Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
For best results, put specific keyword, title or phrase in quotes. (i.e. “Ash Wednesday”)
Happening Now
The following offers the latest information about events and activities happening in the Diocese of Little Rock.
Diocesan Encuentro to be held Nov. 18
Published: Monday, October 16, 2017
The Diocese of Little Rock Encuentro will be held at Barton Coliseum at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds in Little Rock on Saturday, Nov. 18. All those who participated in the V Encuentro process in their parishes are invited to attend this event. The daylong event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include Mass celebrated by Bishop Anthony B. Taylor and presentations by Msgr. Scott Friend, VG, diocesan director of vocations, and Father Mauricio Carrasco, pastor of St. Andrew Church in Danville and St. Augustine Church in Dardanelle. Additional priests will be available ... More
Share the journey with migrants, refugees
Published: Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Pope Francis recently launched the "Share the Journey" campaign to create a "culture of encounter" with migrants and refugees, "who now number some 65 million around the world, the biggest such crisis since World War II." This two-year campaign was created by Caritas International, a global network of Catholic charitable organizations that include Catholic Relief Services and Catholic Charities USA in the United States. Organizers hope to create encounters "between people on the move and people living in the countries they are leaving, passing through or arriving in" ... More
Educators honored at Professional Day
Published: Monday, October 2, 2017
The Diocese of Little Rock superintendent of Catholic schools and four Catholic school teachers were honored during the 81st annual Professional Day for Teachers at Christ the King School in Little Rock on Sept. 29. Superintendent Vernell Bowen was surprised with an award for her 25 years of service in Catholic education by associate superintendents Marguerite Olberts and Theresa Hall. She has served as superintendent for the past 16 years. Before that she was principal of St. Edward School in Little Rock for nine years. Bowen came to Catholic schools ... More
Take your pet to church for a blessing
Published: Monday, October 2, 2017
St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226), patron saint of animals and ecology, is known for his love for God's creation. In his "Canticle of the Creatures," he reveals how all creation is connected in one family under God's loving care. His feast day is celebrated Oct. 4. In his papal encyclical, "Laudato Si' ("On Care for Our Common Home"), Pope Francis showed he has a lot in common with his namesake, by challenging all to care for God's creation. Read Arkansas Catholic to find 41 practical tips on protecting the environment including saving endangered animal species. ... More
Jonesboro to have last Mass at old church
Published: Friday, September 29, 2017
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will celebrate a Mass to decommission the old Blessed Sacrament Church, located at 614 South Church St. in Jonesboro, on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 11 a.m. This will be the last Mass to be celebrated at this location because a new church is being built on a 20-acre site near the new Blessed Sacrament School on Highland Drive. Bishop Taylor blessed the new site during a groundbreaking ceremony March 19. The new 15,000-square-foot church will be located at 1105 E. Highland Dr. and is expected to be completed by September 2018. ... More
Be not afraid during Respect Life Month
Published: Friday, September 29, 2017
Each October, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month to proclaim the immeasurable value of every person from conception to natural death. Catholics in Arkansas take part in events throughout the month, including Life Chain and 40 Days for Life, to put their beliefs into prayer and action. This year, the 30th annual Life Chain Sunday will be held Oct. 1. It is always held on the first Sunday of October. Life Chain brings people together in a "peaceful and prayerful public witness" to form a line on sidewalks in cities across the United States and Canada. ... More
CCA golf tournament raises nearly $40,000
Published: Friday, September 29, 2017
Catholic Charities of Arkansas raised nearly $40,000 to support its programs through the Bishop McDonald-Catholic Charities Golf Classic on Sept. 25. It was held at Maumelle Country Club with 30, four-person teams that included eight priests. Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Hot Springs Village entered six of the teams. The following won in these categories: Morning First Flight — First place: Father Bill Elser, Bob Baker, Rick Meyers and Dennis VanLeeuwen, of Hot Springs Village. Score: 54; Morning Second Flight — First place: Tom Donnelly, Murray Classen, ... More
Sts. Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, pray for us
Published: Friday, September 29, 2017
The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that angels are pure, spiritual beings who have been present since creation to glorify God without ceasing and serve as messengers of his saving plan for humanity. In addition, "from its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession." (nos. 330-350) Angel, which comes from the Latin "angelus" and the Greek "angelos," is a "messenger, envoy; one that announces." Archangels are one of the nine choirs of angels listed in the Bible. The hierarchy of angels ranked from lowest to highest fall ... More
