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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 answers questions on school policy
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor issued the following to answer frequently asked questions about the policy on human sexuality for Diocese of Little Rock Catholic schools Monday, Sept. 19, 2016. On July 15, 2016, I promulgated an addendum to the manual of policies and regulations for Catholic schools in Arkansas. The policy addendum explained Catholic teaching on human sexuality and how it applies in the school context. (See subsection 4.42 – Human Sexuality Policy) In recent weeks, this new policy has received some media scrutiny, not all of which has been accurate. In turn, I and other staff members of the diocese have received several complaints, questions, and concerns. Accordingly, I have decided to address ... More
Diocese reports sexual abuse by ex-priest
Last month, the Diocesan Review Board and I met with and listened to someone who had been the victim of clergy sexual abuse as a youth in our diocese. We earlier had been contacted by a concerned family member and at that time ensured that a report was made to the Arkansas Department of Human Services, and then began conducting our investigation. In the course of our investigation, we also established a second victim, and we immediately offered assistance to these two known victims and their family members. This abuse occurred over 35 years ago, and at that time both victims were members of Our Lady of Good ... More
Youth invited to Texas regional conference
High schools students are invited to attend the 2016 Region 10 Youth Conference Nov. 17-20 in Beaumont, Texas. This year's theme is: "Take Courage!" It is based on Matthew 14:27: "But Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.'" This three-day regional event is held every other even year and is composed of the Catholic dioceses in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Thousands of youth and adult chaperones gather to be part of the larger Church. The schedule includes featured speakers, music, Mass, general sessions and other activities. In Arkansas, participation is coordinated through the Diocese of Little Rock Catholic Youth Ministry Office. ... More
Answers far from simple for Catholic voters
How should a Catholic feel about this election season? It’s been a strange, dispiriting season in our country’s political life, with public discourse plunging to lows that most us have never witnessed. For Catholics, who hold a high view of public life, this election has been especially disappointing. Substance has nearly disappeared from the debates. The topics filling the void have become so cringe-worthy it would be embarrassing, or simply inappropriate, to mention them explicitly in a diocesan newspaper or website. But I am not saying anything others have not said already, to the point of exhaustion. ... More
Louisiana flood collection starts Aug. 27
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor is asking Arkansas parishes to join with those nationwide in taking up an emergency collection for Louisiana flood victims on Aug. 27-28 or Sept. 3-4. Repeated heavy rains in August have resulted in a 25-mile stretch of flooding in southern Louisiana making it the worst natural disaster in the United States since Superstorm Sandy in 2012. "From our own experience with natural disasters in Arkansas, we know the immediate and long-term recovery needs of the people in the flooded communities in Louisiana will be great and difficult to meet on their own," Bishop Taylor wrote in a letter to be read at all Masses. ... More
Novena, Mass to celebrate new St. Teresa
Blessed Teresa of Kolkata (formerly Mother Teresa of Calcutta) will be canonized a saint by Pope Francis on Sunday, Sept. 4. Known for serving "the poorest of the poor" she founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950. The late Bishop Andrew J. McDonald hosted Mother Teresa in 1982 when she visited Little Rock to consider a request to run Abba House, a shelter for pregnant mothers, their children and homeless women, on south Oak Street. She agreed and sent four Missionaries of Charity sisters to begin running the shelter in 1983. The order continues to operate Abba House today. ... More
Adoration offers treasure beyond measure
Pope Francis has repeatedly encouraged the faithful to spend time before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. In a recent message to those preparing for the Eucharistic Congress in Genoa, Italy Sept. 15-18, he said, “I want to encourage everyone to visit — if possible, every day — especially amid life’s difficulties, the Blessed Sacrament of the infinite love of Christ and his mercy, preserved in our churches, and often abandoned, to speak filially with him, to listen to him in silence, and to peacefully entrust yourself to him." He joins many who have come before him in highlighting the spiritual fruits of Eucharistic adoration. "The Church and the world have a great need for Eucharistic worship. Jesus awaits us in this sacrament of love. ... More
24 spiritual directors certified by diocese
The first class of the School of Spiritual Direction was recognized for completing the three-year program during a special Mass June 11 at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. Msgr. Scott Friend, VG, concelebrated the Mass along with Father Rubén Quinteros and retired Father Robert Dienert. During the Mass, 24 new spiritual directors were certified to minister in the Diocese of Little Rock, allowing them to guide individuals who seek to follow God's will for their lives and deepen their relationship with him. A total of 31 people, which included Father Dienert, ... More
