Resources for Catholics During COVID-19

Updated May 12, 2021

On May 9, 2021, Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced that mask-wearing becomes optional effective May 15 in an effort to further loosen the anti-COVID-19 protocols that have been in place for more than a year. "I do recommend, but do not require, continued mask-wearing for those who are not yet fully vaccinated or who are otherwise especially vulnerable," he wrote in a letter to the people of the Diocese of Little Rock. The bishop explained that distancing of family groups during Mass and changes made in churches and on parish property since March 2020 will be left to each pastor to decide in a separate letter to priests.| Read This Letter | En Español | Arkansas Catholic

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On March 25, 2021, Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced modifications to the COVID-19 Mass protocols that have been in effect since May 2020. "Thanks to the cooperation of our people with the protocols we have had in place to mitigate the danger of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing number of people who have been vaccinated, we are now in a position to make a few modifications in the protocols to be observed effective April 1. We expect to be able to return to pre-pandemic conditions once everyone who wants to get a vaccination is able to get one," he wrote. | Read This Statement | En Español | Vatican COVID-19 Commission

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Bishop Taylor released a second statement about COVID-19 vaccines, March 3, 2021, to "addresses concerns that many have regarding the available COVID-19 vaccines" after Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine was approved for use in the United States. "Here in Arkansas we are not currently given a choice regarding which vaccine to receive — each place has only one option to offer. Therefore, unless this changes, Catholics here can — and, in the interest of the common good, should — receive whichever vaccine is offered, including the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. If for reasons of personal conscience any Catholic refuses a vaccine when it becomes available, that person has a moral obligation to do their utmost to avoid becoming a vehicle of transmission to others, especially the most vulnerable," he wrote. | Read This Statement | En Español | Vatican COVID-19 Commission

The bishop first released a statement about COVID-19 vaccines, Dec. 21, 2020, in which he wrote: "Receiving the vaccine is morally permissible. In fact, to be vaccinated against COVID-19 now is morally praiseworthy inasmuch as it protects the health of the person being vaccinated and likely protects others as well." | Read this Statement | En Español

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Tools to Help you Practice your Faith

Public Masses

Sunday Mass Obligation Resumed Oct. 1, 2020

Bishop Taylor lifted the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass (in person) Oct. 1, 2020, for those in good health. The dispensation remains in effect for those under certain conditions. Effective May 15, 2021, masks became optional but still recommended at Mass. Distancing of family groups during Mass and changes made in churches and on parish property since March 2020 are now left up to each pastor to decide. Contact your parish directly for Mass times and current anti-COVID-19 protocols.

Online Masses

Dispensation from Obligation Remains under Certain Conditions

Even though the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass (in person) was lifted for people in good health, it remains for some under certain conditions, which include: those who are ill; those who are under quarantine or isolation due to Covid-19; those who are especially vulnerable to Covid-19 or caring for someone who is especially vulnerable (e.g., due to chronic illness, advanced age, or in a high risk group as defined by the CDC); and those who, after serious prayer and deliberation, remain very fearful of attending Mass due to Covid-19. For those unable to attend in person, several options are available to watch Mass online or on television. If you miss the recording live, the recordings are available for playback at any time. Please confirm times with the parish to make sure you have the most up to date information.

In Arkansas

See online Mass times for parishes across the Diocese of Little Rock

Outside Arkansas

See online Mass options worldwide

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Confession Guidelines

Per Bishop Taylor's directive, face-to-face confessions are only permitted when 6 feet physical distance can be maintained. A screen must separate the penitent and confessor and disinfectant wipes should be used to wipe down the screen between confessions. Small "confessional boxes" are problematic; a larger room or outdoor venue is preferable. See also guidelines on "Drive-Thru Confessions."

Confession Times

We list regular confession times for parishes statewide, but we recommend you contact your parish directly to confirm its confession times and location. Many parishes are offering special confession times during this crisis and may need to make adjustments to when and where they offer the sacrament of reconciliation until the threat of COVID-19 is gone.

Special Indulgences during Pandemic

The Vatican established special indulgences to anyone suffering from COVID-19, as well as health care workers, family members and all those who in any capacity, including through prayer, care for them.

Prayers and Resources

Coronavirus Prayers

This includes a list of prayers specific to this crisis, acts of spiritual communion as well as links to general Catholic prayers and prayers to say at the end of the rosary for an end to the pandemic.

Pray at Home Resources

Tips include how to do a holy hour, keep holy the Sabbath as well as how to light a virtual prayer candle and get details on the special indulgences available during this crisis

Prayer Book of Intentions

If you are in need of prayer, please submit a prayer request. These prayers are offered up at Masses celebrated by Bishop Anthony B. Taylor and other priests at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock.

Faith Formation

Catholic ministries are working hard to help parishioners continue to practice their faith in the domestic church. This page offers a list of faith formation resources in Arkansas and beyond that have been created specifically for this crisis or have been made available for free during this time.