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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.
Learn, pray, discern and vote conscience
As we approach election day on Nov. 8, Catholics in the United States are called to educate themselves on the candidates and issues, pray and then vote their conscience. Catholic tradition holds that "responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation." To guide us in this process, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops updated its: "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility" in 2015. Download it in English or Spanish. Accompanying this document are study guides, videos, prayer suggestions ... More
Catholic teachers celebrated for service
The Office of Catholic Schools recognized 11 teachers and administrators during the annual Arkansas Catholic Professional Day for Teachers at Christ the King Church in Little Rock Sept. 23. The following were honored for 25 years of service in Catholic schools: Ann Hill, sixth-grade science teacher, Immaculate Conception School, Fort Smith; Carol Fox, sixth-grade language arts and religion teacher, Our Lady of the Holy Souls School, Little Rock; Lou Ann Gieringer, campus minister, Mount St. Mary Academy, Little Rock; and Janet Kanopsic, first-grade teacher, St. John School, Hot Springs. ... More
Proclaim mercy during Respect Life Month
"From each tiny child waiting to be born, to individuals nearing death, all are precious and deserve our care and protection. Women and men suffering after abortion, individuals tempted to end their lives, couples longing to conceive a child, people pushed to the margins of society by a 'throwaway culture,' expectant mothers facing challenging pregnancies and every other person — each 'has a place in God's heart from all eternity.'" — Pope Francis, apostolic exhortation, "Amoris Laetitia" ("The Joy of Love") Each October, the Catholic Church celebrates Respect Life Month to proclaim ... More
Little Rock youth rally to be held Oct. 16
The Diocese of Little Rock will host a one-day Senior High Youth Rally Sunday, Oct. 16 at Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock. This year’s theme, “He is the Way to Truth,” will be presented by Doug Tooke. The event will include praise and worship, presentation by Tooke, lunch and Mass. The cost is $25 a person. Scholarships are available. Register though your parish. To register your parish, download and return the registration packet with fee to the address provided by Sept. 28. For more information, contact Tricia Gentry at (501) 664-0340, ext. 418. ... More
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
