Official Website of the
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.
Assumption of Mary gives hope to us all
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated Aug. 15. It is a holy day of obligation to attend Mass. Click on the button above to find Mass times in your area. The offices of the Diocese of Little Rock are closed on this day. This feast recognizes that Jesus' mother was "taken up body and soul into heavenly glory" when her "earthly life was finished." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 966). The Assumption of Mary is not to be confused with the Ascension of Jesus. "Jesus ascends of his own power and will because he is divine. On the other hand, Mary does not raise herself. ... More
Former Saint Vincent pastor dies at age 92
Father James H. Burnie, CSSp, longtime pastor at St. Mary Church in Saint Vincent (Hattieville), died Aug. 3. He was 92. Father Burnie professed his vows as a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit Aug. 1, 1980, at Holy Ghost Novitiate in Farnham, Quebec, Canada. On Feb. 11, 1984, he was ordained a priest at Highland Creek in Toronto. Before becoming a priest, Father Burnie worked for the Canadian National Railway. Soon he became involved in helping the homeless in Toronto, which led to his vocation to the priesthood late in life. ... More
TPS beneficiaries must re-register this year
Catholic Immigration Services in Little Rock and Springdale are encouraging those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal and Nicaragua to re-register. The Department of Homeland Security said the extension would last for 18 months. Immigration services director Jennifer Verkamp-Ruthven said TPS beneficiaries must re-register for TPS and apply to renew their Employment Authorization Document if they would like work permits through January 2025. People from each country can re-register: El Salvador: July 12-Sept. 10; ... More
Take time to heal after abortion at retreat
Are you suffering from a past abortion? You are not alone. Take time to heal at this Day of Prayer and Healing Retreat for women, Saturday, July 29 in Little Rock from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This retreat offers a safe, confidential, non-judgmental space for women to begin or continue their journey to hope and healing. The exact location is only disclosed to participants. This retreat is Catholic in nature, but all are welcome. Women who have walked this journey are ready to accompany you to new life and hope with the Lord. It is sponsored by Project Rachel, a ministry ... More
Bishop issues pastoral changes July 7
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments, July 7, 2023, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective July 16: Rev. Jorge María Cabrera de la Eucaristía, OCD, a priest of the Discalced Carmelite Friars, appointed superior of Marylake Monastery in Little Rock. There will be no permanent community stationed at Marylake Monastery, however, Father Cabrera will be ministering to the Discalced Carmelite Friars and the Carmelite nuns and will be traveling to carry out this apostolate as needed in the Diocese of Little Rock.; Rev. Stephen Sánchez, OCD, appointed ... More
Nearly $200,000 donated for tornado relief
Catholic Charities of Arkansas (CCA) has been providing relief and long-term recovery casework services since the March 31 tornado swept across Arkansas, inflicting large-scale damage where it touched down. Its focus is on Pulaski and Lonoke counties in central Arkansas and Cross County in eastern Arkansas, which were declared disaster areas. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood, Jacksonville, Cabot, Wynne and surrounding areas had more than 3,500 households with tornado-related losses based on FEMA-approved applications. ... More
Little Rock to host tribunal workshop
The Diocese of Little Rock will host this year's Interdiocesan Tribunal Workshop Aug. 1-2 at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. This event offers continuing education for those who work or volunteer in a Catholic Church tribunal as canon lawyers, office staff or advocates. Priests are also encouraged to attend. The featured speaker will be Msgr. John Renken, professor of canon law at Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He will present five sessions on the theme, "How to Prove Marriage Nullity" in Fitzgerald Hall. The workshop begins at 1 p.m. on Aug. 1 ... More
Diocese honors deacons serving 25 years
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor celebrated a special Mass to mark the 25th anniversary of eight deacons, June 1, at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock. They were ordained May 31, 1998, by the late Bishop Andrew J. McDonald. The following were honored for serving 25 years as deacons to the Diocese of Little Rock: Deacon Bud Baldwin of Fayetteville; Deacon Ray Brust of Rogers; Deacon John Burns of Fort Smith; Deacon Roy Goetz of Subiaco; Deacon Dan Hennessey of Tontitown; Deacon Larry Lipsmeyer of Hot Springs Village' Deacon Richard Papini of Conway ... More
