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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.
Penance readily available during Lent
The sacrament of reconciliation is readily available during Lent for Catholics in the Diocese of Little Rock. In addition to regular confession times, some parishes will host penance services through March 30. Reconciliation gives Catholics the opportunity for spiritual renewal within the Christian life. The Lenten penance services (not including each parish’s regular confession times) are scheduled as follows: Barling: Sacred Heart of Mary, Feb. 28, 6 p.m.; Bella Vista: St. Bernard, March 1, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Benton: Our Lady of Fatima, March 16, 6 p.m.; Berryville: St. Anne, March 8, 5 p.m. ... More
This year, Ash Wednesday is Feb. 22
Ash Wednesday is one of the most popular and important days in the liturgical year. It is trademarked by the ashes borne by the faithful after attending a Mass that day. This year it takes place on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Ashes are distributed by a priest, deacon or lay minister in a cross shape on the forehead so people outside of the Church's walls can be reminded of Christ's humility and love. Palms that were given out at the previous year's Palm Sunday Mass are burned to create the ashes. Ash Wednesday is an opportunity for a virtuous start to Lent. It comes from ancient Church Tradition ... More
Ash Wednesday, Good Friday days of fast, abstinence
As the season of Lent begins, it is helpful to recall the discipline of the Church with regard to fasting, abstinence and other forms of penance. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting and abstinence where Catholics begin and end Lent penitentially. The Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence in the United States. The law of fasting allows one full meal and two smaller ones that do not together equal one full meal. Those that are fasting have the opportunity to practice self-control and to detach from worldly desires. All between the ages of 18-59 are obliged to fast. ... More
Pastoral appointments announced Feb. 15
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments, Feb. 15, 2023, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective April 1: Rev. Nazarus Maduba appointed associate pastor of St. Peter the Fisherman Church in Mountain Home. He is relieved of his responsibilities as administrator of St. Mary Church in Paragould and Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Walnut Ridge; Rev. Aby Abraham, IMS, a priest of the Indian Missionary Society, returning to Arkansas to resume pastorate at St. Mary Church in Paragould and Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Walnut Ridge. ... More
Four rites of election to be held in 2023
The Church experiences great joy in welcoming new catechumens and candidates at the Easter Vigil. A part of this process is the yearly Rite of Election, which takes place the first two weeks of Lent. During the Rite of Election, the bishop declares catechumens ready to receive the sacraments of initiation, which are baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist. Through this process, they become known as the “elect.” At the same time, he calls candidates to continuing conversion as they prepare to be confirmed and receive first Communion. Catechumens are those who ... More
World Marriage Day is Sunday, Feb. 12
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops partners with other organizations to promote World Marriage Day each year on the second Sunday of February. This year's observance is on Sunday, Feb. 12 as a part of National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14). World Marriage Day "honors husband and wife as the foundation of the family — the basic unit of society. It salutes the beauty of their faithfulness, sacrifice and joy in daily married life" according to its sponsor Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME). Consider the gift of time to strengthen your marriage this Valentine's Day, which can be far ... More
Diocesan offices to reopen at noon, Feb. 2
The offices of the Catholic Diocese of Little Rock will reopen Thursday, Feb. 2 at noon, and will return to regular office hours, 8:30 to 5 p.m., by Friday, Feb. 3. The campus was closed Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 because of a winter storm. The Inclement Weather Policy was in effect for diocesan staff, and continues for those unable to safety return on Thursday, Feb. 2. 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 ... More
Diocesan offices closed Wednesday, Feb. 1
The offices of the Catholic Diocese of Little Rock will again be closed to the public, Wednesday, Feb. 1, because of a winter storm. The Inclement Weather Policy is in effect for diocesan staff. 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 name to send an email. Or leave a phone message by calling (501) 664-0340. He or she will respond as soon as possible. Thank you for ... More
