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Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
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The following offers the latest information about events and activities happening in the Diocese of Little Rock.
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
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
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
The Calix Society of Central Arkansas helps Catholics in recovery or family members of those in recovery come together to find support and spiritual healing through the Catholic tradition. It is a unit (chapter) of the national organization, originally founded in 1947 in Minnesota to help alcoholics in recovery. In more recent years, meetings have also included those in recovery from other addictions such as drug use, gambling, sex addiction and more. All are welcome to attend Calix Society meetings, which are typically held the first Tuesday of each month. Chaplain Father Andrew Hart ... More
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments, April 22, 2022, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective July 1, 2022: Rev. John Connell, VG, relieved of his responsibilities as pastor of St. Joseph Church in Tontitown. He remains pastor of St. Raphael Church in Springdale and vicar general of the Diocese of Little Rock; Rev. Omar Galván, relieved of his responsibilities as associate pastor of St. Joseph Church in Tontitown. He remains associate pastor of St. Raphael Church in Springdale; Rev. Arokiasamy Madhichettyirudayaraj, appointed pastor ... More
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will celebrate a Mass for Hope and Healing for survivors of child sexual abuse on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 24, at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock. This event was not held in 2020 or 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Anyone who wishes to pray for victims, their families and friends is welcome to attend. The Mass is being held in April for National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is dedicated to raising awareness of and preventing child abuse (whether sexual, physical or emotional). This event is sponsored by Safe Environment Program ... More
The celebration of Christ's resurrection continues with Divine Mercy Sunday, which recognizes that God's love and mercy endure forever and overcome any sin that separates us from him. This year, we celebrate this feast on April 24. St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun, wrote in her diary that she witnessed a vision of Jesus on Feb. 22, 1931, while she was living at a convent in Plock, Poland. She wrote that Jesus had one hand raised in benediction and the other resting over his heart, from which emanated two rays of light. The apparitions to St. Faustina formed the ... More
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointment, March 29, 2022, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective April 29: Rev. Polycarp Ssebbowa, reinstated as pastor of St. James Church in Searcy and St. Richard Church in Bald Knob. His green card has been granted, effective today, March 29, 2022. ... More