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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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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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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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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Reconciliation is necessary, natural in relationship with God, Church Sister Mary Lou Stubbs, DC Getting to your destination on the streets and highways of this hazardous world requires that your vehicle gets ongoing maintenance and occasional repairs. |
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Faith rituals not ‘mindless chores’ but means to encounter mystery Father Andrew Smith Catholics are a ritually oriented people. This may be seen as a mixed blessing, depending on how you understand repetition. For some people certain rituals — doing the same thing over and over again — may help to make our lives boring and uninteresting. |
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Answers for Mass, Eucharist questions Father Erik Pohlmeier The following is a list of questions often asked about the Eucharist and Mass. Father Erik Pohlmeier, chairman of the Year of the Eucharist Committee and theological consultant for Arkansas Catholic, provided the answers. Q. What do Catholics mean by “real presence?” |
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Church’s creeds help faithful stay focused on what really matters Charles T. Sullivan Avery wise confessor once gave my mother some excellent advice for facing anxiety or doubt: “Just recite the Apostles’ Creed,” he told her, “and pray daily for the grace to stay focused on those things that really matter. The rest will take care of itself.” |
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A season of suffering, death is necessary for resurrection to be joyous Betsy Wiederkehr Huss Our Church divides the year into different liturgical seasons and we will soon be experiencing the season of Lent. Changes will take place in nature as we leave winter and return to spring during this time. The color of the vestments worn will change from green (Ordinary Time) to violet. |
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Reconciliation with God reconciles us with community, Church, self Judy Hoelzeman When my mother started getting forgetful in her early 80s, she sometimes asked me to help her write a list of sins before she received the sacrament of reconciliation. Her idea of what was sinful and mine didn’t match, of course, so we didn’t collaborate very well on this project. |
