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Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
Understanding Our Church
Explore this treasury of Arkansas writers discussing the Catholic faith on a wide variety of topics. Find what you're looking for by browsing the whole list or search by keyword or author. All articles have been reviewed for theological accuracy. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
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Placing ourselves in Scriptures can help us apply them to present life Paula Standridge One of the many facets of Ignatian prayer, developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, includes the practice of placing oneself in Scripture to become a part of the biblical scene, in order to draw some practical applications for present life. |
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Focusing on invisible realities at Mass can instill wonder in faithful Sister M. Glorea Knaggs, OSB Before entering religious life, I attended a Catholic conference for young adults. I remember little about it, save the testimony of a woman who was telling her vocation story in a large auditorium. |
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Take your spiritual, mental pain to God by praying your own lament Judy Hoelzeman In 1953, my mother developed a blood clot after childbirth. While my mother lay close to death, my father went to the hospital chapel and prayed, “Not my will but thine be done.” My mother lived. My father told her later that voicing that prayer was the hardest thing he ever had to do. |
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I needed to forgive to not be bound by damage of divorce Kelli Nugent In preparing for this column, I located and read my journal of thoughts, prayers and feelings during the time of my separation and divorce. |
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Take courage, do justice, love goodness and walk humbly with God Betsy Wiederkehr Huss What does God ask of us? In this ninth month of the year 2020, tons of stressful stuff is going on in our world, Church, communities, families and in our own lives. So, delving into what God requires of us may take courage. |
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Daily Examen designed to help us recognize God in everyday life Jeff Hines A beautiful phrase sits like a smooth stone in the cascade of words that are the documents of Vatican II. |
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Icon of Mary’s dormition is reminder of eternal happiness for souls Deacon Mike Cumnock When I was growing up in the 1950s, the feast of the Assumption, which we celebrate this week, was actually a new feast in the Church. However, it had been a long-standing celebratory event. |
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St. John Paul II explains Christian meaning of suffering Edward C. Dodge St. John Paul II’s apostolic letter promulgated in 1984 titled: "Salvifici Doloris" (“On the Christian Meaning of Suffering") offers us some profound meditations for how we approach our world today. Let’s situate what an apostolic letter is among other Church documents. |
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Just an obligation? Use pandemic time to reflect on hunger for God Father Erik Pohlmeier What does obligation mean in a time of pandemic? As Catholics we quickly associate this word with participating in Mass on Sundays. |
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What Zacchaeus, a burnt beard and joy in Christ teach us Brother Roch McClellan, OSB The account of Zacchaeus found at the beginning of Chapter 19 of St. Luke’s Gospel always makes me smile. Zacchaeus, the “short of stature” and “wealthy” chief tax collector in the city of Jericho, feels a burning desire to see Jesus, but he can’t see over the crowd. |
