Official Website of the
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.
Bishop addresses death penalty bill
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor issued the following letter to Catholics in Arkansas, Feb. 25, 2025, regarding a death penalty bill being debated by the Arkansas General Assembly. "Arkansas lawmakers are currently considering a bill that would enable our state to execute people with nitrogen gas. Adding another method of carrying out the death penalty equates with a desire to kill people who are already incarcerated and no longer pose a threat to society. This is unnecessary and contrary to our faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church gives us an explanation of the Church’s ... More
Ashes remind us of dependence on God
Ash Wednesday, one of the most popular and important days in the liturgical year, begins our Lenten journey toward the "victory of Easter." This year Ash Wednesday is March 5. Though it is not a holy day of obligation, it is a day of fast and abstinence. On this day, Catholics are marked with ashes, in the form of a cross, on their heads during special Masses worldwide. Why? "The prayer that is said as ashes are given explains it very well. The words are a reminder of our origins, 'Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.' The ashes and the whole season ... 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 as they ... More
Diocesan offices to open late on Feb. 21
The offices of the Catholic Diocese of Little Rock will reopen to the public at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21. The diocese has been closed the past two days because of a winter storm. The Inclement Weather Policy will remain in effect for diocesan staff until that time. To reach a member of our staff, visit our staff directory, which is listed in alphabetical order. Look for the name of the person you wish to reach and click on the red button under his or her photo to send an email. Or leave a phone message by calling (501) 664-0340. He or she will respond as soon as possible. ... More
Religious celebrate consecration, jubilees
Women and men religious from across the Diocese of Little Rock gathered for the 2025 Consecration Day and Religious Jubilarian Mass Feb. 8 at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church in Little Rock. Bishop Anthony B. Taylor celebrated the Mass, during which seven jubilarians were honored for observing anniversaries this year. This event is held each year near the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life, which is celebrated on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord Feb. 2. Those celebrating anniversaries are Sister Ana Lilia Mares, MCSC, 25 years; Brother ... More
Bishop issues clergy changes Feb. 13
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments, Feb. 13, 2025, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective Feb. 13, 2025: Rev. Gilbert Tairo, CSSp, appointed pastor of St. Michael Church in West Memphis and Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Crawfordsville. This is in addition to his current responsibilities as pastor of St. Mary of the Lake Church in Horseshoe Lake and St. Francis of Assisi Church in Forrest City. He is relieved of his responsibilities as pastor of St. Mary Church in Helena and St. John the Baptist Church in Brinkley. ... More
Learn about religious life in Little Rock
The 2025 Women's Religious Discernment Retreat is a free event for single women 17 to 35 who want to learn about and discern a vocation to the religious life. It will be held March 14-15 at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. Religious sisters from various religious communities serving in the Diocese of Little Rock will host the retreat and share their spiritual journeys. This event will also include a variety of presentations, discussion, Q&A, as well as personal, one-on-one visits with the sisters. The meals and gatherings allow attendees ... More
Bishop suspends Father Charles Thessing
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor wrote the following letter to parishioners of St. Michael Church and School in West Memphis and Sacred Heart Church in Crawfordsville, Feb. 12. 2025, regarding their pastor, Father Charles Thessing. "As you know, on Feb. 11 your pastor, Father Charles Thessing, was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals. The allegations are disturbing, and as your bishop I take them very seriously. At the same time, I also take seriously Father Thessing’s rights to due process and the presumption of innocence. ... More
