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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.
Pray at Lenten 40 Days for Life to March 24
"Only with prayer — prayer that storms the heavens for justice and mercy, prayer that cleanses our hearts and our souls — will the culture of death that surrounds us today be replaced with a culture of life." — Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities: A Campaign in Support of Life, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops... More
Families: Change world with CRS Rice Bowl
During Lent, we are called to repentance and deeper communion with God and our neighbors through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. 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." ... More
Mardi Gras began as preparation for Lent
When most Americans think of Mardi Gras, which is French for "Fat Tuesday," the huge party in New Orleans comes to mind. Despite how secular the celebration has become, it still ends strictly at midnight because the basis of the event is Christian. It is held on the last day to overindulge before the solemn season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, a day of fast and abstinence. Historically, the rules for fasting and abstinence were much more restrictive. Catholic Culture explained that during Advent, known as the "little lent," Catholics fasted almost as much ... More
Ash Wednesday overrides Valentine's Day
Ash Wednesday, one of the most popular and important days in the liturgical year, begins the season of Lent. On this day, Catholics are marked with ashes, in the form of a cross, on their heads during special Masses worldwide. The ashes and the whole season of Lent are a time to refocus on our relationship with God. This year, Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine's Day, a day typically celebrated with special feasts, candy and parties, a kind of overindulgence that directly conflicts with the rules of fasting and abstinence on Ash Wednesday. So what's a Catholic to do? ... More
Bishop: Hot Springs priest requests leave
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor issued the following statement, Feb. 5, 2024, to clergy, religious, diocesan staff and the people of the Diocese of Little Rock. "I am sorry to inform you that Father Tony Robbins has requested a leave of absence for personal reasons, which will be effective Feb. 9, 2024. After that date, he will no longer have faculties to exercise priestly ministry. This leave of absence is in no way the result of any misconduct or wrongdoing on Father Robbins’ part, but rather is his own personal decision. I would ask that you respect his privacy during this ... More
Religious celebrate consecration, jubilees
Women and men religious from across the Diocese of Little Rock gathered for the 2024 Consecration Day and Religious Jubilarian Mass Feb. 3 at the Carmel of St. Teresa of Jesus Monastery in Little Rock. Bishop Anthony B. Taylor celebrated the Mass, during which five sisters were honored for observing anniversaries this year. This event was held a day after the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life, which falls on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Those celebrating anniversaries are shown from left to right in the photo: Sister Maria Hoa Nguyen, OP, 25 years; ... More
Married outside Church? Register for class
Convalidation classes are offered for couples who are married civilly (i.e., "outside the Catholic Church") and who wish to have a valid marriage recognized by the Church. Canon law requires that Roman Catholics marry according to sacred ritual before a priest or deacon, unless a dispensation (permission) is received from the Church beforehand. If a Catholic does not observe this requirement and marries outside the Church, his or her marriage is not valid. Couples who wish to have their civil marriage recognized by the Church are asked to participate ... More
Marriage in trouble? Let Retrouvaille help
Are you frustrated, hurt or angry with your spouse? Are you constantly fighting? Or, do you simply shut down? Have you thought about separation or divorce? Does talking about it only make it worse? Retrouvaille is available to help. This program offers tools needed to rediscover a loving marriage relationship. Thousands of couples headed for cold, unloving relationships or divorce have successfully overcome their marriage problems by attending the program. It consists of a weekend experience followed by a series of 6 to 12 post-weekend sessions over a three-month period. ... More
