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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.
Christ's baptism ends the Christmas season
The Baptism of the Lord concludes the celebration of the Christmas season. This feast celebrates that, before starting his public ministry, Jesus allowed himself to be baptized by St. John the Baptist. The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults explains why Jesus, who was totally faithful to the Father's will and free of sin, would choose baptism. "Jesus’ immersion in the water is a sign for all human beings of the need to die to themselves to do God’s will. ... He wanted to show his solidarity with human beings in order to reconcile them to the Father. By commanding his disciples ... More
Father Michael Bass, 63, died Jan. 1
Father Michael Edmond Bass, who served parishes across Arkansas, died Jan. 1. He was 63. Father Bass was born Aug. 23, 1960, in Little Rock to the late Margaret Ann Lockhart and the late Samuel A. Bass. He converted to the Catholic Church when he was 18. He began his seminary formation at St. Meinrad College Seminary in St. Meinrad, Ind., graduating with a bachelor’s degree in classics. After graduation, Father Bass continued his formation at St. Mary Seminary University in Baltimore, where he earned a baccalaureate in sacred theology and a masters of divinity. ... More
Epiphany reveals Jesus king of all nations
The Wise Men from the East followed the star of Bethlehem until it led them to the newborn king, Jesus Christ. They prostrated themselves and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:1-12) Among Western Christians, tradition holds the names of the Wise Men to be Casper, Melchior and Balthasar. They are regarded as saints and their relics are enshrined in the cathedral at Cologne, Germany. It is traditionally believed there were three because they presented three gifts and the belief they were kings riding camels comes from two Old ... More
Mary, Mother of God is celebrated on Jan. 1
The Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God is celebrated Jan. 1. "Called in the Gospels 'the mother of Jesus,' Mary is acclaimed by Elizabeth, at the prompting of the Spirit and even before the birth of her son, as 'the mother of my Lord," explains the Catechism of the Catholic Church regarding this title for Mary. This feast day is normally a separate holy day of obligation to attend Mass, but it falls on a Monday this year so the precept to attend Mass is abrogated. "Theotokos," comes from the Greek meaning, "God-bearer." This title was approved at the Council of ... More
College students: Trust in God's plan in life
The Catholic Campus Ministry Office will host a weekend retreat for college students Jan. 26-28 at at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. Retreat master will be Susej Thompson, director of faith formation and music at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church in Little Rock. Thompson has served as a Catholic youth, music and campus ministry leader in Little Rock for many years. She has also led music, retreats and spoken at various events throughout Arkansas. Most recently, she led the first Praise and Worship Conference at Our Lady of the Holy Souls. She will address the ... More
We need a Savior and today we have one
"'Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: You will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'" (Luke 2:10-14) Merry Christmas! The word, "Christmas" is derived from the Greek, "Christos," which means ... More
Christmas crèche arouses awe and wonder
St. Francis of Assisi set up the first Nativity Scene on Christmas Eve in 1223. He invited villagers and friars from Greccio, Italy, to gather for Mass at his manger. He set it up in a cave with live animals and feeding trough converted into a crib. He said, “I want to do something that will recall the memory of that child who was born in Bethlehem, to see with bodily eyes the inconveniences of his infancy, how he lay in the manger, and how the ox and ass stood by.” The tradition grew and people began constructing nativity scenes in their homes. A nativity scene or crèche may be made ... More
Make Christmas brighter for retired priests
The annual Christmas collection is the primary source of income for the Clergy Welfare Fund, which supports 17 senior (retired) and infirm priests of the Diocese of Little Rock. This special collection will be taken up during all Masses at Catholic parishes in Arkansas on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. "Many of these priests continue a life of service by hearing confessions, praying for parishes and congregations and even substituting in parishes for pastors absent due to vacation or illness," wrote Bishop Anthony B. Taylor in a letter to be read at all Christmas Masses. "Most of our ... More
