Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
Published: May 5, 2020
Restrictions and Options for Worship
Click on the link above to read the requirements with which parishes must comply in order resume public Masses in the Diocese of Little Rock. These are also available for download in English or Spanish in PDF format.
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor issued the following letter to the people of the Diocese of Little Rock, May 4, 2020, regarding the resumption of public Masses by May 16-17, or earlier if a parish is prepared. He originally suspended all public Masses and nonessential events March 12 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and released updates April 15 and April 30.
“Today Gov. Hutchinson issued guidance regarding the resumption of public worship on a limited basis in Arkansas. While this is welcome news, the Mass brings with it special challenges regarding the distribution of the Eucharist, which requires direct contact with the recipients.
"In order to benefit from this partial reopening of public worship, I authorize the resumption of the public celebration of the Mass starting the weekend of May 16-17, or earlier if your parish is ready.
“I have prepared a more extensive document listing other requirements with which parishes must comply in order to proceed, plus options pastors might consider in applying these directives to the specific realities of his parish, for instance regarding how to restrict attendance to just 25 percent of the building capacity, which might include having more, shorter Masses, celebrating Sunday Mass every day of the week and the transmission of the Mass via CCTV to other buildings with reception of Communion.
“Please pray that this initial loosening of restrictions may be successful and that conditions will soon allow us to return to ever greater participation in the sacramental life of the Church.
"Sincerely in Christ,
+Anthony B. Taylor
Bishop of Little Rock"