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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.
Bishop to celebrate All Souls' Mass Nov. 2
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will celebrate the annual All Souls' Day Mass at Calvary Cemetery at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2. It is located at the corner of Wright Avenue and South Woodrow Street in Little Rock. Get driving directions from your location. The main entrance is off of Charles Bussey Avenue. Mass will be followed by the blessing of graves and praying the rosary. All are invited. If it rains, the Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock at 10 a.m. For more information, contact Tricia Gentry, office manager for Calvary Cemetery, at (501) 664-0340 ... More
Embrace the Catholic roots of Halloween
Did you know trick-or-treating is Catholic in origin? That is also true for dressing up in costumes and making a jack-o-lantern. If this surprises you, you are not alone. The practice of Halloween has been separated from its Christian roots in the modern world. As a result, some associate Halloween with zombies, vampires, ghosts and the occult. It is especially bad this time of year when we are inundated with disturbing images of darkness and death, leaving Christians to worry if it is wrong to participate in Halloween. Father Steve Grunow, CEO of Word on Fire, explains that Halloween ... More
12 students in spiritual direction formation
After a seven-year absence, the Diocese of Little Rock resumed its School of Spiritual Direction this fall. Twelve students from parishes across Arkansas began taking bilingual classes in September at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. The weekend classes will be offered monthly through May as part of the three-year program. Father Daniel Velasco, pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church in Little Rock, was named director of spiritual direction formation in July 2022. According to Arkansas Catholic, he said the purpose of this program is to help people “grow their relationship with ... More
Professional Day: Teachers to be salt, light
The 86th annual Arkansas Catholic Schools Professional Day was held Friday, Sept. 29 at Christ the King School in Little Rock. This year's theme was: “Called to be Salt and Light.” Father Juan Guido, pastor of Christ the King, celebrated Mass at 9 a.m. Twelve priests from across the Diocese of Little Rock concelebrated the Mass assisted by Deacons Danny Hartnedy and Jason Pohlmeier. Catholic speaker Caitie Cataldo delivered the keynote presentation, "Transformed as a Teacher in Christ." Cataldo holds a bachelor's degree in pastoral theology from Marian University. ... More
Order your 2024 diocesan directory today
The 2024 Catholic Diocese of Little Rock Directory is now in stock. The gloss-cover softbound directory is the only source for exclusive, updated contact information for every priest, religious and deacon in Arkansas. It also includes information on every parish, school and diocesan office as well as details on Catholic ministries and organizations, hospitals and much more. Directories are $15 each and are available for immediate shipment. Shipping is free. Download the order form and return it with payment to the address provided. For more information, email Mark Brasfield ... More
Create living memorial at Calvary in spring
Each fall, families and friends are invited to purchase daffodil bulbs to be planted on the graves of their loved ones in Calvary Cemetery in Little Rock. That way, by spring, the bright yellow flowers become a living memorial to all those who have been laid to rest in the historic cemetery. For a minimum donation of $20, cemetery staff will plant a group of five daffodils on the grave of your choice. (Five-bulb groups cannot be split.) Proceeds support the upkeep of the cemetery grounds. To order daffodils, download and complete the order form. For more information, contact Tricia Gentry, office manager ... More
St. Francis inspires care for all of creation
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’” (“Praise Be to You”), 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. Stories about St. Francis ... More
Pray the rosary to become more like Jesus
In addition to being Respect Life Month, October is also dedicated to the rosary primarily because the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary is celebrated Oct. 7. Two years after Pope St. Pius V endorsed praying the rosary, he asked the faithful to pray the rosary and seek the intercession of the Blessed Mother during the Battle of Lepanto, off the coast of Greece in 1571. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Christian fleet prevailed on Oct. 7 and the Holy Father established the day as the feast of Our Lady of Victory. In 1573, Pope Gregory XIII changed the name of the feast ... More
