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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.
Pastoral appointments announced May 11
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments, May 11, 2022, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective Immediately: Rev. Ernest Hardesty was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and so he will be on a medical leave of absence. He is relieved of his responsibilities as pastor of Church of the Assumption in Atkins and St. Leo the Great University Parish in Russellville. Please keep him in your prayers; Rev. Mauricio Carrasco, appointed administrator of Church of the Assumption in Atkins and St. Leo the Great University Parish in Russellville. This is in addition to his ... More
Mental illness sufferers: You're not alone
If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are grieving, stressed, anxious, burned out and depressed from the isolation, not to mention the mental health side effects from the virus itself. Arkansas Catholic wrote about this in its "Amid the Storm: Anxiety in 2020" special section and it still applies now. Included are helpful warning signs of anxiety and depression that indicate when you should get help. Coping skills are also included as well as spiritual support from the saints. One of the saints who can be helpful ... More
Hartnedy, Ashburn to be ordained deacons
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will ordain two Diocese of Little Rock seminarians to the diaconate in May. They are John Paul Hartnedy and Nathan Ashburn. Through this process they will become transitional deacons, which is a major step toward priestly ordination. The diaconate ordination Mass for John Paul Hartnedy will be celebrated at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 19 at St. Edward Church in Little Rock. A holy hour will precede the ordination at 4 p.m. Prayers will be offered for him, his continued discernment of priesthood and an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life. ... More
423 new Catholics welcomed at Easter Vigil
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process, like all other aspects of life, was dramatically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the Diocese of Little Rock. Entry into the Church in 2020 and 2021 was modified because of restrictions and ongoing safety concerns for participants. This year, in a return to a more normal experience, Catholic parishes across Arkansas welcomed 423 new Catholics into the Church during Easter Vigil Masses on Saturday, April 16, 2022. Although this is still fewer participants than before the pandemic, it is higher than the previous two years. ... More
Pastoral appointments announced April 22
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments, April 22, 2022, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective July 1, 2022: Rev. John Connell, VG, relieved of his responsibilities as pastor of St. Joseph Church in Tontitown. He remains pastor of St. Raphael Church in Springdale and vicar general of the Diocese of Little Rock; Rev. Omar Galván, relieved of his responsibilities as associate pastor of St. Joseph Church in Tontitown. He remains associate pastor of St. Raphael Church in Springdale; Rev. Arokiasamy Madhichettyirudayaraj, appointed pastor ... More
Bishop releases pastoral change March 29
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointment, March 29, 2022, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective April 29: Rev. Polycarp Ssebbowa, reinstated as pastor of St. James Church in Searcy and St. Richard Church in Bald Knob. His green card has been granted, effective today, March 29, 2022. ... More
Bishop asks all to join consecration to Mary
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor issued the following statement, March 22, 2022, inviting all parishes in the Diocese of Little Rock to join Pope Francis in formally consecrating Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. "To all the priests and people of the Diocese of Little Rock: As you see from the attached letter addressed to all the bishops in the world, Pope Francis announced that this Friday, on the solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, March 25, 2022, he will formally consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Please find attached the prayer of ... More
Bishop releases pastoral change March 17
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointment, March 17, 2022, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective April 21: Rev. Andreas Kedati, SVD, a priest of the Society of the Divine Word, appointed pastor of St. Peter Church and St. Raphael Church in Pine Bluff and St. Justin Church in Star City; and Rev. Eric Groner, SVD, relieved of his responsibilities as pastor of St. Peter Church and St. Raphael Church in Pine Bluff and St. Justin Church in Star City to continue his ministry with the Society of the Divine Word. ... More
