Official Website of the
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.
UPDATE: Front gate entrance now open
UPDATE: The front gate and main entrance to the offices of the Catholic Diocese of Little Rock has been reopened. All visitors may enter the campus of St. John Catholic Center on Tyler Street as usual now. On Monday, April 7, a detour to the back entrance on Harrison Street was necessary because of a downed utility pole from the recent storms. If you need to schedule a meeting with a member of our staff, visit our staff directory. Look for the name of the person you wish to reach and click on the red button under his or her photo to send an email or call us ... More
Know your rights: Immigration staff advises
Jennifer Verkamp-Ruthven, director of Catholic Immigration Services for the Diocese of Little Rock, sent the following letter, April 8, 2025, to pastors and parish staff members to assist them in serving the needs of their immigrant parishioners in Catholic parishes in Arkansas. "Dear pastors and parish staff, since the new administration took office in January, a flurry of executive orders has changed or attempted to change federal immigration policies, and this has caused a high level of fear and anxiety among our immigrant brothers and sisters in our diocese. ... More
Give to Catholic Relief Services Collection
The Catholic Relief Services Special Collection will be taken up in all parishes in Arkansas March 29-30. This annual, nationwide collection supports the work of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in helping people worldwide who suffer from war, natural disasters, violent persecution or extreme poverty. “This year, the Catholic Relief Services Collection has a very urgent significance,” said Bishop Daniel Mueggenborg, chairman of the U.S. bishop's Committee on National Collections. “Recently, the U.S. government abruptly suspended funding for its refugee ... More
Stretching aid for those who need help
Catholic Charities of Arkansas is on many lists around the state as a provider of charitable assistance to help families address food shortages, temporary housing, emergency and primary care medical expenses and other critical needs. Requests are received from all areas of the Diocese of Little Rock. Staff respond daily to requests for food assistance and free or low-cost medical services by connecting individuals with local food pantries and non-profit charitable medical clinics. Other common inquiries and requests for assistance are made by people seeking ... More
Bishop greets those to become Catholic
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor met more than 600 catechumens and candidates from parishes across Arkansas during four Rite of Election services March 6-10. Each year, bishops in dioceses worldwide personally welcome those going through the Christian initiation process at the Rite of Election, a special service usually held at the beginning of Lent. Formerly known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), the new Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is offered at the parish level and generally concludes with full initiation into the Catholic Church ... More
Bishop addresses death penalty bill
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor issued the following letter to Catholics in Arkansas, Feb. 25, 2025, regarding a death penalty bill being debated by the Arkansas General Assembly. "Arkansas lawmakers are currently considering a bill that would enable our state to execute people with nitrogen gas. Adding another method of carrying out the death penalty equates with a desire to kill people who are already incarcerated and no longer pose a threat to society. This is unnecessary and contrary to our faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church gives us an explanation of the Church’s ... More
Mardi Gras began as preparation for Lent
When most Americans think of Mardi Gras, which is French for "Fat Tuesday," the huge party in New Orleans comes to mind. Despite how secular the celebration has become, it still ends strictly at midnight because the basis of the event is Christian. It is held on the last day to overindulge before the solemn season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, a day of fast and abstinence. Historically, the rules for fasting and abstinence were much more restrictive. Catholic Culture explained that during Advent, known as the "little lent," Catholics fasted almost as much as they ... More
Religious celebrate consecration, jubilees
Women and men religious from across the Diocese of Little Rock gathered for the 2025 Consecration Day and Religious Jubilarian Mass Feb. 8 at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church in Little Rock. Bishop Anthony B. Taylor celebrated the Mass, during which seven jubilarians were honored for observing anniversaries this year. This event is held each year near the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life, which is celebrated on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord Feb. 2. Those celebrating anniversaries are Sister Ana Lilia Mares, MCSC, 25 years; Brother ... More
