Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
For best results, put specific keyword, title or phrase in quotes. (i.e. “Ash Wednesday”)
Happening Now
The following offers the latest information about events and activities happening in the Diocese of Little Rock.
Parishes are free to set Mass restrictions
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor issued the following statement, July 26, 2021, to the people of the Diocese of Little Rock about restrictions at Masses in light of the surge in COVID-19 infections in Arkansas. He issued a similar statement on July 9. “I have recently been asked whether the Diocese of Little Rock should re-impose restrictions such as mandatory mask-wearing, physical distancing and disinfection of surfaces in response to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Arkansas, 85 percent of which involve the highly infectious delta variant. "It has been suggested that since only 40 percent ... More
Bishop addresses limits to Latin Mass
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor issued the following statement, July 16, 2021, to the people of the Diocese of Little Rock in response to Pope Francis' new apostolic letter "Traditionis Custodes" (Guardians of the Tradition). “In view of the publication today of the apostolic letter 'Traditionis Custodes' issued by Pope Francis in which he revokes, effective immediately, permissions regarding the use of the Roman liturgy in place prior to the reform of 1970 — the 'Vetus Ordo' Mass (i.e., the traditional Latin Mass, hereafter called the Latin Mass) granted by Pope Benedict XVI in his apostolic letter ... More
Bishop comments on the delta variant
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor issued the following statement, July 9, 2021, to the people of the Diocese of Little Rock regarding the spike in COVID-19 infections and the presence of the delta variant in Arkansas. "With the spike in COVID infections and the presence of the delta variant in Arkansas, a question has arisen whether we should re-impose restrictions to protect those who have not been vaccinated. The answer is generally NO, though the principle of subsidiarity would allow for this in isolated instances. The reason not to re-impose restrictions is that the vaccine is universally ... More
Bishop releases pastoral changes July 2
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments, July 2, 2021, for the Diocese of Little Rock: Effective July 6, 2021: Rev. Lawrence Frederick, appointed chaplain of Carmel of St. Teresa of Jesus in Little Rock. This is in addition to his current responsibilities as chaplain of Catholic High School and Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock; Rev. Thomas Marks, relieved of his responsibilities as chaplain of Carmel of St. Teresa of Jesus in Little Rock, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, VA Hospitals in Little Rock, and from visiting nursing homes and homebound ... More
Bishop comments on Eucharist document
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor released the following statement, June 29, 2021, on the proposed teaching document of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Doctrine regarding the Eucharist and how he voted. “I have received numerous requests from people who want to know how I voted on the question of whether to authorize the USCCB Committee on Doctrine to produce a teaching document on the meaning of the Eucharist in the life of the Church. The purpose of this document, which has not yet even been composed, is to serve as part of a larger plan of the USCCB ... More
Pope: Sharing life in marriage is beautiful
During what is commonly referred to as wedding season, Pope Francis focused his prayer intention on the beauty of marriage. The video, released through the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network in June, addresses the fact that many young people don't want to get married in this day and age. "Is it true, what some people say — that young people don’t want to get married, especially during these difficult times?" he asked. The focus on marriage is part of the universal year of the family, which began in March. The video is a project of the Vatican's Dicastery for the Laity, ... More
Charismatic conference marks 50 years
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will celebrate the opening Mass for the 2021 Arkansas Catholic Charismatic Conference at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 23 at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in North Little Rock. This event, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, will be held July 23-25. In addition to Mass, the conference will offer praise and worship music, prayer, workshops, a healing service, eucharistic adoration, the sacrament of reconciliation and vendors selling Catholic items and books. Programs are available for children, teens and adults. See full conference schedule. Visit the website ... More
Father Ralph Esposito, 80, dies May 14
Father Greg Luyet, judicial vicar, sent the following letter, Monday, May 17, 2021, to diocesan priests regarding the death of Father Ralph Esposito on May 14. "With faith in eternal life, I announce the death of Father Ralph J. Esposito. He died on May 14, 2021 in New Castle, Pennsylvania where he had moved following his retirement to be closer to his family. A memorial Mass will take place at a later date per the wishes of Father Esposito. There will be no public viewing. He will be buried at St. Vitus Cemetery in New Castle, Pennsylvania. As is our custom, please offer ... More
