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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.
Know your rights: Immigration staff advises
Jennifer Verkamp-Ruthven, director of Catholic Immigration Services for the Diocese of Little Rock, sent the following letter, April 8, 2025, to pastors and parish staff members to assist them in serving the needs of their immigrant parishioners in Catholic parishes in Arkansas. "Dear pastors and parish staff, since the new administration took office in January, a flurry of executive orders has changed or attempted to change federal immigration policies, and this has caused a high level of fear and anxiety among our immigrant brothers and sisters in our diocese. ... More
The palm branch is a symbol of martyrdom
Palm Sunday is celebrated the Sunday before Easter and marks the beginning of Holy Week. The procession for this Mass reenacts Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. In doing so we wave newly blessed palm branches and sing or cry out in some variation of "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!" (See Luke 19: 28-40 and Mark 11:1-10.) Some may wonder, why palms? In Jewish tradition, palms were to celebrate triumph or victory. For Christians, the palm branch became a symbol of martyrdom. Even the words ... More
Diocese closed for staff retreat April 1
The offices of the Catholic Diocese of Little Rock at St. John Catholic Center will be closed for a staff retreat Tuesday, April 1. If you need to reach a member of our staff, please send an email or leave a phone message by calling (501) 664-0340. He or she will respond when available. Thank you for your patience. The diocese will reopen Wednesday, April 2, as usual. Our regular business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. To email a staff member, visit our staff directory, which is listed in alphabetical order. Look for the name of the person ... More
Give to Catholic Relief Services Collection
The Catholic Relief Services Special Collection will be taken up in all parishes in Arkansas March 29-30. This annual, nationwide collection supports the work of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in helping people worldwide who suffer from war, natural disasters, violent persecution or extreme poverty. “This year, the Catholic Relief Services Collection has a very urgent significance,” said Bishop Daniel Mueggenborg, chairman of the U.S. bishop's Committee on National Collections. “Recently, the U.S. government abruptly suspended funding for its refugee ... More
Stretching aid for those who need help
Catholic Charities of Arkansas is on many lists around the state as a provider of charitable assistance to help families address food shortages, temporary housing, emergency and primary care medical expenses and other critical needs. Requests are received from all areas of the Diocese of Little Rock. Staff respond daily to requests for food assistance and free or low-cost medical services by connecting individuals with local food pantries and non-profit charitable medical clinics. Other common inquiries and requests for assistance are made by people seeking ... More
Bishop greets those to become Catholic
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor met more than 600 catechumens and candidates from parishes across Arkansas during four Rite of Election services March 6-10. Each year, bishops in dioceses worldwide personally welcome those going through the Christian initiation process at the Rite of Election, a special service usually held at the beginning of Lent. Formerly known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), the new Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is offered at the parish level and generally concludes with full initiation into the Catholic Church ... More
Families: Change world with CRS Rice Bowl
Giving alms through CRS Rice Bowl can make a global difference for millions of our sisters and brothers experiencing the greatest need. Plus, it is a great way for families to experience the fruits of Lent together. This Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Lenten project encourages participants to perform a simple sacrifice by substituting a low-cost meatless meal for more expensive dining once a week, and put the money saved in the cardboard "rice bowl." If you didn't get a rice bowl at church or school, you can download the materials to make one for free. ... More
Bishop addresses death penalty bill
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor issued the following letter to Catholics in Arkansas, Feb. 25, 2025, regarding a death penalty bill being debated by the Arkansas General Assembly. "Arkansas lawmakers are currently considering a bill that would enable our state to execute people with nitrogen gas. Adding another method of carrying out the death penalty equates with a desire to kill people who are already incarcerated and no longer pose a threat to society. This is unnecessary and contrary to our faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church gives us an explanation of the Church’s ... More
