, burned out and depressed from the isolation, not to mention the mental health side effects from the virus itself. Arkansas Catholic wrote about this in its "Amid the Storm: Anxiety in 2020" special section and it still applies now. Included are helpful warning signs of anxiety and depression that indicate when you should get help. Coping skills are also included as well as spiritual support from the saints. One of the saints who can be helpful ... More
Hartnedy, Ashburn to be ordained deacons
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will ordain two Diocese of Little Rock seminarians to the diaconate in May. They are John Paul Hartnedy and Nathan Ashburn. Through this process they will become transitional deacons, which is a major step toward priestly ordination. The diaconate ordination Mass for John Paul Hartnedy will be celebrated at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 19 at St. Edward Church in Little Rock. A holy hour will precede the ordination at 4 p.m. Prayers will be offered for him, his continued discernment of priesthood and an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life. ... More
7 seminarians take steps toward ordination
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will install seven Diocese of Little Rock seminarians as candidates, lectors and acolytes as part of their journey toward priesthood during special Masses in May at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock. All are invited to attend. The bishop will celebrate the Admission to Candidacy Mass Monday, May 9 at 6:30 p.m. The following seminarians have demonstrated the necessary qualifications for ordination and will be installed as candidates during this Mass: Duwan Booker, St. Joseph Church, Conway; Joel Brackett, St. Vincent de Paul Church, Rogers ... More
Give thanks for all women on Mother's Day
Mother's Day has been celebrated as a national holiday in the United States on the second Sunday of May since 1914. But Catholics have been celebrating a sort of mother's day since the first few centuries of the Church. The fourth Sunday of Lent, or Laetare Sunday, traditionally was a time to return to your mother church (home parish) and leave an offering. For this reason, it was also called Mothering Sunday. "The word 'mothering' came to have other associations; it became a feast day for the mothers of families. All the children who were away from home went back on that day ... More
May crowning honors Mary's royal office
In popular Catholic tradition, Mary's coronation in heaven is often reenacted during the month of Mary in May crownings. Typically children, often those who recently received their first holy Communion, carry roses and place them at the feet of a statue of Mary while placing a crown of roses on top of Mary's head. There are also numerous songs, artworks and prayers depicting Mary's queenship. Many Catholic parishes and schools in Arkansas observe this tradition often in the first week of May. Contact a school or parish directly to see if this event is being held in your area. There are also many ... More
Come and See about the priesthood June 4
The next Come and See Priesthood Discernment Retreat will be held Saturday, June 4 at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. Rooted in prayer and to include hiking, talks, discussion and Mass, this retreat aims to provide a living encounter with Christ to explore diocesan priesthood. It is open to single men ages 16 and older. The retreat will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Fletcher Hall. There is no cost to attend. Meals and snacks will be provided. Overnight accommodations and transportation can be arranged if needed. Activities will be offered in English and Spanish ... More
423 new Catholics welcomed at Easter Vigil
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process, like all other aspects of life, was dramatically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the Diocese of Little Rock. Entry into the Church in 2020 and 2021 was modified because of restrictions and ongoing safety concerns for participants. This year, in a return to a more normal experience, Catholic parishes across Arkansas welcomed 423 new Catholics into the Church during Easter Vigil Masses on Saturday, April 16, 2022. Although this is still fewer participants than before the pandemic, it is higher than the previous two years. ... More
