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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.
12 New Spiritual Directors Certified in 2026
After three years of formation, 12 people were certified as spiritual directors in May through the School of Spiritual Direction for the Diocese of Little Rock. Bishop Anthony B. Taylor celebrated a special Mass May 17 at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock for the students, their families and other program participants. Six laywomen and six deacons from across Arkansas make up the newly certified. They are: Benton, Our Lady of Fatima Church: Taffy Council; Conway, St. Joseph Church: Yolanda Berumen, Nancy Unverferth and Molly Walchuk; Fort Smith, Immaculate ... More
Father John Oswald, 90, died June 10
Father John Connell, vicar general and moderator of the curia for the Diocese of Little Rock, released the following letter regarding the death of Father John Oswald on Thursday, June 11, 2026. "Dear Priests, Deacons, and Diocesan Employees: With faith and hope in the promise of eternal life in Christ Jesus, I announce the death of Father John Oscar Oswald. Father John died peacefully on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. He was 90 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, including Msgr. Richard Oswald. He is survived by a sister ... More
Miracle of Eucharist focus of Corpus Christi
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, traditionally referred to by its Latin name, "Corpus Christi", is the feast day that highlights the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, — Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. This year it is celebrated June 7. The word "Eucharist" means "thanksgiving." It comes from the Greek "eucharistein" and "eulogein," which "recalls the Jewish blessings that proclaim — especially during a meal — God's works: creation, redemption and sanctification." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1328) On the night before he died, Jesus shared one ... More
Bishop issues clergy appointments May 22
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments, May 22, 2026, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective April 29: Father John Paul Hartnedy, associate pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Fort Smith, replacing Father Savio Arokia, who will transfer to the Diocese of Shreveport July 1. Effective July 1: Deacon Marcelino Vázquez, administrator of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Lincoln. Father Jason Tyler remains pastor and Father Martin Dara associate pastor; Father Paul F. Worm, state chaplain for the Knights of Columbus, replacing ... More
Trinity is intimate relationship of love, trust
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity is celebrated each year the week after Pentecost. God has revealed himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He is three, distinct persons in one God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tell us this revelation is the central mystery of the Christian faith and life. But how can God be Father, Son and Holy Spirit and still be one God? This may sound overwhelming and difficult to understand because it is. In his 2019 homily in Vatican News, Father Antony Kadavil told a story of how St. Augustine tried to understand the great mystery of the Trinity. ... More
Father Norman McFall, 69, died May 18
"With faith in the promise of eternal life in our Lord Jesus Christ, I share with you the sad news that Father Norman McFall died today, May 18, 2026, after suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He passed away surrounded by his wife, Laura, and other family members and friends. ... Father Norm McFall was born in Florence, Ala., on Feb. 11, 1957, and was ordained a priest on May 28, 2016, by Bishop Anthony B. Taylor. His first assignment was in Fort Smith where he served as associate pastor for Hispanic ministry at Christ the King" ... More
Veni Sancte Spiritus on Pentecost Sunday
Jesus promised the Advocate would come. "It is better for you that I go," he told his apostles. "For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you." Knowing they were confused, Jesus said, “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of Truth, he will guide you to all truth." (John 16: 7-13) And before Jesus ascended into heaven he instructed his followers to stay together and not leave Jerusalem, "but to wait for 'the promise of the Father' about which you have heard me speak, for John baptized with water, ... More
Mental illness sufferers: You're not alone
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, you are not alone. According to the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD), a mental illness is a "disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thought and/or behavior, resulting in an inability to cope with life’s ordinary demands and routines. One in four families will at some time have to cope with mental illness and its effects on a loved one and the family unit. The stigma attached to mental illness forces many to hide the severity of their symptoms or those of a loved one," the NCPD explained. ... More
