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Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
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The following offers the latest information about events and activities happening in the Diocese of Little Rock.
Ash Wednesday begins our Lenten journey toward the celebration of Easter. Though it is not a holy day of obligation, it is a day of fast and abstinence. We are marked with ashes, in the form of a cross, on our forehead on Ash Wednesday. Why? Father Erik Pohlmeier, diocesan director of faith formation, said the prayer offered as ashes are given answers this question. "The words are a reminder of our origins, 'Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.' The ashes and the whole season of Lent are a time to refocus on our relationship with God ... More
When most Americans think of Mardi Gras, which is French for "Fat Tuesday," the huge party in New Orleans comes to mind. Despite how secular the celebration has become, it still ends strictly at midnight because the basis of the event is Christian. It is held on the last day to overindulge before the solemn season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, a day of fast and abstinence. According to Franciscan Media, Mardi Gras came to the New World in 1699 when a French explorer arrived at the Mississippi River, about 60 miles south of present day New Orleans ... More
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments Friday, Feb. 22, for the Diocese of Little Rock: Effective March 1: Rev. Robert Cigainero begins a leave of absence from his priestly responsibilities; Msgr. David LeSieur relieved of his responsibilities as director of continuing education of the clergy and minster for priests. He remains pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Rogers; Rev. Erik Pohlmeier appointed director of continuing education of the clergy. He remains diocesan director of faith formation; Msgr. Scott Friend, VG, appointed minister to priests. ... More
The 69th annual Diocese of Little Rock Catholic Youth Convention will be held April 5-7 at Robinson Center and the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock. This year's keynote presentation will be provided by Jesse Manibusan with special sessions on various forms of prayer. This year's theme is: "Love Transforms." The conference is open to high school youth in grades 9-12. The cost is $125 plus hotel fee per person. Scholarships are available upon request. Register though your parish by March 5. Parish youth leaders may register their youth ... More
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor released the following update, Feb. 8, 2019, following the conclusion of Kinsale Management Consulting’s independent review of clergy personnel files and the diocese’s ongoing internal file review. "Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: On September 10 of last year I wrote you about the steps we are taking to address the clergy sexual abuse crisis in Arkansas. I disclosed the names of 12 priests and former priests against whom credible allegations had been received in the last 70 years. I also announced that an independent review of our clergy files ..." ... More
Convalidation classes are offered for couples who are married civilly (i.e., "outside the Catholic Church") and who wish to have a valid marriage recognized by the Church. Canon law requires that Roman Catholics marry according to sacred ritual before a priest or deacon, unless a dispensation (permission) is received from the Church beforehand. If a Catholic does not observe this requirement and marries outside the Church, his or her marriage is not valid. Couples who wish to have their civil marriage recognized by the Church are asked to participate in a special ... More
Do you feel lost, alone or bored in your marriage? Are you frustrated, hurt or angry with your spouse? Are you constantly fighting? Or, do you simply shut down? Have you thought about separation or divorce? Does talking about it only make it worse? Retrouvaille is available to help. This program offers tools needed to rediscover a loving marriage relationship. Thousands of couples headed for cold, unloving relationships or divorce have successfully overcome their marriage problems by attending the program. The next Retrouvaille weekend will be held Feb. 22-24 ... More
Dianna Lynne Griswold, who worked at the Diocese of Little Rock for 23 years, died Feb. 1. She was 62. She was born to Max and Lena Peoples Griswold. She attended the University of Memphis. Before working at the diocese, she was a transportation specialist at Cleo Inc. At the diocese, she worked most recently as a database administrator in the development office. She previously served as the manager of St. John Catholic Center and worked in the youth office and tribunal. A member of St. Theresa Church in Little Rock, she retired in December 2017. ... More