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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.
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. Funeral arrangements are pending, and I will share those details, along with an obituary once they are finalized. 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." ... 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
Ascension into heaven is goal for each of us
The Ascension of the Lord celebrates Jesus' ascension into heaven and his coming into glory at the right hand of the Father. It occurred 40 days after his resurrection from the dead, which falls on Ascension Thursday. However, in most Catholic provinces and dioceses in the United States, including the Diocese of Little Rock, this feast is transferred to the following Sunday. This year that is May 17. "The lifting up of Jesus on the cross signifies and announces his lifting up by his ascension into heaven, and indeed begins it. Jesus Christ, the one priest of the new and eternal covenant ... More
Five men to be ordained priests in May
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will ordain five men to the priesthood for the Diocese of Little Rock at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 30 at Christ the King Church in Little Rock. They are Deacons Quinton Thomas, Duwan Booker, Joseph Nguyen, Tuan Do and Christopher Elser. This is the second time the bishop ordained five new priests at once since 2021. In all, Bishop Taylor has ordained 50 diocesan priests since he became bishop in 2008. These new priests make up 71 percent of all diocesan priests in active ministry. The night before the ordination Mass ... More
Osborne to be ordained a deacon May 23
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will celebrate the diaconate ordination Mass of seminarian Joshua Osborne at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 23 in his home parish, St. Joseph in Conway. A reception will follow in the parish hall. All are invited to attend. Prior to the ordination, all are invited to a special eucharistic adoration and vespers service Friday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m. also at St. Joseph Church. During this time, prayers will be offered for Osborne and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Being ordained a transitional deacon is a major step ... More
More than 800 become Catholic this year
Catholic parishes across Arkansas reported welcoming more than 800 people into the Catholic Church in the past year. Those who were already baptized in another Christian faith were welcomed into the Church throughout the year, as well as on Holy Saturday. They made a profession of faith, were confirmed and received First Communion. The unbaptized were received during Easter Vigil Masses Saturday, April 4. They were baptized, confirmed and received First Communion. These neophytes (new Catholics) prepared for entry into the Catholic Church through ... More
Seminarians take steps toward priesthood
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor is installing eight 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. The bishop will celebrate the Admission to Candidacy Mass Saturday, May 2 at 4:30 p.m. for seminarians Ryan Carlson, Nghiep Hoang and Benjamin Keating. The admission to candidacy will be conferred on those who have demonstrated the necessary qualifications for ordination. He will celebrate the Installation of Lector Mass ... More
