Understanding Our Church
A Treasury of Arkansas Writers Discussing the Catholic Faith
Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
Understanding Our Church
Explore this treasury of Arkansas writers discussing the Catholic faith on a wide variety of topics. Find what you're looking for by browsing the whole list or search by keyword or author. All articles have been reviewed for theological accuracy. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
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Christ’s death paved the way to life in the past, present and future Father Andrew Smith It is not easy to understand all that is happening in the Gospel reading for Passion (Palm) Sunday, even with the benefit of hindsight and the experience of the Church. How much harder must it have been for the disciples, who found themselves in the very middle of the proceedings? |
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Devotions served past need, but Mass nurtures present Church Eleanor Henley Some Catholics regret the fact that fewer people attend once-popular devotions such as the Stations of the Cross, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament or public recitation of the rosary or novenas. There may be several reasons for this. |
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A season of suffering, death is necessary for resurrection to be joyous Betsy Wiederkehr Huss Our Church divides the year into different liturgical seasons and we will soon be experiencing the season of Lent. Changes will take place in nature as we leave winter and return to spring during this time. The color of the vestments worn will change from green (Ordinary Time) to violet. |
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Vocation inquiries should be taken seriously, not ‘nipped in the bud’ Father James P. West Do you ever wonder what your own personal role is in promoting vocations to the priesthood and to the religious life? Did you notice the mere asking of that question indicates every single one of us actually does have a responsibility in this area? |
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We should all experience Jesus’ presence with joy and anticipation Deacon Bo McAllister “May the same spirit that led Simeon and Anna to recognize the child as their Lord and to proclaim him with joy, lead us to recognize him in the breaking of bread until he comes again in glory.” |
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Worry is natural, but too much worry prevents abundant living Judy Hoelzeman I’m a worrier. I’ve been a worrier for as long as I was old enough to be conscious of it. And I’ve worked hard to change, too. But let’s be honest, these days, there seems to be a lot more to worry about. Recently I heard a homilist name worries and fears that plague us, especially parents. |
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Overcoming enemies in ‘Battle of Prayer’ helps us grow, know God Abbot Jerome Kodell, OSB Part Four of the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” has 13 articles on Christian prayer. The one that has been most helpful to me is titled “The Battle of Prayer” (2725-2745). |
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True date of Jesus’ birth not important; point is the promise of salvation Msgr. Richard Oswald Why do we celebrate the birth of Jesus on Dec. 25? The most common theory about the origins of the date of Christmas is that Christians adopted the day to replace or to counter a pagan festival called The Birth of the Unconquered Sun. |
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Growth of adult faith formation in our parishes is exciting Sister Susan McCarthy, RDC More and more the Church is experiencing a great paradigm shift in faith formation in parishes throughout the United States and Canada. Formation, which in the recent past has been focused on young children and adolescents, is now being directed to adults. |
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U.S. bishops can’t justify the use of military force in Iraq as a ‘just’ war Charles T. Sullivan On Sept. 13 of this year, Bishop Wilton D. Gregory of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops presented an open letter to President George W. |
