Understanding Our Church
A Treasury of Arkansas Writers Discussing the Catholic Faith
Official Website of the
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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We can learn about marriage, family from Sts. Louis, Zelie Martin Father Erik Pohlmeier God has high expectations for each of us baptized into his grace. With his help each of us is capable of greatness and heroic faith. To inspire us to strive for more we have the example of the saints. |
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Advent season celebrates Christ coming to us now and at death Father Jerome Kodell, OSB As the new year begins, we are completing the time in the Church’s year of worship which highlights the Advent of the Savior. |
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Minor basilicas are not ‘mother churches,’ but worth exploring in U.S. Kelli Nugent There are four churches honored as major basilicas, the “mother churches” of Rome: St. John Lateran (cathedral of Church of Rome), St. Peter; St. Mary Major; and St. Paul Outside the Walls. These churches have a particular connection to the pope in history and in practice. |
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Beatitudes provide ‘ultimate blessedness,’ direction for living Betsy Wiederkehr Huss When you hear the word “beatitude,” my guess is you think of the Bible passage in Matthew 5:3-12 from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Or maybe, you even expand the idea to include Luke 6:20-26, Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain in this Gospel. |
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In Catholic schools, ‘Christ is the reason’ should be more than a phrase Father Erik Pohlmeier In many parishes the end of summer is marked with packs of kids in new uniforms and fresh school supplies showing up with a mix of excitement and tears. |
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Confession not just avoiding sin, but growing relationship with God Deacon Mike Cumnock My introduction to the sacrament of reconciliation was not a particularly pleasant one. In those days, fear, the Baltimore Catechism and the sisters who taught in my school set the tone. |
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From mouths of babes about Pope Francis’ environment encyclical Matthew Glover As most of the world now knows, Pope Francis recently published an encyclical entirely on the environment. Since I cannot hope to surpass his divinely inspired wisdom on this topic, I thought it best to consider a different source of wisdom: the mouths of babes. |
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Understanding God’s mercy helps us celebrate Year of Mercy Deacon Chuck Ashburn On the second anniversary of his election to the pontificate, Pope Francis announced an extraordinary holy year, a Jubilee of Mercy that will last from the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 8, 2015, through the Solemnity of Christ the King, Nov. 20, 2016. |
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God wants all of us to be saved, even people or groups we do not like Kelli Nugent A few years back I had just finished my confession and was leaving when I made a snarky remark to the priest: “Well, if Z continues to do what Z is doing, then I won’t have to worry about Z in heaven.” I know, smug, presumptuous and judgmental on my part. |
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Holy Week cleaning tradition still relevant in our homes, spiritual lives Betsy Wiederkehr Huss Did you know that spring cleaning practices go way back in our faith tradition and are associated with Holy Week activities? |
